A simple, sensitive, label-free electrochemical immunosensor based on the chitosan-coated silver/cerium oxide (CS@Ag/CeO2) nanocomposites for the detection of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)

Abstract Metal oxide-based sensors have the benefit of inexpensive, quick response, and high sensitivity in detecting specific biological species. In this article, a simple electrochemical immunosensor was fabricated using antibody-chitosan coated silver/cerium oxide (Ab-CS@Ag/CeO 2 ) nanocomposites on a gold electrode for sensitive alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) diagnosis in human serum samples. Successfully synthesis of AFP antibody-CS@Ag/CeO 2 conjugates was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectra of the prototype. The amine coupling bond chemistry was then used to immobilize the resultant conjugate on a gold electrode surface. It was observed that the interaction of the synthesized Ab-CS@Ag/CeO 2 nanocomposites with AFP prevented an electron transfer and reduced the voltammetric Fe(CN) 6 3−/4− peak current, which was proportional to the amount of AFP. The linear ranges of AFP concentration were found from 10 −12 –10 −6 g.ml −1 . The limit of detection was calculated using the calibration curve and came out to be 0.57 pg.ml −1 . The designed label-free immunosensor successfully detected AFP in human serum samples. As a result, the resulting immunosensor is a promising sensor plate form for AFP detection and could be used in clinical bioanalysis.