| Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are suitable candidates
to be deployed for the diagnosis and therapy of
acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. In this study, a novel
electrochemical cytosensor was designed for the sensitive
detection and quantification of KG1a cells as a model of
LSCs. The developed cytosensor was based on the overexpression
of cell surface protein CD123 by leukemia KG1a
cells. For this purpose, the glassy carbon electrodewasmodified
by graphene quantum dots (GQDs), Au nanoparticles,
streptavidin coated AuNPs, biotinylated CD123 antibody and
target cells. The dense loading of CD123 antibody and electrical
enhancement on the modified electrode were carried
out using GQDs, this resulting in a sensitive detection of
CD123 positive cells within KG1a cells. Step by step preparation
of the nanomaterial-based cytosensor and its optimization steps were confirmed by different electrochemical
techniques. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images also confirmed the proper attachment
of the materials and the cells on the surface of the modified electrode. The linear detection range (LDR) and limit of
detection (LOD) of the developed electrochemical biosensor were recorded as 1 cell/mL and 1-25 cells/mL, respectively,
which is remarkable. Importantly, the present findings are precise and highly selective in the presence of other leukemia
cells (NB4, HL60, and U937 cells). Further, the versatility and accuracy of the proposed cytosensor were evaluated using
clinical samples. We believe that the cytosensor proposed in this study has the potential to serve as a next generation
sensor for the early detection of leukemia stem cells. |