Dual-Mode Fluorescence and Electrochemiluminescence Sensor Based on Ru-MOF Nanosheets for Sensitive Detection of apoE Genes

A dual-mode fluorescence and electrochemiluminescence (FL-ECL) sensor for apoE gene detection has been designed, harnessing the distinct properties of Ruthenium Metal Organic Framework Nanosheets (RuMOFNSs). The strategy capitalizes on the quenching effect of the Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ ECL signal by ferrocene, facilitating the creation of a multi-electron electrical signal marker known as bisferrocene. Through anchoring the P-DNA onto RuMOFNSs, bisferrocene effectively quenches both FL and ECL emissions. Introduction of the T-DNA, and the subsequent formation of double-stranded DNA, allows the ExoⅢ enzyme to remove the bisferrocene fragment, rejuvenating the signals. Impressively, the sensor boasts expansive detection linear ranges (1 fM to 1 nM for FL; 0.01 fM to 10 pM for ECL) and exceptional sensitivity (0.048 fM for FL; 0.016 fM for ECL). Its dual-mode framework grants heightened reliability via a self-validation mechanism, mitigating the occurrence of false positives. When juxtaposed with single-mode sensors, this dual-format exhibits marked superiority. Field tests further validate the sensor's efficacy in genuine sample analysis, highlighting its potential in precursory disease detection. This avant-garde methodology paves the way for advanced multi-signal responsive sensors, with profound implications for the future of diagnostic instruments.