Label-free electrochemical aptasensing of the human prostate-specific antigen using gold nanospears

Gold nanospears were electrodeposited with the assistance of arginine as a soft template and precise selection of experimental parameters. The nanospears were then employed as a transducer to immobilize an aptamer of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and fabrication of a label-free electrochemical aptasensor. The aptasensor was employed for the detection of PSA with a linear concentration range of 0.125–200ngmL−1 and a limit of detection of 50pgmL−1. The aptasensor was successfully applied to detect PSA in blood serum samples of healthy and patient persons. [Display omitted] •Gold nanospears were electrodeposited on a gold surface.•The nanospears were employed as a transducer to immobilize a PSA aptamer.•The immobilized aptamer, as an aptasensor, can electrochemically detect PSA.