Electrochemical dual signal sensing platform for the simultaneous determination of dopamine, uric acid and glucose based on copper and cerium bimetallic carbon nanocomposites

Application of surfactants in the electrochemical sensing and biosensing of biomolecules and drug molecules

Realizing sensitive and efficient detection of biomolecules and drug molecules is of great significance. Among the detection methods that have been proposed, electrochemical sensing is favored for its outstanding advantages such as simple operation, low cost, fast response and high sensitivity. The unique structure and properties of surfactants have led to a wide range of applications in the field of electrochemical sensors and biosensors for biomolecules and drug molecules. Through the comparative analysis of reported works, this paper summarizes the application modes of surfactants in electrochemical sensors and biosensors for biomolecules and drug molecules, explores the possible electrocatalytic mechanism of their action, and looks forward to the development trend of their applications. This review is expected to provide some new ideas for subsequent related research work.

Sensitive sensing platform based on Co, Mo doped electrospun nanofibers for simultaneous electrochemical detection of dopamine and uric acid

Abnormal levels of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA) in the human body are valuable indicators for monitoring human health, as they are associated with certain diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to develop sensitive and simultaneous analytical techniques for DA and UA in diagnosing the related diseases. Herein, the Co- and Mo- doped carbon nanofibers (Co, Mo@CNFs) electrochemical biosensor was developed successfully for the sensitive and accurate simultaneous detection of DA and UA. A straightforward electrospinning technique followed by a carbonization process was employed for the synthesis of Co, Mo@CNFs, and the encapsulation of Co and Mo within CNFs served to not only prevent nanoparticle agglomeration, thus providing more active sites, but also to facilitate rapid electron transfer. By incorporating Co and Mo into CNFs, the electrocatalytic activity of the modified electrode was greatly improved due to the beneficial conductivity and synergistic effects of transition metals. This enhancement effectively addressed issues such as the overlapping anodic peaks that occur when DA and UA are oxidized concurrently. Due to the mentioned synergistic contributions, the modified Co, Mo@CNFs electrode (Co, Mo@CNFs/GCE) achieved remarkable sensitivity for the simultaneous detection of DA and UA, while also exhibiting strong anti-interference ability. The detection limits for DA and UA were 2.35 nmol L-1 and 0.16 μmol L-1, respectively. We applied the developed Co, Mo@CNFs/GCE electrochemical biosensor to detect DA and UA in 50-fold diluted serum and urine samples. The results affirm the biosensor's reliability and precision. Moreover, the developed Co, Mo@CNFs/GCE biosensor demonstrated excellent performance in simultaneously detecting DA and UA, providing an efficient and dependable detection approach for clinical diagnosis and bioanalysis.

A wearable flexible electrochemical biosensor with CuNi-MOF@rGO modification for simultaneous detection of uric acid and dopamine in sweat

BACKGROUND

In health assessment and personalized medical services, accurate detection of biological markers such as dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA) in sweat is crucial for providing valuable physiological information. However, there are challenges in detecting sweat biomarkers due to their low concentrations, variations in sweat yield among individuals, and the need for efficient sweat collection.

RESULTS

We synthesized CuNi-MOF@rGO as a high-activity electrocatalyst and investigated its feasibility and electrochemical mechanism for simultaneously detecting low-concentration biomarkers UA and DA. Interaction between the non-coordinating carboxylate group and the sample produces effective separation signals for DA and UA. The wearable biomimetic biosensor has a wide linear range of 1-500 μM, with a detection limit of 9.41 μM and sensitivity of 0.019 μA μM-1 cm-2 for DA, and 10-1000 μM, with a detection limit of 9.09 μM and sensitivity of 0.026 μA μM-1 cm-2 for UA. Thus, our sensor performs excellently in detecting low-concentration biomarkers. To improve sweat collection, we designed a microfluidic-controlled device with hydrophilic modification in the microchannel. Experimental results show optimal ink flow at 2% concentration. Overall, we developed an innovative and highly active electrocatalyst, successfully enabling simultaneous detection of low-concentration biomarkers UA and DA.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study provides a strategy for sweat analysis and health monitoring. Moreover, the sensor also showed good performance in detecting real sweat samples. This study has shown great potential in future advances in sweat analysis and health monitoring.

