Direct electrochemistry of myoglobin at reduced graphene oxide-multiwalled carbon nanotubes-platinum nanoparticles nanocomposite and biosensing towards hydrogen peroxide and nitrite

Behind the Optimization of the Sensor Film: Bioconjugation of Triangular Gold Nanoparticles with Hemoproteins for Sensitivity Enhancement of Enzymatic Biosensors

Electrochemical biosensors are widely used in a multitude of applications, such as medical, nutrition, research, among other fields. These sensors have been historically used and have not undergone many changes in terms of the involved electrochemical processes. In this work, we propose a new approach on the immobilization and enhancement of the electrochemical properties of the sensing layers through the control and bioconjugation of hemoproteins (hemoglobin, myoglobin, and cytochrome C) on anisotropic gold nanoparticles (gold nanotriangles (AuNTs)). The hemeproteins and the AuNTs are mixed in a solution, resulting in stable bioconjugates that are deposited onto the electrode surface to obtain the biosensors. All the systems proposed herein exhibited direct well-defined redox responses, highlighting the key role of the AuNTs acting as mediators of such electron transfers. Several protein layers surrounding the AuNTs are electroactive, as demonstrated from the charge measured by cyclic voltammetry. The retention of the stability of the hemeproteins once they are part of the bioconjugates is evidenced towards the electrocatalytic reduction of hydrogen peroxide, oxygen, and nitrite. The parameters obtained for the proposed biosensors are similar or even lower than those previously reported for similar systems based on nanomaterials, and they exhibit attractive properties that make them potential candidates for the latest developments in the field of sensing devices.

Ion-selective electrodes based on laser-induced graphene as an alternative method for nitrite monitoring

Nitrite is an important food additive for cured meats; however, high nitrite levels pose adverse health effects to humans. Hence, monitoring nitrite concentration is critical to comply with limits imposed by regulatory agencies. Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has proven to be a scalable manufacturing alternative to produce high-performance electrochemical transducers for sensors. Herein, we expand upon initial LIG studies by fabricating hydrophilic and hydrophobic LIG that are subsequently converted into ion-selective sensors to monitor nitrite in food samples with comparable performance to the standard photometric method (Griess method). The hydrophobic LIG resulted in an ion-selective electrode with improved potential stability due partly to a decrease in the water layer between the electrode and the nitrite poly(vinyl) chloride-based ion-selective membrane. These resultant nitrite ion-selective sensors displayed Nernstian response behavior with a sensitivity of 59.5 mV dec-1, a detection limit of 0.3 ± 0.1 mg L-1 (mean ± standard deviation), and a broad linear sensing range from 10-5 to 10-1 M, which was significantly larger than currently published nitrite methods. Nitrite levels were determined directly in food extract samples of sausage, ham, and bacon for 5 min. These sensor metrics are significant as regulatory agencies limit nitrite levels up to 200 mg L-1 in finished products to reduce the potential formation of nitrosamine (carcinogenic compound). These results demonstrate the versatility of LIG as a platform for ion-selective-LIG sensors and simple, efficient, and scalable electrochemical sensing in general while demonstrating a promising alternative to monitor nitrite levels in food products ensuring regulatory compliance.

Carbon Nanomaterials-Based Electrochemical Sensors for Heavy Metal Detection

Heavy metals are commonly found in a wide range of environmental settings metals, but the potential toxicity associated with heavy metal exposure represents a major threat to global public health. It is thus vital that approaches to efficiently, reliably, and effectively detecting heavy metals in a range of sample types be established. Carbon nanomaterials offer many advantageous properties that make them well-suited to the design of sensitive, selective, easy-to-operate electrochemical biosensors ideal for detecting heavy metal ions. The present review offers an overview of recent progress in the development of carbon nanomaterial-based electrochemical sensors used to detect heavy metals. In addition to providing a detailed discussion of certain carbon nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon fibers, carbon quantum dots, carbon nanospheres, mesoporous carbon, and Graphdiyne, we survey the challenges and future directions for this field. Overall, the studies discussed herein suggest that the further development of carbon nanomaterial-modified electrochemical sensors will support the integration of increasingly advanced sensor platforms to aid in detecting heavy metals in foods, environmental samples, and other settings, thereby benefitting human health and society as a whole.

