Electrochemical aptamer sensor based on metal ion-labeled polyethyleneimine gold nanoparticles for simultaneous detection of multiple disease markers

Based on the different electrochemical oxidation potentials of metal ions, a new method for the simultaneous detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) was constructed. The amino-rich polyethyleneimine gold nanoparticles (PEI-Au) is used as a signal amplification platform carrier to load aptamers and metal ions. On the other hand, the good conductivity of PEI-Au can enhance the electrode conductivity and accelerate electron transfer. It showed a good linear relationship in the range of 0.1–26.0 ng / mL and 0.5–20.0 ng / mL while the detection limits were 33.0 pg / mL and 166.0 pg / mL, respectively. In addition, the prepared electrochemical sensor has high selectivity and stability. Clinical serum analysis results show that the proposed sensor has potential application value in the clinical detection of CEA and PDGF-BB. •Simultaneous detection of CEA and PDGF-BB based on the distinguishable electrochemical oxidation potential of Cu2+ and Pb2+. It provides a new method for the simultaneous detection of multiple tumor markers.•PEI-Au, as a signal amplification carrier, supports Apt2 and metal ions, and its excellent conductivity improves the electron transfer on the electrode surface.•The sensor has good anti-interference and reproducibility. It has potential application value in the clinical detection of CEA and PDGF-BB.