DNA nanostructure-assisted detection of carcinoembryonic antigen with a solid-state nanopore.

[Display omitted] • The system utilizes the specific affinity between aptamer and CEA. • The nanopore detect the DNA instead of directly detecting the translocation of CEA. • We realized the detection of CEA with a concentration as low as 0.1 nM. • The biosensor could be utilized in real serum sample analysis. In this paper, a novel detection technique for tumor marker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has been developed by using a solid-state nanopore as a tool. The system utilizes the specific affinity between aptamer-modified magnetic Fe 3 O 4 and CEA, rather than directly detecting the translocation of CEA through the nanopore. The aptamer-modified magnetic Fe 3 O 4 was hybridized with tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs), and TDNs were released after CEA was added. We investigate the translocation behavior of individual TDNs through solid-state nanopores. The frequency of the blockage signals for TDNs is recorded for indirect detection of CEA. We realized the detection of CEA with a concentration as low as 0.1 nM and proved the specificity of the interaction between the aptamer. In addition, our designed nanopore sensing strategy can detect CEA in real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]