An enzyme-free sensor based on La-doped CoFe-layered double hydroxide decorated on reduced graphene oxide for sensitive electrochemical detection of urea

The successful synthesis of La-doped CoFe LDH@rGO nanocomposite is reported combining the advantages of LDH and rGO and shows promising performances in electrochemical sensors. The structure of the obtained nanocomposite was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), and field emission scanning electron microscope images (FE-SEM). Then, it was directly utilized to construct a carbon paste electrode (CPE) for urea detection. The electrochemical performance of the sensor was evaluated by various electrochemical methods. The La-CoFe LDH@rGO electrode exhibited excellent electrocatalytic properties, including a wide linear working range of 0.001-23.5 mM, very high sensitivity of 1.07 ± 0.023 µA µM-1 cm-2, a low detection limit of 0.33 ± 0.11 µM, and rapid response time of 5 s towards urea detection at the working potential of 0.4 V. Furthermore, the sensor displayed a high selectivity in different matrices, appropriate reproducibility, and long shelf life without activity loss during 3 months of storage under ambient conditions. Further tests were performed on serum and milk samples to confirm the capability of the proposed sensor for practical applications, demonstrating a reasonable recovery of 94.8 to 102% with an RSD value below 3%. Consequently, the synergistic effect of each component led to the good electrocatalytic activity of the modified electrode towards urea.

Colorimetric and electrochemical dual-mode uric acid determination utilizing peroxidase-mimicking activity of CoCu bimetallic nanoclusters

We present the preparation of CoCu bimetallic nanoclusters (Co@Cu-BNCs) by a hydrothermal and one-step pyrolysis method to build a colorimetric and electrochemical dual-mode sensing platform for uric acid (UA) detection. In the presence of H2O2, Co@Cu-BNCs with peroxidase-mimicking activity may convert colorless 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to blue-colored oxidized TMB (oxTMB). However, due to the inhibitory effect of uric acid (UA) on the oxidation process of TMB, the characteristic absorption peak intensity of oxTMB decreased when UA was added into a mixed solution. In this approach, a colorimetric assay platform for the detection of UA was demonstrated, with a linear range of 0.1-195 μM and a low limit of detection of 0.06 μM (S/N ratio of 3). In addition, an even wider detection range is achieved in the electrochemical method, due to the pronounced electrocatalytic activity of Co@Cu-BNCs. The surface of the glassy carbon electrode was modified with Co@Cu-BNCs to build an electrochemical sensor for detecting UA. The sensor achieves a wider linear range from 2 to 1000 μM and a limit of detection of 0.61 μM (S/N ratio of 3). Moreover, the detection of UA in a human serum sample showed satisfactory results. The results proved that the colorimetric and electrochemical dual-mode detection platform was sensitive, convenient and accurate.

Towards the design of mechanical flexible electrodes for sensing: Self-standing polypyrrole-copper nanocomposites

Self-standing electrodes with intrinsic conductivity and high electrocatalytic activity emerge as an alternative to existing sensors given their promising flexibility and wearability. Herein we demonstrate the fabrication of flexible sensors based on a hybrid nanocomposite of self-supported polypyrrole electrodes modified with copper nanoparticles (PPy-Cu) for the electrochemical detection of dopamine. The surface morphology and composition of flexible nanocomposite electrodes was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in combination with elemental mapping through energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Surface characterization by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that copper exists in both Cu(0) and Cu(II) forms. The incorporation of copper nanoparticles in the self-standing polypyrrole matrix introduced additional electroactive sites, further enhancing charge transfer, and improving the device's sensitivity. The sensing capability of self-standing PPy-Cu electrodes was evaluated using chronoamperometric measurements and optimized at various copper electrodeposition times. PPy-Cu 120s showed great performance for dopamine sensing with a low limit of detection of 1.19 μM and a linear range of 2.5 μM-250 μM. Additionally, the self-standing sensor is comprised entirely of Polypyrrole, a biocompatible polymer, and Copper nanoparticles, making it sustainable and environmentally friendly. These encouraging results pave the way for the development of next-generation flexible sensors for the detection of neurotransmitters and environmentally relevant analytes.

Glucose and UA sensing based on Cu nanoparticle decorated Nif/GO flexible electrode

