A label-free electrochemical aptasensor based on Bi–Sb alloy materials for potential POCT of HER-2

Abstract

As a prognostic biomarker for breast cancer, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) is of crucial diagnostic value. Here, a label-free electrochemical aptasensor was established for the ultrasensitive detection of HER-2 using a modified electrode of Bi–Sb alloy materials (Bi–Sb AMs). The performance of the aptasensor was enhanced greatly due to the introduction of Bi–Sb alloy materials (Bi–Sb AMs) with high conductivity. Furthermore, by integrating the aptasensor with the Sensit Smart U-disk electrochemical analyzer, the point-of-care testing (POCT) for HER-2 was realized. Under the optimal experimental parameters, the POCT analyzer showed a wide linear response from 0.01 pg mL⁻¹ to 100 ng mL⁻¹, with a low detection limit (LOD) of 5.96 fg mL⁻¹ for the detection of HER-2. The presented POCT analyzer exhibited good specificity, stability, and reproducibility. Benefiting from the simple operation and rapid testing, the developed analyzer will have potential application in the prognostic diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.