Emerging 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D nanostructures for efficient point-of-care biosensing

The recent COVID-19 infection outbreak has raised the demand for rapid, highly sensitive POC biosensing technology for intelligent health and wellness. In this direction, efforts are being made to explore high-performance nano-systems for developing novel sensing technologies capable of functioning at point-of-care (POC) applications for quick diagnosis, data acquisition, and disease management. A combination of nanostructures [i.e., 0D (nanoparticles & quantum dots), 1D (nanorods, nanofibers, nanopillars, & nanowires), 2D (nanosheets, nanoplates, nanopores) & 3D nanomaterials (nanocomposites and complex hierarchical structures)], biosensing prototype, and micro-electronics makes biosensing suitable for early diagnosis, detection & prevention of life-threatening diseases. However, a knowledge gap associated with the potential of 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D nanostructures for the design and development of efficient POC sensing is yet to be explored carefully and critically. With this focus, this review highlights the latest engineered 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D nanomaterials for developing next-generation miniaturized, portable POC biosensors development to achieve high sensitivity with potential integration with the internet of medical things (IoMT, for miniaturization and data collection, security, and sharing), artificial intelligence (AI, for desired analytics), etc. for better diagnosis and disease management at the personalized level.

Detection of Few Hydrogen Peroxide Molecules Using Self-Reporting Fluorescent Nanodiamond Quantum Sensors

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) plays an important role in various signal transduction pathways and regulates important cellular processes. However, monitoring and quantitatively assessing the distribution of H₂O₂ molecules inside living cells requires a nanoscale sensor with molecular-level sensitivity. Herein, we show the first demonstration of sub-10 nm-sized fluorescent nanodiamonds (NDs) as catalysts for the decomposition of H₂O₂ and the production of radical intermediates at the nanoscale. Furthermore, the nitrogen-vacancy quantum sensors inside the NDs are employed to quantify the aforementioned radicals. We believe that our method of combining the peroxidase-mimicking activities of the NDs with their intrinsic quantum sensor showcases their application as self-reporting H₂O₂ sensors with molecular-level sensitivity and nanoscale spatial resolution. Given the robustness and the specificity of the sensor, our results promise a new platform for elucidating the role of H₂O₂ at the cellular level.

Recent Advances in Electrochemical Sensing of Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) Released from Cancer Cells

Cancer is by far the most common cause of death worldwide. There are more than 200 types of cancer known hitherto depending upon the origin and type. Early diagnosis of cancer provides better disease prognosis and the best chance for a cure. This fact prompts world-leading scientists and clinicians to develop techniques for the early detection of cancer. Thus, less morbidity and lower mortality rates are envisioned. The latest advancements in the diagnosis of cancer utilizing nanotechnology have manifested encouraging results. Cancerous cells are well known for their substantial amounts of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The common methods for the detection of H₂O₂ include colorimetry, titration, chromatography, spectrophotometry, fluorimetry, and chemiluminescence. These methods commonly lack selectivity, sensitivity, and reproducibility and have prolonged analytical time. New biosensors are reported to circumvent these obstacles. The production of detectable amounts of H₂O₂ by cancerous cells has promoted the use of bio- and electrochemical sensors because of their high sensitivity, selectivity, robustness, and miniaturized point-of-care cancer diagnostics. Thus, this review will emphasize the principles, analytical parameters, advantages, and disadvantages of the latest electrochemical biosensors in the detection of H₂O₂. It will provide a summary of the latest technological advancements of biosensors based on potentiometric, impedimetric, amperometric, and voltammetric H₂O₂ detection. Moreover, it will critically describe the classification of biosensors based on the material, nature, conjugation, and carbon-nanocomposite electrodes for rapid and effective detection of H₂O₂, which can be useful in the early detection of cancerous cells.

Amplified electrochemical determination of niclosamide in food based on carbon nanohorn@MWCNT composite

In this work, carbon nanohorn (CNH)-decorated multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) (CNH@MWCNT) composite was prepared and used to modify glass carbon electrode (GCE) as sensitive electrochemical sensor for niclosamide (NA) determination. Herein, the decoration of CNHs induces higher dispersibility for MWCNTs, and endows the composite with better conductivity, larger surface area, and higher catalytic activity, which leads to significantly enhanced electrochemical behavior toward NA oxidation. The parameters such as mass ratios of CNHs and MWCHTs, the amount of composite materials, the accumulation time, and the solution pH are systematically optimized. Under optimized conditions, the developed electrochemical sensor exhibits a low detection limit of 2.0 nM with a wide linear range of 7.0 nM-10.0 µM and high anti-interference ability. In addition, the sensor displays good stability, repeatability, and reproducibility. The feasibility of the assay was verified by testing NA in brown rice and rice field water samples.

Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) and Their Application in Biosensor Development

Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) are a new class of solvents characterized by a remarkable decrease in melting point compared to those of the starting components. The eutectic mixtures can be simply prepared by mixing a Hydrogen Bond Acceptor (HBA) with a Hydrogen Bond Donor (HBD) at a temperature of about 80 °C. They have found applications in different research fields; for instance, they have been employed in organic synthesis, electrochemistry, and bio-catalysis, showing improved biodegradability and lower toxicity compared to other solvents. Herein, we review the use of DESs in biosensor development. We consider the emerging interest in different fields of this green class of solvents and the possibility of their use for the improvement of biosensor performance. We point out some promising examples of approaches for the assembly of biosensors exploiting their compelling characteristics. Furthermore, the extensive ability of DESs to solubilize a wide range of molecules provides the possibility to set up new devices, even for analytes that are usually insoluble and difficult to quantify.

Trace Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide via Dynamic Double Emulsions

Hydrogen peroxide is a dynamic signaling molecule in biological systems. We report herein a versatile double emulsion sensor that can detect femtomolar quantities of aqueous hydrogen peroxide. The mechanism responsible for this sensitivity is a peroxide induced change in double emulsion structure, which results in a modified directional emission from dyes dissolved in the high index organic phase. The morphology (structure) of the double emulsion is controlled via interfacial tensions and a methyltrioxorhenium catalyzed sulfide oxidation results in an enhancement of the surfactant effectiveness. The incipient polar sulfoxide induced decrease of the interfacial tension at the organic-water (O-W) interface results in an increased interfacial area between the organic phase and water and a diminished emission perpendicular to the supporting substrate. The modularity of our sensory system is demonstrated through cascade catalysis between methyltrioxorhenium and oxidase enzymes, with the latter producing hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct to enable for the selective and sensitive detection of molecular and ionic enzymatic substrates.

Intertwined Carbon Nanotubes and Ag Nanowires Constructed by Simple Solution Blending as Sensitive and Stable Chloramphenicol Sensors

Chloramphenicol (CAP) is a harmful compound associated with human hematopathy and neuritis, which was widely used as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent in agriculture and aquaculture. Therefore, it is significant to detect CAP in aquatic environments. In this work, carbon nanotubes/silver nanowires (CNTs/AgNWs) composite electrodes were fabricated as the CAP sensor. Distinguished from in situ growing or chemical bonding noble metal nanomaterials on carbon, this CNTs/AgNWs composite was formed by simple solution blending. It was demonstrated that CNTs and AgNWs both contributed to the redox reaction of CAP in dynamics, and AgNWs was beneficial in thermodynamics as well. The proposed electrochemical sensor displayed a low detection limit of up to 0.08 μM and broad linear range of 0.1-100 μM for CAP. In addition, the CNTs/AgNWs electrodes exhibited good performance characteristics of repeatability and reproducibility, and proved suitable for CAP analysis in real water samples.

Sonochemical synthesis and fabrication of perovskite type calcium titanate interfacial nanostructure supported on graphene oxide sheets as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for electrochemical detection of chemotherapeutic drug

In green approaches for electrocatalyst synthesis, sonochemical methods play a powerful role in delivering the abundant surface areas and nano-crystalline properties that are advantageous to electrocatalytic detection. In this article, we proposed the sphere-like and perovskite type of bimetal oxides which are synthesized through an uncomplicated sonochemical procedure. As a yield, the novel calcium titanate (orthorhombic nature) nanoparticles (CaTiO₃ NPs) decorated graphene oxide sheets (GOS) were obtained through simple ultrasonic irradiation by a high-intensity ultrasonic probe (Titanium horn; 50 kHz and 60 W). The GOS/CaTiO₃ NC were characterized morphologically and chemically through the analytical methods (SEM, XRD, and EDS). Besides, as-prepared nanocomposites were modified on a GCE (glassy carbon electrode) and applied towards electrocatalytic and electrochemical sensing of chemotherapeutic drug flutamide (FD). Notably, FD is a crucial anticancer drug and also a non-steroidal anti-androgen chemical. Mainly, the designed and modified sensor has shown a wide linear range (0.015-1184 µM). A limit of detection was calculated as nanomolar level (5.7 nM) and sensitivity of the electrode is 1.073 μA μM^-1 cm^-2. The GOS/CaTiO₃ modified electrodes have been tested in human blood and urine samples towards anticancer drug detection.

