A new strategy for sensitive detection of early stage apoptosis was proposed 
based on silver-enhanced gold nanoparticle (GNP) label method. Annexin-V 
modified substrate was constructed via layer-by-layer (LBL) method for specific 
capture of early stage apoptotic Jurkat cells. A new kind of aminophenylboronic 
acid modified gold nanoparticle (APBA-GNP) was synthesized and utilized for 
labeling cells, followed by silver enhancement. Anodic stripping voltammetry 
(ASV) was applied to sensitive detection of Ag(+) dissolved from the deposited 
silver particles, which reflected the number of cells. A good linear range from 
1 × 10(2) to 3.5 × 10(3) cells was achieved, with a detection limit of 38 
apoptotic cells. Moreover, the gray color of silver enhancement could be 
observed by the naked eye, which could be used to tell apoptotic cells apart 
from normal cells. Therefore, using the silver-enhanced GNP label method, 
apoptotic cells could not only be sensitively detected via electrochemical 
technique, but also can be discriminated from normal cells by the naked eye.