CdTe QDs-sensitized TiO2 nanocomposite for magnetic-assisted photoelectrochemical immunoassay of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein

A sensitive, reliable, and cost-effective detection for SARS-CoV-2 was urgently needed due to the rapid spread of COVID-19. Here, a signal-on magnetic-assisted PEC immunosensor was constructed for the quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein based on Z-scheme heterojunction. Fe3O4@SiO2@Au was used to connect the capture antibody to act as a capture probe (Fe3O4@SiO2@Au/Ab1). It can extract target analytes selectively in complex samples and multiple electrode rinsing and assembly steps were avoided effectively. CdTe QDs sensitized TiO2 coated on the surface of SiO2 spheres to form Z-scheme heterojunction (SiO2@TiO2@CdTe QDs), which broadened the optical absorption range and inhibited the quick recombination of photogenerated electron/hole of the composite. With fascinating photoelectric conversion performance, SiO2@TiO2@CdTe QDs were utilized as a signal label, thus further realizing signal amplification. The migration mechanism of photo -generated electrons was further deduced by active material quenching experiment and electron spin resonance (ESR) measurement. The elaborated immunosensor can detect SARS-CoV-2 N protein in the linear range of 0.005-50 ng mL-1 with a low detection limit of 1.8 pg mL-1 (S/N = 3). The immunosensor displays extraor-dinary sensitivity, strong anti-interference, and high reproducibility in detecting SARS-CoV-2 N protein, which envisages its potential application in the clinical diagnosis of COVID-19.

Automated summary

A sensitive, reliable, and cost-effective detection method for SARS-CoV-2 was developed using a signal-on magnetic-assisted PEC immunosensor based on Z-scheme heterojunction. The immunosensor showed extraordinary sensitivity, strong anti-interference, and high reproducibility in detecting SARS-CoV-2 N protein, demonstrating its potential application in the clinical diagnosis of COVID-19.