Improved conductivity of flower-like MnWO4 on defect engineered graphitic carbon nitride as an efficient electrocatalyst for ultrasensitive sensing of chloramphenicol

Environmental hazards caused by chloramphenicol has attained special attention. Fast, accurate and reliable detection of chloramphenicol in foodstuffs and water samples is of utmost importance. Herein, we developed a g-C₃N₄/MnWO₄ composite for the selective and sensitive detection of chloramphenicol. Successful fabrication of g-C₃N₄/MnWO₄ composite was verified by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and x-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. Electrochemical characteristics were evaluated by using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The g-C₃N₄/MnWO₄ modified glassy carbon electrode has shown the highest electrocatalytic activity towards chloramphenicol with a decreased reduction potential of -0.547 V and increased cathodic peak current. The developed sensor has shown excellent performance for the detection of chloramphenicol with a sensitivity of 0.9986 μA nM^-1 cm^-2 and LOD of 1.03 nM in a broad linear range of 4.0-71 nM. In addition, the fabricated sensor has achieved anti-interference ability, good stability, excellent repeatability and remarkable reproducibility for the detection of chloramphenicol. The fabricated sensor applied for the determination of chloramphenicol in milk, human blood serum and sewage samples, in which significant and satisfactory results were achieved.

A robust electrochemical sensing based on bimetallic metal-organic framework mediated Mo2C for simultaneous determination of acetaminophen and isoniazid

Herein, a Mo₂C/bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate framework-modified glassy carbon electrode (Mo₂C@BMZIFs/GCE) was established as an electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous sensitive determination of acetaminophen (APAP) and isoniazid (INZ). The apparent morphology, structural composition, and electrochemical properties were comprehensively investigated. The outstanding electrocatalytic activity and conductivity endow the sensor desirable electrochemical performance toward APAP and INZ compared to the bare GCE, such as wide linear range, low detection limit, and high selectivity. Under the optimum conditions, a linear relationship between the oxidation peak current and the concentration of the measured object was obtained, with linear ranges from 0.1 to 300 μM for APAP and from 10 to 3500 μM for INZ. The detection limits for APAP and INZ were 0.03 μM and 1.5 μM, respectively. More importantly, the APAP and INZ oxidation peaks could be completely separated. Moreover, the highly sensitive and stable sensor was applied to detect APAP and INZ in human serum. This work can provide a viable route to rational design and construct electrochemical sensors for drug monitoring and clinical diagnosis.

Sarcosine Prostate Cancer Biomarker Detection by Controlling Oxygen in NiOx Membrane on Vertical Silicon Nanowires in Electrolyte-Insulator-Nanowire Structure

Sarcosine prostate cancer biomarker with the low concentration of 1 pM has been detected by controlling oxygen from 1 to 15 sccm in a NiO_x membrane on chemically etched vertical Si nanowires (SiNWs) in an electrolyte-insulator-nanowire (EIN) structure. The vertical Si nanowires with approximately 17 μm length and polycrystalline NiO_x membrane are observed by both field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) images, respectively. The optimized NiO_x membrane with oxygen content of 4 sccm on planar SiO_x/Si substrate shows good pH sensitivity of approximately 50 mV/pH, low hysteresis of 3.4 mV, and low drift rate of 2.4 mV/h as compared to other oxygen content membranes of 1, 10, and 15 sccm. Further, uric acid with the concentration of 0.1 μM is detected directly by using the optimized NiO_x membrane. In addition, repeatable H₂O₂ sensing with the low concentration of 10 pM as well as prostate cancer biomarker is detected, which is owing to the reduction-oxidation phenomena of the NiO_x membranes. The sensing mechanism is owing to the Ni²⁺/Ni³⁺ oxidation states of the NiO_x membrane, which is confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The optimized NiO_x membrane on vertical Si nanowire in the EIN structure shows a good drift rate of 3.84 mV/h and sarcosine detection with improvement of approximately 1000 times as compared to the planar Si in an electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS) structure. This sensor paves a way to detect early-stage diagnosis of prostate cancer rapidly in the near future.

