Abstract
Human procalcitonin (PCT) is a peptide precursor of the calcium-regulating hormone calcitonin. Traditionally, PCT has been used as a biomarker for severe bacterial infections and sepsis. It has also been recently identified as a potential marker for COVID-19. Normally, serum PCT is intracellularly cleaved to calcitonin, which lowers the levels of PCT (<0.01 ng/mL). In severe infectious diseases and sepsis, serum PCT levels increase above 100 ng/mL in response to pro-inflammatory stimulation. Development of sensors for specific quantification of PCT has resulted in considerable improvement in the sensitivity, linear range and rapid response. Among the various sensing strategies, electrochemical platforms have been extensively investigated owing to their cost-effectiveness, ease of fabrication and portability. Sandwich-type electrochemical immunoassays based on the specific antigen–antibody interactions with an electrochemical transducer and use of nanointerfaces has augmented the electrochemical response of the sensors towards PCT. Identification of a superior combination of electrode material and nanointerface, and translation of the sensing platform into flexible and disposable substrates are under active investigation towards development of a point-of-care device for PCT detection. This review provides an overview of the existing detection strategies and limitations of PCT electrochemical immunosensors, and the emerging directions to address these lacunae.
Highlights
Procalcitonin (PCT) is a 116-mer hormokine peptide formed by the neuroendocrine cells and the thyroid
Individuals affected with solid tumors who are more susceptible to infections could be identified through monitoring their serum
Hybrid molybdenum oxide and gold nanoparticles decorated reduced graphene oxide combined with secondary antibody (MoO3 /Au@rGO-Ab2 ) has developed as the signal amplification material for PCT detection [29]
Summary
Procalcitonin (PCT) is a 116-mer hormokine peptide formed by the neuroendocrine cells and the thyroid. An independent report has suggested that elevated PCT levels in COVID-19 infected individuals are indicative of secondary bacterial infections [10]. In this context, the early and sensitive detection of PCT, an acute phase marker, may improve the prognosis for individuals affected by high-risk septicemia by aiding the design of appropriate therapeutic intervention. The most extensively investigated transduction mechused for selective determination of PCT from samples Such types of sensors are known as anisms for quantification ofextensively. Semi-quantitative andmethod expensive, for generating theseveral electrochemical or optical This has shortage of gold labels, and poor sensitivity.
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