Dual-signal electrochemiluminescence immunosensor for Neuron-specific enolase detection based on “dual-potential” emitter Ru(bpy)32+ functionalized zinc-based metal-organic frameworks

Abstract Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is the preferred marker for monitoring small cell lung cancer and neuroblastoma. We devised a dual-signal ratiometric electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensing strategy for sensitive detection of NSE. In this work, Ru (bpy)32+ functionalized zinc-based metal-organic framework (Ru-MOF-5) nanoflowers (NFs) with plentiful carboxyl groups provide an excellent biocompatible sensing platform for the construction of immunosensor. Importantly, Ru-MOF-5 NFs possess stable and efficient “dual-potential” ECL emission of cathode (−1.5 V) and anode (1.5 V) in the existence of co-reactant K2S2O8. Simultaneously, the cathode ECL emitter ZnO-AgNPs are employed as the secondary antibody marker, whose participation amplify the cathode ECL signal as well attenuate the anode ECL emission of Ru-MOF-5 NFs. By monitoring the ECL dual-signal of −1.5 V and 1.5 V and calculating their ratios, a ratiometric strategy of quantified readout proportional is implemented for the proposed immunosensor to precise analyze NSE. Based on optimization conditions, the ECL immunosensor displays the wide linear range of 0.0001 ng/mL to 200 ng/mL and the minimum detection limit is 0.041 pg/mL. The “dual-potential” ratiometric ECL immunosensor effectively reduces system error or background signal by self-calibration from both emissions and improves detection reliability. The dual-signal ratiometric strategy with satisfactory reproducibility and stability provides further development possibilities for other biomolecular detection and analysis.