Sonochemical synthesis of graphitic carbon nitrides-wrapped bimetal oxide nanoparticles hybrid materials and their electrocatalytic activity for xanthine electro-oxidation

A novel network-like magnetic nanoparticle was fabricated on a graphitic carbon nitride through a facile sonochemical route at frequency 20 kHz and power 70 W. To enhance the electrocatalytic activity of the modified materials, the graphitic carbon nitrides (g-C₃N₄) was prepared from melamine. Monitoring of xanthine concentration level in biological fluids is more important for clinical diagnosis and medical applications. As modified CuFe₂O₄/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite exhibits better electrochemical activity towards the oxidation of xanthine with higher anodic current compared to other modified and unmodified electrode for the detection of xanthine with larger linear range (0.03-695 µM) and lower limit of detection (13.2 nM). To compare with these methods, the electrochemical techniques may be an alternative high sensitive method due to their simplicity and rapid detection time. In addition, the practical feasibility of the sensor was inspected with biological samples, reveals the acceptable recovery of the sensor in real samples.

Sonochemical synthesis and fabrication of neodymium sesquioxide entrapped with graphene oxide based hierarchical nanocomposite for highly sensitive electrochemical sensor of anti-cancer (raloxifene) drug

The ultrasound-assisted synthesis of a novel neodymium sesquioxide nanoparticles (Nd₂O₅ NPs) decorated graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite under ultrasonic probe (Ultrasonic processor model-PR 1000; frequency-30 kHz; power of 100 W/cm²) has been reported. After then, SEM, TEM, XRD, EDX and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy characterized was analyzed using Nd₂O₅ NPs@GO nanomaterial. Furthermore, the nanomaterial modified GCE (glassy carbon electrode) shows excellent electrochemical sensing performance towards anti-cancer drug. Raloxifene is one of the important anti-cancer drug. Moreover, the fabricated electrochemical sensor has showed a wide linear range for raloxifene between 0.03 and 472.5 µM and nanomolar detection limit (18.43 nM). In addition, the Nd₂O₅ NPs@GO modified sensor has been applied to the determination of raloxifene in human blood and urine samples.

Facile synthesis of copper(II) oxide nanospheres covered on functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified electrode as rapid electrochemical sensing platform for super-sensitive detection of antibiotic

Herein, we report a super-active electrocatalyst of copper(II) oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) decorated functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CuO NPs@f-MWCNTs) by the ultrasonic method. The as-synthesized CuO NPs@f-MWCNTs was characterized through the FESEM, XPS, XRD and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The combination of highly active CuO NPs and highly conductive f-MWCNTs film with rapid detection enables this nanohybrid to display excellent electrochemical performance towards anesthesia drug. Furthermore, the hybrid electrocatalyst modified SPCE was developed for the determination of flunitrazepam (FTM) for the first time. FTM is important anesthesia drug with high adverse effect in human body. Benefiting from the synergistic reaction of CuO NPs and f-MWCNTs, this nanohybrid exhibited high sensitivity and specificity towards FTM electro-reduction. The CuO NPs@f-MWCNTs film modified SPCE exhibits outstanding electrochemical activity including excellent reproducibility, wide linear range from 0.05 to 346.6 µM with nanomolar limit of detection for FTM detection. Further, the as-modified CuO NPs@f-MWCNTs/SPCE has been applied to determination of FTM in biological and drug samples with satisfactory recovery results, thereby showing a notable potential for extensive (bio) sensor applications.

Developing green sonochemical approaches towards the synthesis of highly integrated and interconnected carbon nanofiber decorated with Sm2O3 nanoparticles and their use in the electrochemical detection of toxic 4-nitrophenol

Highly integrated and interconnected carbon nanofiber hybrid nanofibers decorated with samarium(III) oxide (Sm₂O₃ NPs) nanoparticles was synthesized by ultrasound assisted method and characterized using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive x-rays (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The electrocatalytic activity (ECA) was monitored by detection of toxic 4-nitrophenol under phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). The sonochemical route employed was efficient to prepare Sm₂O₃ NPs modified electrode and this class of catalysts might be active electrocatalyst for the detection of 4-nitrophenol in drinking water. The screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) modified with Sm₂O₃ NPs@f-CNFs was fabricated in a facile way for the sensitively electrochemical determination of 4-nitrophenol. Under optimized preparation conditions, the electrochemical testing (differential pulse voltammetry) of 4-nitrophenol exhibited a reduction peak at -0.64 V. Compared with bare SPCE, Sm₂O₃ NPs, f-CNFs, Sm₂O₃ NPs@f-CNFs modified SPCE showed highest current response. The reduction peaks current vs the concentration of 4-nitrophenol exhibits a linear relation with the concentration range from 0.02 to 387.2 μM and the limit of detection was determined to be M (S/N = 3). In addition, Sm₂O₃ NPs@f-CNFs was contributed to detecting 4-nitrophenol in drinking water and river water samples with the recover ranging from 95.6% to 98.2%.

