Efficient label-free chemiluminescent immunosensor based on dual functional cupric oxide nanorods as peroxidase mimics

Dual-functional cupric oxide nanorods (CuONRs) as peroxidase mimics are proposed for the development of a flow-through, label-free chemiluminescent (CL) immunosensor. Forming the basis of this cost-efficient, label-free immunoassay, CuONRs, synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method, were deposited onto epoxy-activated standard glass slides, followed by immobilization of biotinylated capture antibodies through a streptavidin bridge. The CuONRs possess excellent catalytic activity, along with high stability as a solid support. Antigens could then be introduced to the sensing system, forming large immunocomplexes that prevent CL substrate access to the surface, thereby reducing the CL signal in a concentration dependent fashion. Using carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as a model analyte, the proposed label-free immunosensor was able to rapidly determine CEA with a wide linear range of 0.1–60ngmL−1 and a low detection limit of 0.05ngmL−1. This nanozyme-based immunosensor is simple, sensitive, cost-efficient, and has the potential to be a very promising platform for fast and efficient biosensing applications. Dual-functional copper oxide nanorods (CuONRs) as peroxidase mimics are proposed to develop a flow-through, label-free chemiluminescent (CL) immunosensor for simple, sensitive, cost-efficient, and fast biosensing applications. [Display omitted] •Dual-functional copper oxide nanorods (CuONRs) as peroxidase mimics were synthesized.•The CuONRs possess excellent chemiluminescent (CL) catalytic activity with high stability.•A novel and sensitive label-free CL immunesensor was proposed based on these mimics.•This nanozyme-based immunosensor is potential for fast and efficient biosensing applications.