The electrochemical detection of prostate specific antigen on glassy carbon electrode modified with combinations of graphene quantum dots, cobalt phthalocyanine and an aptamer

Abstract Herein, a novel aptasensor is developed for the electrochemical detection of prostate specific antigen (PSA) on electrode surfaces modified using various combinations of a Cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc), an aptamer and graphene quantum dots (GQDs). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) as well as differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) are employed for the detection of PSA. In both analytical techniques, linear calibration curves were observed at a concentration range of 1.2–2.0 pM. The glassy carbon electrode where CoPc and GQDs are placed on the electrode when non-covalently linked followed by addition of the aptamer (GQDs-CoPc(ππ)-aptamer (sequential)) showed the best performance with a limit of detection (LoD) as low as 0.66 pM when using DPV. The detection limits were much lower than the dangerous levels reported for PSA in males tested for prostate cancer. This electrode showed selectivity for PSA in the presence of bovine serum albumin, glucose and L-cysteine. The aptasensor showed good stability, reproducibility and repeatability, deeming it a promising early detection device for prostate cancer.