Functionalization of Graphene Oxide for Label-Free Electrochemical Detection of Hepatic Cancer Cells

Abstract

In this study, a graphene oxide-modified screen-printed carbon electrode was functionalized with the 1-pyrenebutyric acid-N-hydroxy-succinimide ester and conjugated with antibodies for the label-free detection of human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Using a user-friendly reservoir chamber, the functionalized film was exposed continuously to the cancer cells. The use of a continuous flow was intended to enhance the capture of the target cells by the sensing platform. The response of the biosensor was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry. The preliminary data showed good sensitivity for the detection of hepatic cancer cells. The developed biosensor could detect the HepG2 cells from a 1 × 103 to 3 × 105 cells/mL range. Thus, it is a simple tool for the electrochemical detection of cancer cells and offers a low-cost and disposable sensing platform.