[Ru(bpy)2(dcbpy)NHS] labeling/aptamer-based biosensor for the detection of lysozyme by increasing sensitivity with gold nanoparticle amplification

A novel [Ru(bpy)(2)(dcbpy)NHS] labeling/aptamer-based biosensor combined with gold nanoparticle amplification for the determination of lysozyme with an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) method is presented. In this work, an aptamer, an ECL probe, gold nanoparticle amplification, and competition assay are the main protocols employed in ECL detection. With all the protocols used, an original biosensor coupled with an aptamer and [Ru(bpy)(2)(dcbpy)NHS] has been prepared. Its high selectivity and sensitivity are the main advantages over other traditional [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) biosensors. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterization illustrate that this biosensor is fabricated successfully. Finally, the biosensor was applied to a displacement assay in different concentrations of lysozyme solution, and an ultrasensitive ECL signal was obtained. The ECL intensity decreased proportionally to the lysozyme concentration over the range 1.0x10(-13)-1.0x10(-8) mol L(-1) with a detection limit of 1.0x10(-13) mol L(-1). This strategy for the aptasensor opens a rapid, selective, and sensitive route for the detection of lysozyme and potentially other proteins.