TiO2 nanotubes/reduced GO nanoparticles for sensitive detection of breast cancer cells and photothermal performance

Maryam Safavipour, Mahshid Kharaziha, Elham Amjadi, Fathallah Karimzadeh, Alireza Allafchian

In this study, we developed a simple and cost effective aptasensor based on TiO₂ nanotubes–reduced graphene oxide (TiO₂ nanotube-rGO) linked to MUC1 aptamers for ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of breast cancer cell (MCF-7). Moreover, the photothermal performance of nanohybrid TiO₂-rGO was investigated for cancer treatment. In this regard, after synthesize of TiO₂ nanotubes via anodization process, TiO₂ nanotubes–rGO hybrid was synthesized by UV assisted reduction of GO and subsequent TiO₂ nanotubes attachment to rGO sheets. The resultant hybrid could provide an excellent large surface area leading to improvement of suitable sites for MUC1 aptamer immobilization. Our results revealed that TiO₂-rGO aptasensor exhibited superior analytical performance for MCF-7 cell detection with the detection limit of 40 cells.ml⁻¹ within the detection range of 10³–10⁷ cells. ml⁻¹. In addition, the designed aptasensor was effectively applied to detect MUC1 marker in a real sample. Moreover, the TiO₂ nanotube-rGO hybrid nanoparticles revealed great photothermal performance exposed to NIR laser. It could be concluded that nanohybrid TiO₂-rGO would be a useful and beneficial platform for detection and treatment of breast cancer.