An ultrasensitive aptasensor for exosomes detection based on biotin-streptavidin and MXenes

Exosomes derived from lung cancer typically contain the genetic information of the donor cells. Therefore, exosomes contribute to early diagnosis, treatment effectiveness evaluation, and prognosis assessment of cancer. Based on the biotin-streptavidin system and MXenes nanomaterial, a dual-effect amplification method had been developed to construct an ultrasensitive colorimetric aptasensor for detecting exosomes. MXenes can enhance the loading of aptamer and biotin as the high specific surface area. Biotin-streptavidin system can increase the amount of horseradish peroxidase-linked (HRP-linked) streptavidin, considerably boosting the color signal of the aptasensor. The proposed colorimetric aptasensor exhibited excellent sensitivity, with a detection limit of 42 particles μL−1 and a linear range of 102 to 107 particles μL−1. The constructed aptasensor showed satisfactory reproducibility, stability, and selectivity, confirming the promising application of exosomes in clinical cancer detection. [Display omitted] •Based on biotin-streptavidin and MXenes, a dual-effect amplification way was created.•A novel colorimetric aptasensor has been developed to quantify exosomes.•The proposed aptasensor has a detection limit of 42 particles μL−1.•The sensor shows superior sensitivity, reproducibility, stability, and selectivity.