Platinum-perovskite nanocomposite-based Exosensor for specific detection of prostate cancer in clinical settings

Exosomes, extracellular vesicles (EVs) with an average size of 50–150 nm, transfer various biomolecules and exchange signaling molecules between cells in a paracrine manner. Molecular investigations have revealed that EVs can reflect real-time metabolic changes in normal- and cancer-origin cells and thus harbor valid diagnostic biomarkers. Despite these advantages, the detection of low concentrations of cancer cell EVs in biological fluids is still a great challenge. Here, a new electrochemical Exosensor based on platinum-perovskite is developed for the direct detection of EVs using a biotinylated monoclonal CD63 antibody as a capture element. The label-free method exhibited higher sensitivity with a lower limit of quantification of 2000 EVs/µL with a dynamic linear range (LDR) of 2000 to 14,000 EVs/μL compared with other available methods. To enhance the selectivity of detection, EVs were simultaneously sandwiched between secondary antibodies of PSA (prostate-specific antigen), as an FDA-approved prostate cancer biomarker. Data indicated that this Exosensor can distinguish normal and cancer EVs in samples from healthy individuals and prostate cancer patients. Taken together, this technology offers a unique approach to label-free quantification of EVs and cancer detection in the early stages. Graphical abstract