Design and development of an electroanalytical genosensor based on Cu-PTCA/rGO nanocomposites for the detection of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is one of the most ordinary fatalities that occurs between middle-aged and older women. When left undiagnosed and untreated, this disease leads to life-threatening events among the female populace and has been placing a huge burden on available healthcare resources. Considering numerous limitations (high cost, time consuming, bulky equipment etc.) of conventional techniques for diagnosing this highly malignant cancer, it becomes imperative to develop miniaturized bio sensing platforms which can aid in early detection of cervical cancer for enhanced patient outcomes. We made our way on the design and development of an electrochemical biosensor based on the novel Nano-composites of Perylene Tetra carboxylic acid functionalized copper nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide (Cu-PTCA/rGO) for DNA-based detection of Human Papilloma Virus 16 (HPV 16) – the key biomarker for cervical cancer. Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) were used to classify the developed sensor, with the latter providing insights into the electrode kinetics. The sensor optimizations and analytical performance were assessed using Square Wave Voltammetry (SWV), eventually exhibiting sensitivity and limit of detection of 0.052 μA/μM/mm2 and 2.15 fM respectively. The genosensor was found to be selective solely to HPV 16 target DNA and exhibited a shelf life of 35 days. The developed sensor response was also evaluated in serum samples, and it was found to exhibit high percentage recoveries, validating its application in future point-of-care scenario.