A novel nanocomposite with superior electrocatalytic activity: A magnetic property based ZnFe2O4 nanocubes embellished with reduced graphene oxide by facile ultrasonic approach

Herein, a novel Zinc Ferrite nanocubes (ZnFe₂O₄ NCs) decorated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite have been designed through a sonochemical method. After then, as-synthesized ZnFe₂O₄ NCs/rGO was characterized by XPS, XRD, HRTEM and EIS. Furthermore, the ZnFe₂O₄ NCs/rGO nanocomposite modified GCE (glassy carbon electrode) shows excellent electrochemical sensing performance towards biomarker of 4-nitroquinoline N-oxide (4-NQ) with fast detection. 4-NQ is one of the important cancer biomarker. Moreover, the fabricated sensor showed a wide linear window for 4-NQ between 0.025 and 534.12 µM and nanomolar detection limit (8.27 nM). Further, the as-prepared ZnFe₂O₄ NCs/rGO/GCE has been applied to the determination of 4-NQ in human blood and urine samples with excellent recovery results.

One-pot sonochemical synthesis of Bi2WO6 nanospheres with multilayer reduced graphene nanosheets modified electrode as rapid electrochemical sensing platform for high sensitive detection of oxidative stress biomarker in biological sample

4-Nitroquinoline N-oxide (4-NQO) is an important tumorigenic organic compound with high adverse effect in the human body. In this study, a novel Bismuth Tungstate nanospheres (Bi₂WO₆) decorated reduced graphene oxide (Bi₂WO₆/rGOS) nanocomposite have been designed through a sonochemical method. The as-synthesized Bi₂WO₆/rGOS was characterized through the HRTEM, FESEM, XPS, EIS and XRD. Furthermore, the nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was developed for the determination of 4-NQO. The results showed that the Bi₂WO₆/rGOS nanocomposite modified electrode exhibit valuable responses and excellent electrocatalytic activity. The fabricated sensor was facilitated the analysis of 4-NQO with a nanomolar detection limit (6.11 nM). Further, the as-synthesized Bi₂WO₆/rGOS modified electrode has been applied to sensing of 4-NQO in human blood and urine samples with satisfactory recovery.

Facile synthesis and characterization of erbium oxide (Er2O3) nanospheres embellished on reduced graphene oxide nanomatrix for trace-level detection of a hazardous pollutant causing Methemoglobinaemia

The nanomaterials have received enormous attention in the catalysis applications. Particularly, we have focused on the fabrication of nanocomposite for an electrochemical sensor with improved electrocatalytic performance. Herein, a rapid and sensitive electrochemical detection of nitrite is essential for assessing the risks facing ecosystems in environment. We report a simple and robust ultrasonic-assisted synthetical route via prepared Er₂O₃ nanoparticles decorated reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite (Er₂O₃ NPs@RGO) modified electrode for nitrite detection. The composition and morphological formation were characterized by XRD, XPS, FESEM, and HRTEM. The amperometric (i-t) and cyclic voltammetry were exhibits tremendous electrocatalytic capability and superior performance toward nitrite oxidation. A sensitive and reproducible amperometric nitrite sensor was fabricated which able to detect trace concentration as 3.69 nM and excellent sensitivity (24.17 µA µM^-1 cm^-2). The method worked well even in cured meat and water samples and the results has indicates the reliability of the method in real-time analysis.

