Black phosphorous quantum dots for signal-on cathodic photoelectrochemical aptasensor monoitoring amyloid β peptide

In this paper, a quantitative cathodic photoelectrochemical aptasensor is described by using black phosphorous quantum dots (BPQDs) as photoactive material and assisted by heme as electron acceptor for sensing of amyloid β peptide (Aβ). Specifically, BPQDs were synthesized by solvothermal method and characterized by various techniques. The as-prepared BPQDs were assembled on the transparent indium tin oxide electrode, and the positively charged poly-l-lysine (PLL) was then absorbed onto BPQDs via electronic interaction. Subsequently, the aptamer as the specific recognition element for Aβ oligomer was introduced on the BPQDs-PLL modified electrode. After bound with heme to form Aβ-heme complex, Aβ oligomer was simultaneously captured by the aptamer on the electrode, resulting in an enhanced photocurrent response. Under the optimized conditions, the present PEC sensor reveals a good linear response to Aβ peptide ranging from 1.0 fM to 100 nM with a detection limit of 0.87 fM. The present signal-on cathodic PEC bioassay possesses the potential to create a new paradigm in amplified PEC assays that could provide outstanding performance for bioanalysis.