A novel SWCNT-amplified “signal-on” electrochemical aptasensor for the determination of trace level of bisphenol A in human serum and lake water

Abstract

A novel “signal-on” electrochemical aptasensor was developed for ultrasensitive and specific detection of BPA, using single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) as the electro-catalytic probe for further signal amplification. The multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), amino-functionalized magnetite, and gold nanoparticles (NH2-Fe3O4/Au NPs) were applied first to modify the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface and to form a nanomaterial film with satisfactory conductive properties, stability, and biocompatibility. The BPA aptamer was then loaded onto the sensing platform by hybridization with complementary DNA (CDNA). In the presence of BPA it combines with the aptamer and the BPA-aptamer conjugate was released from the electrode;subsequently the added SWCNT and CDNA assembled quickly. Thus, the dual-amplification of the “signal-on” electrochemical aptasensor takes effect. The [Fe (CN)6]3−/4− redox probe signal (∆I) detected by DPV (differential pulse voltammetry) is proportional to the negative logarithm of BPA concentration between 10−19 M and 10−14 M. The detection limit is 0.08 aM. Importantly, the proposed biosensor represents a successful application for determination of BPA in human serum and lake water.