Electrochemical aptasensor based on Chrysanthemum indicum L.-derived carbon materials for detection of carcinoembryonic antigen

Abstract

A novel, eco-friendly, and label-free electrochemical aptasensor was successfully developed for the detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) were fabricated and modified with gold nanoparticles and activated carbon derived from Chrysanthemum indicum L. flowers, a waste byproduct from beverage production. The activated carbon surface was further functionalized with carboxylic acid groups to enhance the number of aptamer binding sites. The modified electrode exhibited a significantly improved electrochemical response toward potassium ferri-ferrocyanide compared to the unmodified SPCE. Upon immobilization of a CEA-specific aptamer under optimized conditions, the sensor demonstrated a linear detection range of 25–1000 ng mL⁻¹ for CEA. The aptasensor also showed excellent analytical performances, with high selectivity, stability, and reproducibility, along with satisfactory recovery in spiked serum samples (92.65% to 117.18%). Compared to conventional detection methods, this sensor offers key advantages, including reduced cost, rapid response, and ease of fabrication and operation.