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Development and performance assessment of a multi-walled carbon nanotube/iron oxide nanocomposite-based electrochemical immunosensor for precise and ultrasensitive detection of carcinoembryonic antigen

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Abstract

An electrochemical immunosensor was designed and fabricated for the purpose of sensing the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) biomarker. The immunosensor utilized a novel approach for surface modification with a composite comprising Fe3O4 nanoparticles decorated on carboxyl functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (COOH-MWCNTs). This distinctive surface tailoring of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE), amplified signals and facilitated electron transfer. The MWCNTs with COOH groups served as an excellent substrate for electrode modification, enabling the formation of a sandwich-like structure by binding to anti-CEA antibody. Additionally, Fe3O4 nanoparticles played a crucial role in electron transfer facilitation. The presence of HRP conjugated with the anti-CEA antibody triggered the reduction of H2O2 in the electrochemical system of the sensor, resulting in an augmentated current. The concentration of CEA was directly proportional to the immunosensor analytical performance. The immunosensor demonstrated a suitable linear range from 0.005 ng mL−1 to 2.5 ng mL−1, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.3 pg mL−1. Notably, this immunosensor demonstrated exceptional reproducibility and stability, showcasing its suitability for measuring CEA in both real serum samples. These promising outcomes establish an overview for the adoption of such sensors into diagnostic clinics in the future.

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Abbreviations

CEA:

Carcinoembryonic antigen

HRP:

Horseradish peroxidase

DPV:

Differential pulse voltammetry

CV:

Cyclic voltammetry

MWCNT:

Multi-walled carbon nanotube

GCE:

Glassy carbon electrode

XRD:

X-ray diffraction

FESEM:

Field emission scanning electron microscopy

HRTEM:

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy

FTIR:

Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy

EIS:

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

RSD:

Relative standard deviation

BSA:

Bovine serum albumin

LOD:

Limit of detection

Ab1 :

Anti-total CEA antibody

Ab2 :

HRP labeled anti-free CEA antibody

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Acknowledgements

The authors appreciate the support of this investigation by the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

    Ali Shamsazar & Asadollah Asadi

  2. Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran

    Mahsa Soheili Moghaddam

  3. Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

    Majid Mahdavi

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  1. Ali Shamsazar
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  2. Mahsa Soheili Moghaddam
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  3. Asadollah Asadi
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  4. Majid Mahdavi
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Contributions

AS: conceptualization, methodology, investigation, validation, data curation, writing—original draft. MSM: conceptualization, resources, data curation. AA: conceptualization, methodology, investigation, formal analysis. MM: conceptualization, methodology, investigation, validation, data curation, writing— review and editing, supervision.

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Correspondence to Ali Shamsazar or Majid Mahdavi.

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Shamsazar, A., Moghaddam, M.S., Asadi, A. et al. Development and performance assessment of a multi-walled carbon nanotube/iron oxide nanocomposite-based electrochemical immunosensor for precise and ultrasensitive detection of carcinoembryonic antigen. J Appl Electrochem 54, 1713–1726 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10800-023-02063-y

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