Flexible electrochemical sensors integrated with nanomaterials for in situ determination of small molecules in biological samples: A review

Iron-based electrode material composites for electrochemical sensor application in the environment: A review

This review explores the expanding role of electrochemical sensors across diverse domains such as environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and food quality assurance. In recent years, iron-based electrocatalysts have emerged as promising candidates for enhancing sensor performance. Notable for their non-toxicity, abundance, catalytic activity, and cost-effectiveness, these materials offer significant advantages. However, further investigation is needed to fully understand how iron-based materials' physical, chemical, and electrical properties influence their catalytic performance in sensor applications. It explores the overview of electrochemical sensor technology, examines the impact of iron-based materials and their characteristics on catalytic activity, and investigates various iron-based materials, their advantages, functionalization, and modification techniques. Additionally, the review investigates the application of iron-based electrode material composites in electrochemical sensors for real sample detections. Ultimately, continued research and development in this area promise to unlock new avenues for using iron-based electrode materials in sensor applications.

Development of a highly sensitive CNT-metal graphene hybrid nano-IDA electrochemical biosensor for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease

The blood-based detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is becoming challenging since the blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricts the direct circulation of AD molecules in the blood, thereby precluding the detection of AD at an early-stage. Herein, we report the development of a novel CNT-metal-porous graphene hybrid (CNT-MGH) nano-interdigitated array (n-IDA) electrochemical 8-well biosensor for the successful early-stage diagnosis of AD from blood. Laser-induced graphene (LIG) technology has been used to fabricate the proposed CNT-MGH n-IDA 8-well sensor. Firstly, the electrochemical characterization (i.e., electrode gap, material composition, etc.) of the proposed sensor was demonstrated by measuring p-aminophenol (PAP) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.1 picomole. Subsequently, the CNT-MGH n-IDA 8-well sensor was then used to diagnose AD via novel blood biomarkers p-Tau 217 and p-Tau 181 using an electrochemical enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (e-ELISA) enzyme by-product PAP. During e-ELISA, the alkaline phosphatase enzyme (IgG-AP) tagged to the detection antibody produced an electroactive ELISA by-product PAP by reacting with the enzyme-substrate 4-aminophenyl phosphate (PAPP). Finally, the CNT-MGH n-IDA 8-well sensor was then used to measure the current generated by the redox reaction via the e-ELISA by-product PAP. While quantified, the proposed CNT-MGH n-IDA 8-well sensor successfully detected p-Tau 217 and p-Tau 181 proteins in blood with LODs of 0.16 pg ml-1 and 0.08 pg ml-1, respectively.

Monodispersed Au nanoparticles decorated MoS2 nanosheets with enhanced peroxidase-like activity based electrochemical H2O2 sensing for anticancer drug evaluations

BACKGROUND

The unique size, physical and chemical properties, and ultra-high stability of nanozymes have attracted extensive attentions in sensing, but improvement of catalytic activity of the nanozymes is still an urgent issue. Given the ultra-high simulated enzyme activity of metal nanoparticles and the advantage of multi-enzyme catalysis, an Au-decorated MoS2 nanosheets (MoS2/Au NS) integrating the double peroxidase-like (POD) activity is developed.

RESULTS

By optimizing and adjusting the density of AuNPs, as well as its morphology and other parameters, a monodisperse and high-density distribution of AuNPs on MoS2 nanosheets was obtained, which can greatly improve the POD-like activity of MoS2/Au NS. Nafion solution was applied to assist the modification of MoS2/Au NS on the electrode surface so as to improved its stability. An electrochemical H2O2 detection platform was constructed by modifying MoS2/Au NS nanozyme on the SPCE using the conductive Nafion solution. And the negatively charged sulfonic acid group can eliminate negatively charged electroactive substances to improve the specificity. Then ascorbic acid was used to stimulate tumor cells to produce H2O2 as therapeutic model, an ultrasensitive chronocoulometry detection for H2O2 in cell lysate was established. The logarithmically of ΔQ and the logarithmically of H2O2 concentration showed a good linear relationship between 1 μM and 500 mM, with a LOD value of 0.3 μM.

