A highly sensitive gold nanoparticle-based electrochemical aptasensor for theophylline detection

Abstract Theophylline is a common bronchodilator for the treatment of diseases like asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. However, it should be strictly used and monitored due to its toxicity when the concentration is above certain levels. In this work, an electrochemical biosensor for theophylline detection is proposed by recognition of RNA aptamer and gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based amplification technique. First, RNA aptamer is splitted into two single-stranded RNA probes. One is hybridized with DNA tetrahedron and the resulted nanostructure is then immobilized onto a gold electrode; the other is modified on the surface of AuNPs which is also labeled with methylene blue (MB) as electrochemical species. The recognition process between the two RNA probes and theophylline causes the localization of AuNPs and the enrichment of MB on the electrode interface. A significant electrochemical response is thus generated which is related to the concentration of initial theophylline. This proposed aptasensor shows excellent sensitivity and selectivity which could also be applied in quantitatively detection of theophylline in serums samples.