Facile sonochemical synthesis of perovskite-type SrTiO3 nanocubes with reduced graphene oxide nanocatalyst for an enhanced electrochemical detection of α-amino acid (tryptophan)

In this paper, perovskite-type SrTiO₃ nanocubes decorated reduced graphene oxide is synthesized by sonochemical method. The as-synthesized SrTiO₃@RGO nanocomposite was confirmed by XRD, TEM, SEM, elemental mapping and electrochemical technique. Furthermore, surface morphological and X-ray diffraction studies revealed the formation and high loading of SrTiO₃ nanocubes on reduced graphene oxide matrix. The SrTiO₃@RGO nanocomposite modified electrode shows an excellent electrochemical detection towards of amino acid (tryptophan). The developed sensor was showed a wide linear range from 30 nM to 917.3 µM and detection limit is 7.15 nM. Furthermore, the sensitivity was calculated to be 9.11 µA µM^-1 cm². In addition, the proposed modified sensor is exhibited good selectivity, stability, reproducibility and repeatability. The SrTiO₃@RGO catalyst modified electrode was successfully applied to tryptophan analysis in biological samples.

Stamped multilayer graphene laminates for disposable in-field electrodes: application to electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide and glucose

A multi-step approach is described for the fabrication of multi-layer graphene-based electrodes without the need for ink binders or post-print annealing. Graphite and nanoplatelet graphene were chemically exfoliated using a modified Hummers' method and the dried material was thermally expanded. Expanded materials were used in a 3D printed mold and stamp to create laminate electrodes on various substrates. The laminates were examined for potential sensing applications using model systems of peroxide (H₂O₂) and enzymatic glucose detection. Within the context of these two assay systems, platinum nanoparticle electrodeposition and oxygen plasma treatment were examined as methods for improving sensitivity. Electrodes made from both materials displayed excellent H₂O₂ sensing capability compared to screen-printed carbon electrodes. Laminates made from expanded graphite and treated with platinum, detected H₂O₂ at a working potential of 0.3 V (vs. Ag/AgCl [0.1 M KCl]) with a 1.91 μM detection limit and sensitivity of 64 nA·μM^-1·cm^-2. Electrodes made from platinum treated nanoplatelet graphene had a H₂O₂ detection limit of 1.98 μM (at 0.3 V), and a sensitivity of 16.5 nA·μM^-1·cm^-2. Both types of laminate electrodes were also tested as glucose sensors via immobilization of the enzyme glucose oxidase. The expanded nanographene material exhibited a wide analytical range for glucose (3.7 μM to 9.9 mM) and a detection limit of 1.2 μM. The sensing range of laminates made from expanded graphite was slightly reduced (9.8 μM to 9.9 mM) and the detection limit for glucose was higher (18.5 μM). When tested on flexible substrates, the expanded graphite laminates demonstrated excellent adhesion and durability during testing. These properties make the electrodes adaptable to a variety of tests for field-based or wearable sensing applications. Graphical abstract Expanded graphite (eGR) and expanded nanoplatelet graphene (nGN) were chemically exfoliated, thermally expanded, and manually stamped into flexible multi-layer graphene laminate electrodes. Hydrogen peroxide amperometric testing of eGR laminates compared to nGN laminates and a screen printed carbon (SPC) electrode.

Rapid sonochemical synthesis of silver nano-leaves encapsulated on iron pyrite nanocomposite: An excellent catalytic application in the electrochemical detection of herbicide (Acifluorfen)

Herein, we developed a silver nanoparticles decorated iron pyrite flowers (FeS₂@Ag NL) based nanocomposite was prepared by a sonochemical method. The formation of FeS₂@Ag NL nanocomposite was confirmed by XRD, XPS, HR-TEM and analytical techniques. The FeS₂@Ag NL/SPCE was potentially applied towards electrochemical detection of toxic herbicide (acifluorfen-AFF). This provided an efficient sensor platform anchoring FeS₂@Ag NL on its surface. Under optimized conditions of differential pulse voltammetric transduction, a linear relationship between the current and the concentration was obtained in the range of 0.05-1126.45 µM for Acifluorfen. The detection limit was observed to be 0.0025 µM. the modified sensor exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, including good linear range, nanomolar detection limit, high sensitivity, and desirable stability. Particularly, the practical applicability was revealed by quantifying the AFF concentration in biological samples.