SIGNIFICANCE

The developed H2O2 sensor has excellent stability, reproducibility (RSD = 2.3 %, n = 6) and selectivity, realized the quantitative detection of H2O2 in cell lysate. Compared with commercial fluorescence detection kits for H2O2 in cell lysate, it is worth mentioning that the electrochemical H2O2 sensor developed in this study is simpler and faster, with higher sensitivity and lower cost. This provides a potential substitute for disease diagnosis and treatment evaluation based on accurate detection of H2O2.

Synergistic enhancement of wearable biosensor through Pt single-atom catalyst for sweat analysis

Real-time monitoring of biological markers in sweat is a valuable tool for health assessment. In this study, we have developed an innovative wearable biosensor for precise analysis of glucose in sweat during physical activities. The sensor is based on a single-atom catalyst of platinum (Pt) uniformly dispersed on tricobalt tetroxide (Co3O4) nanorods and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), featuring a unique three-dimensional nanostructure and excellent glucose electrocatalytic performance with a wide detection range of 1-800 μM. Additionally, density functional theory calculations have revealed the synergetic role of Pt active sites in the Pt single-atom catalyst (Co3O4/rGO/Pt) in glucose adsorption and electron transfer, thereby enhancing sensor performance. To enable application in wearable devices, we designed an S-shaped microfluidic chip and a point-of-care testing (POCT) device, both of which were validated for effectiveness through actual use by volunteers. This research provides valuable insights and innovative approaches for analyzing sweat glucose using wearable devices, contributing to the advancement of personalized healthcare.

Advances in polyoxometalate-based electrochemical sensors in the last three years

As a famous subclass of metal-oxide cluster materials, polyoxometalates (POMs) feature variable architectures, reversible multi-electron transport capability, catalytic activity, and redox capacity. These attributes endow POMs with great potential as promising electrode materials in electrochemical sensors (ECSs). Up to now, POM-based ECSs have been passionately studied, and diverse POM-based redox ECSs, aptasensors and immunosensors have emerged. And these POM-based ECSs generally demonstrate fast response, low detection limit, strong selectivity and high antijamming capability. This review mainly focuses on the remarkable advancement of POM-based ECSs in environmental monitoring, food safety and biomedicine from 2021, aiming to furnish theoretical insights that inform the design and development of innovative sensors.

Smartphone-Based Techniques Using Carbon Dot Nanomaterials for Food Safety Analysis

The development of portable and efficient nanoprobes to realize the quantitative/qualitative onsite determination of food pollutants is of immense importance for safeguarding human health and food safety. With the advent of the smartphone, the digital imaging property causes it to be an ideal diagnostic substrate to point-of-care analysis probes. Besides, merging the versatility of carbon dots nanostructures and bioreceptor abilities has opened an innovative assortment of construction blocks to design advanced nanoprobes or improving those existing ones. On this ground, massive endeavors have been made to combine mobile phones with smart nanomaterials to produce portable (bio)sensors in a reliable, low cost, rapid, and even facile-to-implement area with inadequate resources. Herein, this work outlines the latest advancement of carbon dots nanostructures on smartphone for onsite detecting of agri-food pollutants. Particularly, we afford a summary of numerous approaches applied for target molecule diagnosis (pesticides, mycotoxins, pathogens, antibiotics, and metal ions), for instance microscopic imaging, fluorescence, colorimetric, and electrochemical techniques. Authors tried to list those scaffolds that are well-recognized in complex media or those using novel constructions/techniques. Lastly, we also point out some challenges and appealing prospects related to the enhancement of high-efficiency smartphone based carbon dots systems.

