Signal Amplification Strategy of Triple-Layered Core-Shell Au@Pd@Pt Nanoparticles for Ultrasensitive Immunoassay Detection of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Antigen.

A novel and effective nonenzymatic immunosensor for the sensitive detection of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC- Ag) was described based on triple-layered core-shell Au@Pd@Pt nanoparticles (Au@Pd@Pt NPs). To prepare the immunosensor, primary anti-SCC antibodies (Ab1) were immobilized onto nanoporous gold films (NPGF) of a modified glassy carbon electrode. Au@Pd@Pt NPs that possess strong catalytic activity for the reduction of H2O2 were used as catalytic labels of secondary anti-SCC antibodies (Ab2). Because of the catalytic activities of Au@Pd@Pt NPs and the large surface area of the NPGF, high sensitivity was achieved for the detection of SCC-Ag. The prepared immunosensor showed remarkable results, such as low detection limits (0.6 pg/mL), a wide linear range (0.001-10.0 ng/mL) and high stability and selectivity in the detection of SCC-Ag. Furthermore, the prepared immunosensor exhibited promising properties, which may be useful for real serum sample tests.