Portable and Rapid Dual‐Biomarker Detection Using Solution‐Gated Graphene Field Transistors in the Accurate Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) is the common serum‐relevant biomarker for early prostate cancer (PCa) detection in clinical diagnosis. However, it is difficult to accurately diagnose PCa in the early stage due to the low specificity of PSA. Herein, a new solution‐gated graphene field transistor (SGGT) biosensor with dual‐gate for dual‐biomarker detection is designed. The sensing mechanism is that the designed aptamers immobilized on the surface of the gate electrodes can capture PSA and sarcosine (SAR) biomolecules and induce the capacitance changes of the electric double layers of SGGT. The limit of detections of PSA and SAR biomarkers can reach 0.01 fg mL−1, which is three‐to‐four orders of magnitude lower than previously reported assays. The detection time of PSA and SAR is ≈4.5 and ≈13 min, which is significantly faster than the detection time (1–2 h) of conventional methods. The clinical serum samples testing demonstrates that the biosensor can distinguish the PCa patients from the control group and the diagnosis accuracy can reach 100%. The SGGT biosensor can be integrated into the portable platform and the diagnostic results can directly display on the smartphone/Pad. Therefore, the integrated portable platform of the biosensor can distinguish cancer types through the dual‐biomarker detection.

Sensitivity-Enhancing Strategies of Graphene Field-Effect Transistor Biosensors for Biomarker Detection

“…31 The main strategies used to functionalize GFET-based biosensors include the functionalization of the graphene channel 78,79 or the gate electrode surface. 80,81 The Functionalization of the Graphene Channel Surface. Graphene channel functionalization is classified into covalent and noncovalent strategies.…”

“…The functionalization step is crucial for constructing high-performance GFET biosensors . The main strategies used to functionalize GFET-based biosensors include the functionalization of the graphene channel , or the gate electrode surface. , …”

Colorimetric and Photothermal Dual-Modal Switching Lateral Flow Immunoassay Based on a Forced Dispersion Prussian Blue Nanocomposite for the Sensitive Detection of Prostate-Specific Antigen

“…Prostate cancer poses a grave threat to male health, accounting for a staggering 26% of male malignant tumor incidence rates worldwide, ranking at the forefront. , Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), serving as a diagnostic marker for prostate cancer, is widely employed to indicate the onset and progression stages of the disease. , Consequently, the development and implementation of high-sensitivity PSA detection methods have emerged as a focal point in the realm of prostate cancer prevention and treatment. − To improve the precision and dependability of PSA detection, novel techniques and methods were explored, such as an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) a field transistor biosensor, , a quartz crystal microbalance, and microfluidic technology . Among them, widely reported ELISA was recognized by researchers for its high sensitivity and quantification capabilities. ,, However, reliable PSA results through ELISA require specialized equipment, trained personnel, and a consistent laboratory environment. ,, Accordingly, the application of ELISA in point-of-care testing (POCT) is hindered by the extended detection time, demanding requirements, and complex operation. − …”