A novel, green, and facile approach has been developed to construct an ultrasensitive flexible enzyme-less electrochemical sensor on the basis of chitosan and graphene oxide composites decorated with Cu nanoparticles supported on nickel foam (Nif/Cs/GO@Cu), in which GO functions as the intermediate between Nif and Cu nanoparticles. The Nif/Cs/GO@Cu sensing platform was successfully fabricated by the drop casting method to load Cs/GO onto Nif followed by an additionally electrodeposition to support Cu nanoparticles on Nif/Cs/GO. Impressively, the Nif/Cs/GO@Cu exhibited much higher electrocatalytic activity for glucose and UA oxidation as compared to that of Nif or Nif@Cu. For glucose and UA at about 0.6 V and 0.1 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), linearity could be obtained in the concentration ranges 5 µM-4 mM and 5-345 µM; the sensitivities were 16 and 2.5 µA µM-1 cm-2, and the detection limits 83 nM and 0.3 µM, respectively. The improved performance of the composite electrode was ascribed to the synergistic effect of Cu nanoparticles, Nif and GO, in which GO provides high electron conductivity and large surface area to prevent the agglomeration of Cu nanoparticles; Cu nanoparticles and Nif offer abundant active sites towards analytes oxidation. Additionally, the method was applied to determine both analytes successfully in blood serum samples with excellent recovery and also opens up an attractive route to potential applications of the flexible nickel foam-based electrochemical sensor.

Dendrimer-Gold Nanocomposite-Based Electrochemical Aptasensor for the Detection of Dopamine

Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter and biomarker that plays a vital role in our neurological system and body. Thus, it is important to monitor the concentration levels of dopamine in our bodies. We report an aptamer-based sensor fabricated through an electro-co-deposition of a generation 3 poly(propylene imine) (PPI) dendrimer and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode by cyclic voltammetry. Through self-assembly, a single-stranded thiolated dopamine aptamer was immobilized on the GC/PPI/AuNPs electrode to prepare an aptasensor. Voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to characterize the modified electrodes. The readout for the biorecognition event between the aptamer and various dopamine concentrations was attained from square wave voltammetry and EIS. The aptasensor detected dopamine from the range of 10-200 nM, with a limit of detection of 0.26 and 0.011 nM from SWV and EIS, respectively. The aptasensor was selective toward dopamine when different amounts of epinephrine and ascorbic acid were present. The aptasensor was applicable in a more complex matrix of human serum.

Focus Review on Nanomaterial-Based Electrochemical Sensing of Glucose for Health Applications

Diabetes management can be considered the first paradigm of modern personalized medicine. An overview of the most relevant advancements in glucose sensing achieved in the last 5 years is presented. In particular, devices exploiting both consolidated and innovative electrochemical sensing strategies, based on nanomaterials, have been described, taking into account their performances, advantages and limitations, when applied for the glucose analysis in blood and serum samples, urine, as well as in less conventional biological fluids. The routine measurement is still largely based on the finger-pricking method, which is usually considered unpleasant. In alternative, glucose continuous monitoring relies on electrochemical sensing in the interstitial fluid, using implanted electrodes. Due to the invasive nature of such devices, further investigations have been carried out in order to develop less invasive sensors that can operate in sweat, tears or wound exudates. Thanks to their unique features, nanomaterials have been successfully applied for the development of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic glucose sensors, which are compliant with the specific needs of the most advanced applications, such as flexible and deformable systems capable of conforming to skin or eyes, in order to produce reliable medical devices operating at the point of care.

Synthesis and characterization of activated carbon supported bimetallic Pd based nanoparticles and their sensor and antibacterial investigation

Activated carbon (AC) supported palladium cobalt bimetallic nanoparticles (PdCo@AC NPs) were obtained by green synthesis method using Cinnamomum verum (C. Verum) extract. The obtained NPs were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Crystallography (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Ultraviolet Visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy, and the functional groups and morphology of the nanoparticle were elucidated. The resulting particle size was found to be 2.467 nm. NPs were evaluated using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Scan Rate (SR), and Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) techniques for potential dopamine sensors application. According to the obtained DPV results, Limit of Detection (LOD) and Limit of Quantitation (LOQ) values are found to be 5.68 pM and 17.21 pM, respectively. It was also observed that AC supported PdCo nanoparticles obtained from C. verum extract sensed dopamine quite well. Besides, to examine the antibacterial properties of NPs, antibacterial analyzes were performed with Escherichia coli (E. Coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. Aureus). It was observed that it showed good antibacterial properties against gram positive (S. aureus) and gram negative (E. coli) bacteria. The study gave important results in terms of the synthesis of bimetallic NPs using the green synthesis method and their usability in different areas. With this study, it was observed that a good antibacterial dopamine sensor were obtained with the successful biogenic synthesis of AC supported PdCo bimetallic NPs.

