In-situ synthesized V2CTx MXene-based immune tag for the electrochemical detection of Interleukin 6 (IL-6) from breast cancer cells

• Published in: Biosensors & bioelectronics Vol. 237; p. 115512
• Main Authors: Vessella, Theadora, Zhang, Hui, Zhou, Zhiru, Cui, Feiyun, Zhou, Hong Susan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.10.2023
• Subjects: absorption; antibodies; breast neoplasms; cysteamine; electrochemistry; electrodes; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; IL-6; immunosensors; In-situ synthesis; interleukin-6; MXene; nanogold; point-of-care systems; Sandwich electrochemical sensors; surface area; therapeutics; V2CTx/PB/Au SSNPs; Sandwich electrochemical sensors; In-situ synthesis; IL-6; MXene; V2CTx/PB/Au SSNPs
• ISSN: 0956-5663; 1873-4235; 1873-4235
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115512

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a proinflammatory cytokine with a critical role in immune regulation and treatment of many diseases, including breast cancer. Herein, we developed a novel V2CTx MXene-based immunosensor for rapid and accurate IL-6 detection. The chosen substrate was V2CTx, a 2-dimensional (2D) MXene nanomaterial with excellent electronic properties. Prussian blue (Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3), used for its electrochemical properties, and spindle-shaped gold nanoparticles (Au SSNPs), used to combine with antibodies, were in-situ synthesized on the surface of the MXene. The in-situ synthesis ensures a firm chemical connection compared to other tags formed by a less stable physical absorption. Inspired by a sandwich ELISA test, the modified V2CTx tag was captured by the electrode surface with cysteamine to detect the analyte, IL-6, after being attached with a capture antibody (cAb). Benefiting from an increased surface area, an enhanced charge transfer rate, and a firm connection of the tag, this biosensor exhibited excellent analytical performance. The high sensitivity, high selectivity, and wide detection range covering the IL-6 level of both healthy individuals and breast cancer patients were obtained to meet clinical demands. Herein, this V2CTx MXene-based immunosensor is a potential therapeutic and diagnostic point-of-care alternative to routine ELISA IL-6 detection methods.