Nanoengineered diagnostic surface for efficient detection of MMP1 cancer biomarkers

Cancer, a global health concern, necessitates improved diagnostic tools for early detection and personalized treatment strategies. Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), crucial in cancer progression, degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM) and facilitate metastasis. MMP1, notable for its role in ECM degradation and tumor promotion, is implicated in various cancers. Detecting MMP1 early offers critical insights into cancer progression and treatment efficacy. Traditional diagnostic methods are invasive and time-consuming, prompting the development of more efficient detection techniques. Here, we introduce an electrochemical peptide-based biosensor for sensitive MMP1 detection. Utilizing gold nanostructures to enhance surface area and signal-to-noise ratio, the biosensor employs ferrocene-labeled peptides sensitive to MMP1 hydrolysis, enabling voltammetric detection. This approach combines nanotechnology with electrochemical techniques for enhanced sensitivity and specificity, promising transformative impacts on cancer diagnostics. The biosensor exhibits a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.27 ng/mL and demonstrates exceptional specificity towards MMP1, highlighting its potential for precise MMP1 detection in clinical applications.