Fabrication of a Co-Ni/TiO₂ Core-Shell Sensor for Label-Free Quantification of Human Serum Albumin in Hepatitis C Virus Patients

Abstract

Liver cirrhosis is a life-threatening disorder characterized by severe hepatitis C. Early detection of hepatitis C is crucial since HCV infection has few symptoms, and the patient may remain unaware for many years. The early-stage detection can assist in the treatment and prevent further virus transmission. Abnormally varying albumin concentrations in hepatitis C patients can lead to hypoalbuminemia. Herein, a novel Co-Ni/TiO2 core shell-based electrochemical sensor is developed for facile and ultra-sensitive human serum albumin (HSA) detection in HCV patients. Co-Ni/TiO2 core shells are fabricated via coprecipitation and hydrothermal methods and used for non-enzymatic detection albumin with high sensitivity, selectivity, and lower detection limits. Cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is performed for albumin detection via Co-Ni/TiO2 modified GCE at different scan rates, pH, and concentrations. The linear range and limit of detection obtained for the Co-Ni/TiO2 electrode are 0-30 µM and 0.019 µM, respectively. The utility of Co-Ni/TiO2 electrodes is extended to HSA sensing from HCV-infected patients. Albumin recovery at room temperature ranged from 81.0% to 91.3% in diluted human serum samples. The developed electrochemical analysis method is superior for HSA detection and can be a tool for clinical diagnosis in the future.