Colorimetric and fluorescence detection of circulating tumor cells based on a bimetallic-organic framework

[Display omitted] •An ultrasensitive colorimetric and fluorescence dual-readout cytosensor was developed.•CuFe bimetallic-organic frameworks was synthesized by incorporating Cu into the Fe-based framework.•CuFe-NH2-MIL-101 possesses peroxidase-mimicking activity and enhanced fluorescence.•This cytosensor exhibitswide linear range and low detection limit. An ultrasensitive colorimetric and fluorescence dual-readout method was developed for detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) using a CuFe-based bimetallic-organic framework (CuFe-NH2-MIL-101, bi-MOF). Incorporation of Cu into an Fe-based metal–organic framework (MOF) led to improved fluorescence compared with that of monometallic analogues. The synthesized bi-MOF exhibited improved fluorescence. The synthesized bi-MOF also exhibited enzyme-mimetic activity. The CTCs were bound by biotinylated antibodies and then selected and enriched by streptavidin-coated magnetic beads. With peroxidase-mimicking activity and enhanced fluorescence, the CuFe bi-MOF functioned as a signal-amplifying nanoprobe for colorimetric and fluorescence detection. The absorbance increased with increasing concentration of tumor cells, whereas the fluorescence intensity gradually decreased. Under optimized conditions, the sensor exhibited a detection range of 102–107 cells mL−1. The detection limit of this cytosensor could reach 7 cells mL−1. Moreover, this sensor showed reliable applicability in real serum samples. Overall, this dual-readout strategy holds potential for the detection of CTCs in clinical diagnostics.