Researchers have developed a novel non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor that can accurately detect sarcosine, a potential biomarker for prostate cancer, in the serum of prostate cancer patients. This innovative sensor, made from a reduced graphene oxide-cobalt nickel tungsten boron oxides (CoNiWBO/rGO) nanocomposite, offers improved sensitivity, selectivity, and stability compared to existing methods. The ability to quickly and reliably measure sarcosine levels could lead to earlier prostate cancer diagnosis and better patient outcomes.
Tackling the Limitations of Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in men, making early and accurate diagnosis crucial. Currently, the most widely used biomarker for prostate cancer is prostate-specific antigen (PSA). However, PSA testing has limited sensitivity and specificity, often leading to false-positive results and unnecessary biopsies.
To address this challenge, researchers have been exploring alternative biomarkers, such as sarcosine, a natural amino acid that has been found to be elevated in prostate cancer patients compared to healthy individuals. Accurate and reliable measurement of sarcosine levels could provide valuable insights into prostate cancer progression and severity.
Developing a Sensitive and Selective Sarcosine Sensor
In this study, a team of researchers developed a non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor based on a reduced graphene oxide-cobalt nickel tungsten boron oxides (CoNiWBO/rGO) nanocomposite. The nanocomposite was synthesized using a chemical reduction method and characterized using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
The researchers then used the CoNiWBO/rGO nanocomposite to modify a glassy carbon electrode, creating a sensitive and selective sensor for sarcosine detection. Through a series of electrochemical measurements, including cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), the team optimized the sensor’s performance and demonstrated its ability to detect sarcosine over a wide linear range (0.1 to 50 μM) with low limits of detection (0.04 μM for DPV and 0.07 μM for LSV).
Accurate Sarcosine Quantification in Prostate Cancer Patients
To validate the sensor’s real-world application, the researchers tested it on serum samples from prostate cancer patients and healthy individuals. The results showed that the sarcosine levels in prostate cancer patients were approximately 3 times higher than in the control group, confirming the sensor’s ability to accurately quantify sarcosine as a potential biomarker for prostate cancer.
The team also evaluated the sensor’s repeatability, selectivity, and stability, demonstrating its robustness and potential for clinical use. Compared to previously reported sarcosine sensors, the CoNiWBO/rGO-based sensor exhibited enhanced electrochemical performance, making it a promising tool for prostate cancer screening and diagnosis.
Towards Improved Prostate Cancer Detection
This innovative non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor for sarcosine detection represents a significant step forward in the field of prostate cancer diagnosis. By leveraging the unique properties of the CoNiWBO/rGO nanocomposite, the researchers have developed a sensitive, selective, and stable sensor that can accurately measure sarcosine levels in biological samples.
The ability to quickly and reliably detect sarcosine, a potential biomarker for prostate cancer, could lead to earlier diagnosis and better patient outcomes. As a cost-effective and easily operable device, this sensor has the potential to be employed in clinical settings, point-of-care devices, and even automated systems, paving the way for more efficient prostate cancer screening and management.
Author credit: This article is based on research by Muhammad Wasim, Sana Shaheen, Batool Fatima, Dilshad Hussain, Fatima Hassan, Shajeea Tahreem, Muhammad Mahmood Riaz, Ahmad Yar, Saadat Majeed, and Muhammad Najam-ul-Haq.
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