Flexible Graphene Paper Modified Using Pt&Pd Alloy Nanoparticles Decorated Nanoporous Gold Support for the Electrochemical Sensing of Small Molecular Biomarkers

The exploration into nanomaterial-based nonenzymatic biosensors with superb performance in terms of good sensitivity and anti-interference ability in disease marker monitoring has always attained undoubted priority in sensing systems. In this work, we report the design and synthesis of a highly active nanocatalyst, i.e., palladium and platinum nanoparticles (Pt&Pd-NPs) decorated ultrathin nanoporous gold (NPG) film, which is modified on a homemade graphene paper (GP) to develop a high-performance freestanding and flexible nanohybrid electrode. Owing to the structural characteristics the robust GP electrode substrate, and high electrochemically catalytic activities and durability of the permeable NPG support and ultrafine and high-density Pt&Pd-NPs on it, the resultant Pt&Pd-NPs-NPG/GP electrode exhibits excellent sensing performance of low detection limitation, high sensitivity and anti-interference capability, good reproducibility and long-term stability for the detection of small molecular biomarkers hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and glucose (Glu), and has been applied to the monitoring of H2O2 in different types of live cells and Glu in body fluids such as urine and fingertip blood, which is of great significance for the clinical diagnosis and prognosis in point-of-care testing.

Recent Development of Implantable Chemical Sensors Utilizing Flexible and Biodegradable Materials for Biomedical Applications

Implantable chemical sensors built with flexible and biodegradable materials exhibit immense potential for seamless integration with biological systems by matching the mechanical properties of soft tissues and eliminating device retraction procedures. Compared with conventional hospital-based blood tests, implantable chemical sensors have the capability to achieve real-time monitoring with high accuracy of important biomarkers such as metabolites, neurotransmitters, and proteins, offering valuable insights for clinical applications. These innovative sensors could provide essential information for preventive diagnosis and effective intervention. To date, despite extensive research on flexible and bioresorbable materials for implantable electronics, the development of chemical sensors has faced several challenges related to materials and device design, resulting in only a limited number of successful accomplishments. This review highlights recent advancements in implantable chemical sensors based on flexible and biodegradable materials, encompassing their sensing strategies, materials strategies, and geometric configurations. The following discussions focus on demonstrated detection of various objects including ions, small molecules, and a few examples of macromolecules using flexible and/or bioresorbable implantable chemical sensors. Finally, we will present current challenges and explore potential future directions.

Implantable Electrochemical Microsensors for In Vivo Monitoring of Animal Physiological Information

In vivo monitoring of animal physiological information plays a crucial role in promptly alerting humans to potential diseases in animals and aiding in the exploration of mechanisms underlying human diseases. Currently, implantable electrochemical microsensors have emerged as a prominent area of research. These microsensors not only fulfill the technical requirements for monitoring animal physiological information but also offer an ideal platform for integration. They have been extensively studied for their ability to monitor animal physiological information in a minimally invasive manner, characterized by their bloodless, painless features, and exceptional performance. The development of implantable electrochemical microsensors for in vivo monitoring of animal physiological information has witnessed significant scientific and technological advancements through dedicated efforts. This review commenced with a comprehensive discussion of the construction of microsensors, including the materials utilized and the methods employed for fabrication. Following this, we proceeded to explore the various implantation technologies employed for electrochemical microsensors. In addition, a comprehensive overview was provided of the various applications of implantable electrochemical microsensors, specifically in the monitoring of diseases and the investigation of disease mechanisms. Lastly, a concise conclusion was conducted on the recent advancements and significant obstacles pertaining to the practical implementation of implantable electrochemical microsensors.

