Zn-MOF/CdTe/PPy-based electrochemical immunosensor for sensitive detection of neuron-specific enolase.

Abstract

In this study, we developed an electrochemical immunosensor for the highly sensitive detection of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) based on a Zn-MOF/CdTe/PPy composite. The combination of functionalized CdTe quantum dots (CdTe QDs) with polypyrrole (PPy) significantly enhanced electron transfer efficiency and increased the specific surface area, thereby providing more electroactive sites and strengthening the electrochemical signal response. The CdTe/PPy composite was subsequently encapsulated within a porous zinc metal-organic framework structure (Zn-MOF), thereby preventing aggregation and degradation and improving the immunosensor's sensitivity and stability. Under optimized experimental conditions, the immunosensor demonstrated excellent selectivity, stability, and reproducibility toward NSE detection. It exhibited a wide linear range from 0.1 to 1000 ng mL-1 and a low detection limit of 0.048 ng mL-1 (S/N = 3). These findings highlight the potential of the proposed electrochemical immunosensor for clinical diagnostic applications.