Polymer nanofiber-based electrodes for tyrosinase detection in melanoma diagnosis

• Disposable electrochemical biosensor detects tyrosinase for early melanoma diagnosis. • Aligned PA6/PPy nanofibers enhance sensitivity (LOD: 0.029 mg/mL in serum). • High biocompatibility and stability in synthetic ISF and human serum. • Cost-effective, scalable fabrication via electrospinning and polymerization. • Potential for integration into point-of-care melanoma screening devices. The rising global incidence of melanoma and its high mortality rates due to late diagnosis demand rapid, sensitive, and non-invasive diagnostic tools. Here, we introduce a disposable electrochemical biosensor that exploits the synergistic properties of electrospun polyamide 6 (PA6) and conductive polypyrrole (PPy) nanofibers for detecting tyrosinase (Tyr). The biosensor integrates the high surface area and tunable morphology of PA6 nanofibers (random and aligned) with highly conductive PPy, fabricated via electrospinning, and polymerization onto indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes to ensure selective Tyr binding. Electrochemical testing in synthetic interstitial fluid (ISF) and human serum reveals a linear response to Tyr (0.1–0.9 mg/mL), with the aligned nanofiber configuration achieving high limits of detection (LOD) of 0.03 mg/mL (ISF) and 0.029 mg/mL (serum), alongside sensitivities of 95.97 and 76.60 μA·mg⁻¹·mL·cm⁻², respectively. The concentration-dependent current response highlights the biosensor’s high sensitivity, stability, and biocompatibility, proving its potential for non-invasive, early-stage melanoma detection in complex biological environments. This work paves the way for scalable, cost-effective melanoma screening, with future studies aimed at clinical validation and integration into point-of-care devices to improve patient outcomes globally.