Construction of a nano dispersed Cr/Fe-polycrystalline sensor via high-energy mechanochemistry for simultaneous electrochemical determination of dopamine and uric acid

A bimetallic polycrystalline sensor (Cr/Fe-SNCM) having nanosized and high dispersion was designed and used for the electrochemical simultaneous determination of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA). Catalytic nanosized Cr/Fe were highly anchored on N/S/O-contained porous carbon with high dispersion and polycrystalline Cr/Fe via energetic mechanochemical method and high-temperature carbonization. The obtained Cr/Fe-SNCM exhibited high graphitized carbon supporter and endowed high electron transport and signal output for the whole sensor. Moreover, highly dispersed Cr/Fe sites and the polycrystalline form (metal-N/S/O) efficiently enhanced the catalytic reaction, leading to a limits of detection (based on the 3σ/m criterion) of 25.8 and 22.5 nM for DA and UA, respectively. This is 1-2 orders of magnitude lower than many state-of-the-art reported sensors. The Cr/Fe-SNCM_1.0 sensor exhibited wide working range (0.1 to 10.0 μM), high recovery (96-103%) and low relative standard deviation (RSD = 3.2-4.7%) for DA and UA in real serum samples, possessing high significance for practical large-scale applications.

An ultra-sensitive laccase/polyaziridine-bismuth selenide nanoplates modified GCE for detection of atenolol in pharmaceuticals and urine samples

The analysis of β-blockers in pharmaceutical, biological and environmental samples has gained much interest due to their wide applications. The aim of this study was to develop an enzyme-based biosensor using hexagonal-shaped low-dimensional Bi₂Se₃ NPs decorated with laccase through polyaziridine (PAZ) modified glassy carbon electrode (Lac/PAZ-Bi₂Se₃ NPs/GCE). Surface properties were examined using SEM, TEM, EDX, XRD, XPS, FTIR, UV-Visible, and zeta potential. Electrochemical studies were performed with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The enzymatic biosensor exhibited excellent catalytic activity towards the oxidation of ATN at +1.05 V (vs Ag/AgCl). Under the optimum experimental conditions, I_p (µA) was linearly related to the concentrations of ATN in the range of 3 to 130 µM (R² = 0.9972) with an LOD of 0.15 µM and 0.21 µM with and without Lac enzyme. Additionally, the validation of the biosensor was tested to determine ATN on within a day and between-day basis. The biosensor was applied successfully to detect ATN in real samples. The obtained recoveries range from 98.5 % to 99.2 % with an RSD (n = 5) of 0.95 (±0.02). The findings of this study have potential biomedical applications in drug detection employing a promising nano electrode sensor of Lac/PAZ-Bi₂Se₃ NPs/GCE.

Liquid crystal-based sensitive and selective detection of uric acid and uricase in body fluids

The abnormal levels of uric acid (UA) in body fluids are associated with gout, type (II) diabetes, leukemia, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, uremia, kidney damage, and cardiovascular diseases. Also, the presence of uricase (UOx) symbolizes genetic disorders and corresponding complications. Therefore, the detection of UA and UOx in the body fluids is significant for clinical diagnosis. 4-Cyano-4'-pentylbiphenyl (5CB, a nematic liquid crystal (LC)) was doped with octadecyl trimethylammonium bromide (OTAB, a cationic surfactant), which formed a self-assembled monolayer at the aqueous/5CB interface. The UOx-catalyzed oxidation of UA yielded H₂O₂, releasing the single-strand deoxyribonucleic acid (ssDNA) from the nanoceria/ssDNA complex. The interaction of the released ssDNA with OTAB disrupted the monolayer at the aqueous/5CB interface, which resulted in a dark to bright change when observed through a polarized optical microscope. The LC-based sensor allowed the detection of UA with a linear range of 0.01-10 μM and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.001 μM. The UA detection was also performed in human urine samples and the results were comparable to that of a standard commercial colorimetric method. Similarly, the detection of UOx was performed, with a noted linear range of 20-140 μg/mL. The LOD was as low as 0.34 μg/mL. The detection of UOx was also demonstrated in human serum samples with excellent performance. This method provides a robust sensing platform for the detection of UA and UOx and has potential for applications in clinical analysis.

