Application of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles towards the detection of ovarian cancer marker

In this work, we explored the potential application of NiFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles in sensing platforms due to their cost-effectiveness and good magnetic properties. The spinel-type metal oxide was prepared using the conventional hydrothermal synthesis method. The structural, morphological, and magnetic properties of the as-synthesized NiFe2O4 nanoparticles were discussed. The nanoparticles were functionalized with cystamine, glutaraldehyde, and PVDF and then modified with the CA 125 antibody to obtain the immunosensor. FTIR and electrochemical analyses reveal immobilization of the antibody on the surface of the NiFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles. The immunosensor developed in this work was made on a printed circuit board, allowing it to be used as a point-of-care device. The immunosensor showed excellent stability, reproducibility, specificity, and selectivity. Our findings are of great significance for developing novel, high-performance point-of-care electrochemical biosensors to be applied in detecting the CA 125 antigen, a widely used biomarker for the prognosis of ovarian cancer.