Bio-mimetically synthesized Ag@BSA microspheres as a novel electrochemical biosensing interface for sensitive detection of tumor cells

The use of a novel cytosensor, comprised of bio-mimetically synthesized Ag@BSA composite microspheres, for the detection of KB cells (a model system) is described. The Ag@BSA composite microspheres were immobilized on Au electrodes via Au-thiol bonds. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed that the Ag@BSA were well-dispersed microspheres with an average diameter of 500nm, including the monolayer of BSA. The immobilization of Ag@BSA composite microspheres onto Au electrodes is thought to increase the electrode surface area and accelerate the electron transfer rate while providing a highly stable matrix for the convenient conjugation of target molecules (such as folic acid) and the prolonged incubation of cells. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies showed that the fabricated cytosensor was able to detect KB cells ranging from 6.0×101 to 1.2×108cellsmL−1 with a lower detection limit of 20cellsmL−1. Due to its facile synthesis, high stability and reproducibility and cytocompatibility, the novel cytosensor described here could find multifarious uses in applications, such as cancer diagnosis, drug screening and cell adhesion studies. ►·Ag@BSA composite microspheres were synthesized at room temperature through a biomimetic way. ►·The composites possessed both conductivity and biocompatibility. ►·The composites were immobilized onto Au electrode and conjugated FA as a cytosensor for recognizing cancer cells. ►·The cytosensor showed excellent sensitivity and specificity.