Bimetallic Nanomaterials-Based Electrochemical Biosensor Platforms for Clinical Applications

Diabetes is a foremost health issue that results in ~4 million deaths every year and ~170 million people suffering globally. Though there is no treatment for diabetes yet, the blood glucose level of diabetic patients should be checked closely to avoid further problems. Screening glucose in blood has become a vital requirement, and thus the fabrication of advanced and sensitive blood sugar detection methodologies for clinical analysis and individual care. Bimetallic nanoparticles (BMNPs) are nanosized structures that are of rising interest in many clinical applications. Although their fabrication shares characteristics with physicochemical methodologies for the synthesis of corresponding mono-metallic counterparts, they can display several interesting new properties and applications as a significance of the synergetic effect between their two components. These applications can be as diverse as clinical diagnostics, anti-bacterial/anti-cancer treatments or biological imaging analyses, and drug delivery. However, the exploitation of BMNPs in such fields has received a small amount of attention predominantly due to the vital lack of understanding and concerns mainly on the usage of other nanostructured materials, such as stability and bio-degradability over extended-time, ability to form clusters, chemical reactivity, and biocompatibility. In this review article, a close look at bimetallic nanomaterial based glucose biosensing approaches is discussed, concentrating on their clinical applications as detection of glucose in various real sample sources, showing substantial development of their features related to corresponding monometallic counterparts and other existing used nanomaterials for clinical applications.

Disposable Voltammetric Sensor Modified with Block Copolymer-Dispersed Graphene for Simultaneous Determination of Dopamine and Ascorbic Acid in Ex Vivo Mouse Brain Tissue

Dopamine (DA) and ascorbic acid (AA) are two important biomarkers with similar oxidation potentials. To facilitate their simultaneous electrochemical detection, a new voltammetric sensor was developed by modifying a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) with a newly synthesized block copolymer (poly(DMAEMA-b-styrene), PDbS) as a dispersant for reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The prepared PDbS–rGO and the modified SPCE were characterized using a range of physical and electrochemical techniques including Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and linear sweep voltammetry. Compared to the bare SPCE, the PDbS–rGO-modified SPCE (PDbS–rGO/SPCE) showed better sensitivity and peak-to-peak separation for DA and AA in mixed solutions. Under the optimum conditions, the dynamic linear ranges for DA and AA were 0.1–300 and 10–1100 µM, and the detection limits were 0.134 and 0.88 µM (S/N = 3), respectively. Furthermore, PDbS–rGO/SPCE exhibited considerably enhanced anti-interference capability, high reproducibility, and storage stability for four weeks. The practical potential of the PDbS–rGO/SPCE sensor for measuring DA and AA was demonstrated using ex vivo brain tissues from a Parkinson’s disease mouse model and the control.

Actualities in immunological markers and electrochemical sensors for determination of dopamine and its metabolites in psychotic disorders (Review)

Psychotic disorders represent a serious health concern. At this moment, anamnestic data, international criteria for diagnosis/classification from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 and the International Classification of Diseases-10 and diagnostic scales are used to establish a diagnosis. The most commonly used biomarkers in psychotic illnesses are those regarding the neuroimmune system, metabolic abnormalities, neurotrophins and neurotransmitter systems and proteomics. A current issue faced by clinicians is the lack of biomarkers to help develop a more accurate diagnosis, with the possibility of initiating the most effective treatment. The detection of biological markers for psychosis has the potential to contribute to improvements in its diagnosis, prognosis and treatment effectiveness. The mixture of multiple biomarkers may improve the ability to differentiate and classify these patients. In this sense, the aim of this study was to analyze the literature concerning the potential biomarkers that could be used in medical practice and to review the newest developments in electrochemical sensors used for dopamine detection, one of the most important exploited biomarkers.

Perylene diimide/MXene-modified graphitic pencil electrode-based electrochemical sensor for dopamine detection

The synthesis of novel architecture comprising perylene diimide (PDI)-MXene (Ti₃C₂T_X)-integrated graphitic pencil electrode for electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA) is reported. The good electron passage between PDI-MXene resulted in an unprecedented nano-adduct bearing enhanced electrocatalytic activity with low-energy electronic transitions. The anionic groups of PDI corroborated enhanced active surface area for selective binding and robust oxidation of DA, thereby decreasing the applied potential. Meanwhile, the MXene layers acted as functional conducive support for PDI absorption via strong H-bonding. The considerable conductivity of MXene enhanced electron transportation thus increasing the sensitivity of sensing interface. The inclusively engineered nano-adduct resulted in robust DA oxidation with ultra-sensitivity (38.1 μAμM^-1cm^-2), and low detection limit (240 nM) at very low oxidation potential (-0.135 V). Moreover, it selectively signaled DA in the presence of physiological interferents with wide linearity (100-1000 μM). The developed transducing interface performed well in human serum samples with RSD (0.1 to 0.4%) and recovery (98.6 to 100.2%) corroborating the viability of the practical implementation of this integrated system. Graphical abstract Schematic illustration of the oxidative process involved on constructed sensing interface for the development of a non-enzymatic dopamine sensor.