Dual-signal amplified electrochemical aptasensor based on Au/MrGO and DNA nanospheres for ultra-sensitive detection of BPA without directly modified working electrode

Rapid and sensitive analysis of bisphenol A (BPA) is essential for preventing health risks to humans and animals. Hence, a signal-amplified electrochemical aptasensor without repetitive polishing and modification of working electrode was developed for BPA using Au-decorated magnetic reduced graphene oxide (Au/MrGO)-based recognition probe (RP) and DNA nanospheres (DNS)-based signal probe (SP) cooperative signal amplification. The DNS served as a signal molecule carrier and signal amplifier, while Au/MrGO acted as a signal amplifier and excellent medium for magnetic adsorption and separation. Moreover, utilizing the excellent magnetic properties of Au/MrGO eliminates the need for repetitive polishing and multi-step direct modification of the working electrode while ensuring that all detection processes take place in solution and that used Au/MrGO can be easily recycled. The proposed aptasensor exhibited not only good stability and selectivity, but also excellent sensitivity with a limit of detection (LOD) of 8.13 fg/mL (S/N = 3). The aptasensor's practicality was proven by spiking recovery tests on actual water samples and comparing the results with those detected by HPLC. The excellent sensitivity and selectivity make this aptasensor an alternative and promising avenue for rapid detection of BPA in environmental monitoring. [Display omitted] •Working electrode does not require direct modification and repeated polishing.•Dual signal amplification greatly improves sensitivity.•Utilization of magnetism simplifies operation.•The prepared Au/MrGO can be recycled, saving costs.•Good stability and easy operation enhance the practical potential.