Copper (II)-ploy-L-histidine functionalized multi walled carbon nanotubes as efficient mimetic enzyme for sensitive electrochemical detection of salvianic acid A

An electrochemical sensor founded on heterogeneous MXene & MOF composite for tanshinol sensing

A new kind of electrochemical sensor based on the MXene & MOF composite-modified carbon cloth was prepared firstly by self-assembly through hydrogen bonds, and then by air-annealing process for detection. The preparation processing introduced chemical bonds between MXene and MOF, which remarkably enhanced the electron transfer ability. Accordingly, combing the unique features of MXene and MOF themselves, the novel electrochemical sensor exhibited exceptional performance to detect tanshinol. Via differential pulse voltammetry, we could obtain a linear tanshinol concentration range of 0.08-8 μM and the limit of detection is 0.034 μM. Furthermore, this developed electrochemical sensor could determine concentrations of tanshinol in real Chinese herbal samples, confirming its practicability and reliability.

A novel copper-based nanozyme: fabrication and application for colorimetric detection of resveratrol

A novel nanozyme (urea@Cu-NF) was synthesized by self-assembly of urea and copper phosphate with urea as plasticizer. Urea@Cu-NF exhibited excellent peroxidase-like activity with the ability to oxidize TMB in the presence of H2O2. However, its peroxidase-like activity could be inhibited by resveratrol, leading to an absorption decrease in the intensity of oxTMB. Based on this phenomenon, a colorimetric method was designed for resveratrol detection. The colorimetric reaction could be completed within 20 min with a linear range of 1-120 μM. The limit of detection (LOD) of resveratrol is 0.43 μM. Our experimental results demonstrate that urea@Cu-NF has enormous potential to function as a cheap and accurate quality detection tool.

Carbon Nanomaterials (CNMs) and Enzymes: From Nanozymes to CNM-Enzyme Conjugates and Biodegradation

Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) and enzymes differ significantly in terms of their physico-chemical properties-their handling and characterization require very different specialized skills. Therefore, their combination is not trivial. Numerous studies exist at the interface between these two components-especially in the area of sensing-but also involving biofuel cells, biocatalysis, and even biomedical applications including innovative therapeutic approaches and theranostics. Finally, enzymes that are capable of biodegrading CNMs have been identified, and they may play an important role in controlling the environmental fate of these structures after their use. CNMs' widespread use has created more and more opportunities for their entry into the environment, and thus it becomes increasingly important to understand how to biodegrade them. In this concise review, we will cover the progress made in the last five years on this exciting topic, focusing on the applications, and concluding with future perspectives on research combining carbon nanomaterials and enzymes.

Highly sensitive detection of salvianic acid a drug by a novel electrochemical sensor based on HKUST-1 loaded on three-dimensional graphene-MWCNT composite

HKUST-1, a kind of metal-organic framework (MOF) composed by Cu²⁺ and trimesic acid, loaded on reduced graphene oxide and multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite [HKUST-1 @ (RGO-MWCNT)] was successfully synthesized by a facile and simple route. Then, a highly sensitive non-enzymatic salvianic acid A (SAA) electrochemical sensor was fabricated by modifying HKUST-1 @ (RGO-MWCNT) on a glassy carbon electrode, taking full advantage of the synergistic effect between the redox catalytic capacity of Cu²⁺ and the electrical conductivity of carbon materials. The sensor showed a low limit of detection of 0.081 μM, limit of quantitation of 0.27 μM, high sensitivity of 509.6 μA/mM and a good relationship between reduction peak current and concentration of SAA from 2 to 4600 μM. Meanwhile, the sensor had the advantages of repeatability and stability. Finally, it was used to detect SAA in real samples with noteworthy electroanalytical performance. In short, the sensor has considerable potential for the electroanalysis of SAA. Moreover, the study provides a promising composite of MOF and carbon materials with potential application in the analysis of effective components of herbaceous medicinal plants.

Biomimetic electrochemical sensors: New horizons and challenges in biosensing applications

The urge to meet the ever-growing needs of sensing technology has spurred research to look for new alternatives to traditional analytical methods. In this scenario, the glucometer is the flagship of commercial electrochemical sensing platforms, combining selectivity, reliability and portability. However, other types of enzyme-based biosensors seldom achieve the market, in spite of the large and increasing number of publications. The reasons behind their commercial limitations concern enzyme denaturation, and the high costs associated with procedures for their extraction and purification. In this sense, biomimetic materials that seek to imitate the desired properties of natural enzymes and biological systems have come out as an appealing path for robust and sensitive electrochemical biosensors. We herein portray the historical background of these biomimicking materials, covering from their beginnings until the most impactful applications in the field of electrochemical sensing platforms. Throughout the discussion, we present and critically appraise the major benefits and the most significant drawbacks offered by the bioinspired systems categorized as Nanozymes, Synzymes, Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs), Nanochannels, and Metal Complexes. Innovative strategies of fabrication and challenging applications are further reviewed and evaluated. In the end, we ponder over the prospects of this emerging field, assessing the most critical issues that shall be faced in the coming decade.

Application of micro/nanomaterials in adsorption and sensing of active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely applied for the prevention and cure of various diseases for centuries. Ingredient with pharmacological activity is the key to the application of TCM. Hence, it is of significance to separate and detect active ingredients in TCM effectively. Micro/nanomaterial is the promising candidate for adsorption and sensing due to its unique physical and chemical properties. For years, many efforts have been made to develop functional micro/nanomaterials to realize the effective adsorption or sensing of bioactive compounds in TCM. In this review, we discussed recent progresses in the application of various functional micro/nanomaterials for adsorption or detection (electrochemical detection, fluorescent detection, and colorimetric detection) of active ingredients. Based on the kind of matrix materials, micro/nano-adsorbents or sensors can be classified into following categories: metal-based micro/nanomaterials, porous materials, carbon-based materials, graphene/graphite-liked micro/nanomaterials and hybrid micro/nanomaterials.

Non-enzymatic electrochemical approaches to cholesterol determination

Cholesterol plays a vital role in a human body. It is known as one of the most important sterols, because it forms cell walls and participates in signal transduction. Moreover, cholesterol was recognized as biomarker of cardiovascular diseases and of some metabolic disorders. As a result, cholesterol blood levels should be controlled in a variety of diseases such as ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular ischemia, stroke, hypertension, type II diabetes, and many others. Hence, the accurate cholesterol quantification plays an important role in diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. Modern voltammetric and amperometric methods are increasingly used for cholesterol monitoring. Consequently, the problem of electrode fabrication for cholesterol detection has high importance for clinical tests. Novel electrode materials initiated the fast growth of electrochemical biosensors. Biomaterials are still the most frequently used modifiers for cholesterol sensors due to their high selectivity. However, biomaterials have low stability complicating their practical applications. This fact is crucial for analytical parameters such as limit of detection (LOD) and sensitivity. Therefore, nanomaterials are used to eliminate disadvantages of biomaterials and to improve sensors performance by increasing the electrode surface, conductivity and sensitivity. This review is focused on the use of non-enzymatic electrodes for cholesterol quantification and on different approaches to their fabrication. Firstly, the necessity and role of modifier is discussed. Afterwards, the advantages and disadvantages of currently used modifiers are critically compared together with all aspects and approaches to sensors fabrication. Finally, the prospects of non-enzymatic electrodes application for cholesterol sensors engineering are summarised.