Polyhedral-AuPd nanoparticles-based dual-mode cytosensor with turn on enable signal for highly sensitive cell evalution on lab-on-paper device

A novel dual-mode cytosensor based on polyhedral AuPd alloy nanoparticles (PH-AuPd NPs) and three-dimentional reduced graphene oxide (3D-rGO) was constructed for highly sensitive detection of MCF-7 cells. The 3D-rGO was in situ synthesized on the paper working electrode (PWE) by a pollution-free hydrothermal method, increasing the specific surface area and further facilitating the modification of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs). After modified with AuNPs, the Au@ 3D-rGO/PWE was then functionalized by aptamer H1 to trap MCF-7 cells. To construct the cytosensor, PH-AuPd NPs was prepared as a novel catalytic material, and further modified with aptamer H2 for recognizing MCF-7 cells. With the occurrence of efficient recognition of MCF-7 cells, PH-AuPd NPs were bound onto the surface of the cells, and could catalyze H2O2 to generate •OH, leading to an amplified electrochemical signal. Meanwhile, as the electrolyte solution flowed, the •OH are transferred outward to the colorimetric detection zone, and catalyzed a chromogenic substrate TMB forms a colored product. The electrical signal measurement and colorimetric detection were carried out on a compatibly designed lab-on-paper device (LPD), realizing a dual-mode signal readout. This paper-based dual-mode cytosensor provided a relatively low detection limit of 20 cells mL−1 and a sensitive detection from 50 cells mL−1 to 107 cells mL−1 for MCF-7 cells, providing a reliable pathway of sensitively detecting cancer cells in clinical applications.