Development of an electrochemical biosensor based on MOF@AuNPs nanocomposite for early-stage evaluation of ovarian cancer via CA125 oncomarker in human serum samples

Abstract

Among gynecologic cancers, ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the main causes of mortality. Therefore, early detection is essential for successful treatment. We were motivated to develop a label-free electrochemical biosensor for the prompt evaluation of OC through cancer antigen 125 (CA125) due to the insufficiency of the sensitivity of the available diagnostic techniques. To improve conductivity and sensitivity, this biosensor uses gallate-based metal organic framework (MIL-156 MOF) nanocomposite decorated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Large-surface-area MIL-156 MOF was electrodeposited onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and then decorated with AuNPs. The chronoamperometry (CHA) technique was used to carry out both electrodeposition steps. The characteristics of nanomaterials were assessed using EDX, SEM, and XRD methods. Here, an electrochemical biosensor based on MOF@AuNPs is developed for the evaluation of ovarian cancer using a biotinylated monoclonal CA125 antibody. The differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique was applied to perform the electrochemical measurements. The designed biosensor showed a low limit of detection (LOD = 7.185 nU/mL), a dynamic linear range (10–70 nU/mL), and desirable repeatability and reproducibility for CA125 detection. Clinical serum sample analysis demonstrated its ability to improve patient outcomes and confirmed its practical application. Biomedical research and clinical diagnostics could benefit from this robust and selective biosensor platform for screening approaches.