High-sensitivity EPCR detection using a G-Arg nanointerface: A new electrochemical platform targeting TNBC biomarkers
- Author(s)
- Ivan Dědek, Vítězslav Hrubý, Petr Jakubec, Klára Gajdošová, Kateřina Poláková, Jana Dzíbelová, Michal Otyepka
- Abstract
The endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) has emerged as a clinically significant biomarker for a distinct subgroup of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC), where its overexpression is associated with stem-like tumour phenotypes and poor prognosis. Rapid and accessible detection of EPCR is therefore important for future diagnostic stratification. In this study, we present a new electrochemical immunosensor for EPCR detection based on a graphene–arginine (G-Arg) nanointerface synthesised via fluorographene chemistry. The G-Arg layer provides abundant carboxyl groups, enabling efficient EDC/Sulfo-NHS-mediated covalent immobilisation of anti-EPCR antibodies and formation of a stable electrochemically active biointerface. The resulting immunosensor exhibited a linear impedimetric response to EPCR over the 49.6–496 ng mL−1 range, with a calculated detection limit of 10.48 ng mL−1, together with good selectivity against non-specific proteins. In addition, the analytical signal remained stable after 30 days of ambient storage, indicating good operational stability. Preliminary experiments further confirmed sensor functionality in human plasma, where a distinguishable response was observed between non-spiked and EPCR-spiked samples. Overall, this work introduces a new G-Arg-based electrochemical platform for EPCR detection and provides a basis for further development of biosensing strategies targeting aggressive breast cancer biomarkers.
- Organisation(s)
- Physics of Nanostructured Materials
- External organisation(s)
- Palacký University Olomouc, Technical University of Ostrava
- Journal
- Sensing and Bio-Sensing Research
- Volume
- 52
- No. of pages
- 8
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbsr.2026.101017
- Publication date
- 06-2026
- Peer reviewed
- Yes
- Austrian Fields of Science 2012
- 103018 Materials physics, 104002 Analytical chemistry, 202016 Electrical engineering
- Keywords
- ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biotechnology, Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials, Analytical Chemistry, Signal Processing, Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
- Portal url
- https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/19f3f325-54f4-4d9f-9a5b-d0fb5bbbf81e