Rapid identification and high sensitive detection of cancer cells on the gold nanoparticle interface by combined contact angle and electrochemical measurements

In this study, we have proposed a novel strategy for the rapid identification and high sensitive detection of different kinds of cancer cells by means of electrochemical and contact angle measurements. A simple, unlabeled method based on the functionalized Au nanoparticles (GNPs) modified interface has been utilized to distinguish the different cancer cells, including lung cancer cells, liver cancer cells, drug sensitive leukemia K562/B.W cells and drug resistant leukemia K562/ADM cells. The relevant results indicate that under optimal conditions, this method can provide the quantitative determination of cancer cells, with a detection limit of ∼103 cells mL−1. Our observations demonstrate that the difference in the hydrophilic properties for target cellular surfaces and in the uptake efficiency of the anticancer drug daunorubicin for different cancer cells could be readily chosen as the elements of cancer identification and sensitive detection. This raises the possibility to advance the promising clinic diagnosis and monitoring of tumors with the aim of successful chemotherapy of human cancers.