Homogeneous and Label-Free Detection and Monitoring of Protein Kinase Activity Using the Impact Electrochemistry of Silver Nanoparticles

Protein kinase activity correlates closely with that of many human diseases. However, the existing methods for quantifying protein kinase activity often suffer from limitations such as low sensitivity, harmful radioactive labels, high cost, and sophisticated detection procedures, underscoring the urgent need for sensitive and rapid detection methods. Herein, we present a simple and sensitive approach for the homogeneous detection of protein kinase activity based on nanoimpact electrochemistry to probe the degree of aggregation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) before and after phosphorylation. Phosphorylation, catalyzed by protein kinases, introduces two negative charges into the substrate peptide, leading to alterations in electrostatic interactions between the phosphorylated peptide and the negatively charged AgNPs, which, in turn, affects the aggregation status of AgNPs. Via direct electro-oxidation of AgNPs in nanoimpact electrochemistry experiments, protein kinase activity can be quantified by assessing the impact frequency. The present sensor demonstrates a broad detection range and a low detection limit for protein kinase A (PKA), along with remarkable selectivity. Additionally, it enables monitoring of PKA-catalyzed phosphorylation processes. In contrast to conventional electrochemical sensing methods, this approach avoids the requirement of complex labeling and washing procedures.