Electrodeposition of Pd-Pt Nanocomposites on Porous GaN for Electrochemical Nitrite Sensing

In recent years, nitrite pollution has become a subject of great concern for human lives, involving a number of fields, such as environment, food industry and biological process. However, the effective detection of nitrite is an instant demand as well as an unprecedented challenge. Here, a novel nitrite sensor was fabricated by electrochemical deposition of palladium and platinum (Pd-Pt) nanocomposites on porous gallium nitride (PGaN). The obtained Pd-Pt/PGaN sensor provides abundant electrocatalytic sites, endowing it with excellent performances for nitrite detection. The sensor also shows a low detection limit of 0.95 µM, superior linear ampere response and high sensitivity (150 µA/mM for 1 to 300 µM and 73 µA/mM for 300 to 3000 µM) for nitrite. In addition, the Pd-Pt/PGaN sensor was applied and evaluated in the determination of nitrite from the real environmental samples. The experimental results demonstrate that the sensor has good reproducibility and long-term stability. It provides a practical way for rapidly and effectively monitoring nitrite content in the practical application.

Progress in utilisation of graphene for electrochemical biosensors

This review discusses recent graphene (GR) electrochemical biosensor for accurate detection of biomolecules, including glucose, hydrogen peroxide, dopamine, ascorbic acid, uric acid, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, DNA, metals and immunosensor through effective immobilization of enzymes, including glucose oxidase, horseradish peroxidase, and haemoglobin. GR-based biosensors exhibited remarkable performance with high sensitivities, wide linear detection ranges, low detection limits, and long-term stabilities. Future challenges for the field include miniaturising biosensors and simplifying mass production are discussed.

Electrochemical Sensing of Hydrogen Peroxide Using Block Copolymer Templated Iron Oxide Nanopatterns

A new enzyme-free sensor based on iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) nanodots fabricated on an indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate via a block copolymer template was developed for highly sensitive and selective detection of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The self-assembly-based process described here for Fe₃O₄ formation is a simple, cost-effective, and reproducible process. The H₂O₂ response of the fabricated electrodes was linear from 2.5 × 10^-3 to 6.5 mM with a sensitivity of 191.6 μA mM^-1cm^-2 and a detection limit of 1.1 × 10^-3 mM. The electrocatalytic activity of Fe₃O₄ nanodots toward the electroreduction of H₂O₂ was described by cyclic voltammetric and amperometric techniques. The sensor described here has a strong anti-interference ability to a variety of common biological and inorganic substances.

Core-shell heterostructured multiwalled carbon nanotubes@reduced graphene oxide nanoribbons/chitosan, a robust nanobiocomposite for enzymatic biosensing of hydrogen peroxide and nitrite

A robust nanobiocomposite based on core-shell heterostructured multiwalled carbon nanotubes@reduced graphene oxide nanoribbons (MWCNTs@rGONRs)/chitosan (CHIT) was described for the fabrication of sensitive, selective, reproducible and durable biosensor for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitrite (NO2-). The excellent physicochemical properties of MWCNTs@rGONRs such as, presence of abundant oxygen functionalities, higher area-normalized edge-plane structures and chemically active sites in combination with excellent biocompatibility of CHIT resulting in the versatile immobilization matrix for myoglobin (Mb). The most attractive property of MWCNTs@rGONRs which distinguishes it from other members of graphene family is its rich edge density and edge defects that are highly beneficial for constructing enzymatic biosensors. The direct electron transfer characteristics such as, redox properties, amount of immobilized active Mb, electron transfer efficiency and durability were studied. Being as good immobilization matrix, MWCNTs@rGONRs/CHIT is also an excellent signal amplifier which helped in achieving low detection limits to quantify H2O2 (1 nM) and NO2- (10 nM). The practical feasibility of the biosensor was successfully validated in contact lens cleaning solution and meat sample.

Noble metal nanoparticles in biosensors: recent studies and applications

The aim of this review is to cover advances in noble metal nanoparticle (MNP)-based biosensors and to outline the principles and main functions of MNPs in different classes of biosensors according to the transduction methods employed. The important biorecognition elements are enzymes, antibodies, aptamers, DNA sequences, and whole cells. The main readouts are electrochemical (amperometric and voltametric), optical (surface plasmon resonance, colorimetric, chemiluminescence, photoelectrochemical, etc.) and piezoelectric. MNPs have received attention for applications in biosensing due to their fascinating properties. These properties include a large surface area that enhances biorecognizers and receptor immobilization, good ability for reaction catalysis and electron transfer, and good biocompatibility. MNPs can be used alone and in combination with other classes of nanostructures. MNP-based sensors can lead to significant signal amplification, higher sensitivity, and great improvements in the detection and quantification of biomolecules and different ions. Some recent examples of biomolecular sensors using MNPs are given, and the effects of structure, shape, and other physical properties of noble MNPs and nanohybrids in biosensor performance are discussed.