Breast
cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in women;
therefore, its early detection and treatment are crucial. To achieve
this goal, we designed an optical sensor based on direct interaction
of trastuzumab [Herceptin (HER)], a monoclonal antibody used to treat
HER2-positive breast cancer, with plasmonic nanoparticles. Surface-modified
gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have gained considerable attention in biosensing
techniques over the last years, which actuated these nanoparticles
to the heart of various biosensing notions. We have exploited the
localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of gold nanoparticles to
determine HER in human serum. AuNPs were decorated with negatively
charged citrate ions, yielding enhanced direct-surface interaction
with HER antibodies. The AuNPs are mixed with silver nanoparticles
(AgNPs) in an optimized ratio to increase selectivity and sensitivity
further. AuNPs detect the HER antibodies using LSPR, whereas AgNPs
help monitor interferences’ effect on the sensing media. The
three effective factors in HER sensing, including the nanoparticle
ratio, temperature, and pH were optimized via response surface methodology
(RSM) based on the central composite design (CCD). The sensor’s
response toward HER was achieved in the linear range of 0.5 ×
10–7 to 40 × 10–7 M with
the detection limit of 3.7 × 10–9 M and relative
standard deviation (RSD) less than 5%. The selectivity of the LSPR
sensor was assessed by monitoring its response toward HER in the presence
of other biological molecules with similar physicochemical properties.
Rapid response time (less than 1 min), selectivity, and the simplicity
of the developed LSPR-based sensor are the key advantages of the developed
sensor.