Cr2C MXene Modification of an Electrochemical Platform Allows for Highly Selective and Sensitive Detection of PSMA, a Prostate Cancer Biomarker

Prostate cancer represents a significant global health challenge, being the most common malignancy among men and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The pressing demand for novel diagnostic approaches is evident. In this work, we introduce an advanced biosensor aimed at facilitating rapid and accurate detection of prostate cancer, specifically through the quantification of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). The biosensor is constructed by modifying a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and a Cr2C MXene nano layer catalyst, combined with a pb2+-binding aptamer (AP) (SPCE/Cr2C MXene/AuNPs/Pb2+-AP). This novel design demonstrates exceptional specificity and affinity for PSMA, enabling highly sensitive quantification across a linear dynamic range of 1.0 to 850 pg/mL. Characterization techniques, including TEM, SEM, EDS, AFM, XPS, BET analysis, and XRD, confirm the success synthesis of the Cr2C MXene layer, which serves as an effective support for integrating the biological recognition element. Given the high mortality associated with prostate cancer and the critical need for early detection, this biosensor offers a promising tool for clinical diagnostics, capable of selectively identifying PSMA in the presence of other biomarkers. The implications of this work extend beyond the laboratory, potentially transforming prostate cancer management and improving patient outcomes.