Flexible and Stretchable Electrochemical Sensors for Biological Monitoring

The rise of flexible and stretchable electronics has revolutionized biosensor techniques for probing biological systems. Particularly, flexible and stretchable electrochemical sensors (FSECSs) enable the in situ quantification of numerous biochemical molecules in different biological entities owing to their exceptional sensitivity, fast response, and easy miniaturization. Over the past decade, the fabrication and application of FSECSs have significantly progressed. This review highlights key developments in electrode fabrication and FSECSs functionalization. It delves into the electrochemical sensing of various biomarkers, including metabolites, electrolytes, signaling molecules, and neurotransmitters from biological systems, encompassing the outer epidermis, tissues/organs in vitro and in vivo, and living cells. Finally, considering electrode preparation and biological applications, current challenges and future opportunities for FSECSs are discussed.

Flexible electrochemical sensor with Fe/Co bimetallic oxides for sensitive analysis of glucose in human tears

The construction of uniformly dispersed structure with abundant active sites is crucial for fast electron transport and advancing electrocatalytic reactions. Herein, Fe_xCo_yO₄-rGO was prepared by depositing Fe and Co bimetallic oxides in-situ on reduced graphene oxide through a simple process combined hydrothermal reaction and calcination. Fe was elaborately introduced into the synthesis of metal oxides to alleviate the aggregation of cobalt oxides and obtain nanocomposites with homogeneously structured and abundant redox sites, and the bimetallic oxides nanomaterials had enhanced electrocatalysis under the synergistic effect. The flexible electrode prepared from Fe_xCo_yO₄-rGO exhibited excellent detection performance for glucose with a detection limit down low to 0.07 μM and a sensitivity of 1510 μM cm^-2 mA^-1. The adoption of flexible substrates improved the wearability of the electrode and broadened its practicality for detecting biomarkers on the skin surface. The constructed sensor was successfully used in the dynamic analysis of glucose content in tears, and the results were highly consistent with the test outcome of a commercial test kit, demonstrating its application prospects in non-invasive epidermal diabetes mellitus diagnosis.

Detection of Axitinib Using Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube-Fe2O3/Chitosan Nanocomposite-Based Electrochemical Sensor and Modeling with Density Functional Theory

In this study, axitinib (AXI), a potent and selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase and used as a second-generation targeted drug, was investigated electrochemically under optimized conditions using multiwalled carbon nanotubes/iron(III) oxide nanoparticle-chitosan nanocomposite (MWCNT/Fe₂O₃@chitosan NC) modified on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface. Characterization of the modified electrode was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The adsorptive stripping differential pulse voltammetric (AdSDPV) technique was used for the sensitive, rapid, and precise detection of AXI. The current peak obtained with the MWCNT/Fe₂O₃@chitosan NC modified electrode was 23 times higher compared to the bare electrode. The developed modified electrode showed excellent electrocatalytic activity in AXI oxidation. Under optimized conditions, the effect of supporting electrolyte and pH was investigated, and 0.1 M H₂SO₄ was chosen as the electrolyte with the highest peak current for the target analyte. In the concentration range of MWCNT/Fe₂O₃@chitosan NC/GCE, 6 × 10^-9 and 1 × 10^-6 M, the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values were calculated to be 0.904 and 0.0301 pM, respectively. Tablet and serum samples were used for the applicability of the developed sensor, relative standard deviation (RSD) values for all samples were below 2%, and the recovery results were 99.23 and 101.84%, respectively. The MWCNT/Fe₂O₃@chitosan NC/GCE designed to determine AXI demonstrated the applicability, selectivity, precision, and accuracy of the sensor. The mechanism of electron transfer from the modified GCE surface to the analyte solution is studied via modeling the modified GCE surface by the density functional theory (DFT) method at B3LYP/6-311+g(d,p) and M062X/6-31g(d,p) levels. We observed that the iron oxide nanoparticles play an important role in channeling electron flow from the analyte solution to the MWCNT-coated GCE electrode surface. Adsorption of the nanocomposite material onto the GCE surface occurs via strong electrostatic interactions, including ionic and hydrogen bond formations. During the adsorption-controlled oxidation process of the axitinib, the electrons are transferred via the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) localized on the iron oxide moiety to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the MWCNT/GCE surface.