Ultrasensitive and label-free electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of the ovarian cancer biomarker CA125 based on CuCo-ONSs@AuNPs nanocomposites

Abstract

Cancer antigen 125 (CA125) is pivotal as a tumor marker in early ovarian cancer prevention and diagnosis. In this work, we introduced an ultrasensitive label-free electrochemical immunosensor tailored for CA125 detection, leveraging nanogold-functionalized copper-cobalt oxide nanosheets (CuCo-ONSs@AuNPs) as nanocomposites. For the inaugural application, copper-cobalt oxide nanosheets delivered the requisite DPV electrochemical response for the immunosensors. Their large specific surface area and commendable electrical conductivity amplify electron transfer and enable significant gold nanoparticle loading. Concurrently, AuNPs offer a plethora of active sites, facilitating easy immobilization of biomolecules via the bond between amino groups and AuNPs. We employed scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to characterize the nanomaterials' surface morphology and elemental composition. The electrochemical sensor response signals were ascertained using differential pulse voltammetry. Under optimal conditions, the immunosensor exhibited a linear detection range from 1×10−7 U/mL to 1×10−3 U/mL and a detection limit of 3.9×10−8 U/mL (S/N=3). The proposed label-free electrochemical immunosensor furnishes a straightforward, dependable, and sensitive approach for CA125 quantification and stands as a promising method for clinical detection of other tumor markers.