Tetracarboxylic acid cobalt phthalocyanine SAM on gold: Potential applications as amperometric sensor for H2O2 and fabrication of glucose biosensor

Synthesis and comparison of the performance of two different water-soluble phthalocyanine based electrochemical biosensor

Herein, a comparative study between novel water-soluble phthalocyanine-based biosensors was performed for the application of glucose sensing. For this purpose, two different copper (II) and manganese (III) phthalocyanines and their water-soluble derivatives were synthesized, and then their role as a supporting material for enzyme immobilization was evaluated by comparing their sensor performances. Two different phthalocyanine (AP-OH2-MnQ (MnPc) and AP-OH2-CuQ (CuPc)) were tested using electrochemical biosensor with immobilized glucose oxidase (GOx). To the best of our knowledge, the related water-soluble phthalocyanine-based glucose biosensors were attempted for the first time, and the developed approach resulted in improved biosensor characteristics. The constructed biosensors GE/MnPc/GOx and GE/CuPc/GOx showed good linearity between 0.003-1.0 mM and 0.05-0.4 mM, respectively. The limit of detection was estimated at 0.0026 mM for the GE/MnPc/GOx and 0.019 mM for the GE/CuPc/GOx. KMapp and sensitivity values were also calculated as 0.026 mM and 175.043 µAmM-1 cm-2 for the GE/MnPc/GOx biosensor and 0.178 mM and 117.478 µAmM-1 cm-2 for the GE/CuPc/GOx biosensor. Moreover, the fabricated biosensors were successfully tested to detect glucose levels in beverages with high recovery results. The present study shows that the proposed water-soluble phthalocyanines could be a good alternative for quick and cheap glucose sensing with improved analytical characteristics.

Ligand Isomerization Driven Electrocatalytic Switching

The prevailing view about molecular catalysts is that the central metal ion is responsible for the reaction mechanism and selectivity, whereas the ligands mainly affect the reaction kinetics. Here, we question this paradigm and show that ligands have a dramatic influence on the selectivity of the product. We show how even a seemingly small change in ligand isomerization sharply alters the selectivity of the well-researched oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) Co phthalocyanine catalyst from an indirect 2e- to a direct 4e- pathway. Detailed analysis reveals that intramolecular hydrogen-bond interactions in the ligand activate the catalytic Co, directing the oxygen binding and thus deciding the final product. The resulting catalyst is the first example of a Co-based molecular catalyst catalyzing a direct 4e- ORR via ligand isomerization, for which it shows an activity close to the benchmark Pt in an actual H2-O2 fuel cell. The effect of the ligand isomerism is demonstrated with different central metal ions, thus highlighting the generalizability of the findings and their potential to open new possibilities in the design of molecular catalysts.

Plasticizer and catalyst co-functionalized PEDOT:PSS enables stretchable electrochemical sensing of living cells

Recently, stretchable electrochemical sensors have stood out as a powerful tool for the detection of soft cells and tissues, since they could perfectly comply with the deformation of living organisms and synchronously monitor mechanically evoked biomolecule release. However, existing strategies for the fabrication of stretchable electrochemical sensors still face with huge challenges due to scarce electrode materials, demanding processing techniques and great complexity in further functionalization. Herein, we report a novel and facile strategy for one-step preparation of stretchable electrochemical biosensors by doping ionic liquid and catalyst into a conductive polymer (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate), PEDOT:PSS). Bis(trifluoromethane) sulfonimide lithium salt as a small-molecule plasticizer can significantly improve the stretchability and conductivity of the PEDOT:PSS film, and cobalt phthalocyanine as an electrocatalyst endows the film with excellent electrochemical sensing performance. Moreover, the functionalized PEDOT:PSS retained good cell biocompatibility with two extra dopants. These satisfactory properties allowed the real-time monitoring of stretch-induced transient hydrogen peroxide release from cells. This work presents a versatile strategy to fabricate conductive polymer-based stretchable electrodes with easy processing and excellent performance, which benefits the in-depth exploration of sophisticated life activities by electrochemical sensing.

Catalytic amplification based on hierarchical heterogeneity bimetal-organic nanostructures with peroxidase-like activity

In this paper, integrating heterometallic units and nanostructures into metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were applied to improve the sensitivity of detecting hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in neutral solution. The bimetal-MOFs (CuCo-BDC) and GO composite (CuCo-BDC/GO) were first synthesized via an ordinary one-step solvothermal synthesis. The CuCo-BDC/GO with admirable peroxidase-like catalytic activity could be applied to detect H₂O₂. The results have low detection limit of 69 nM (S/N = 3) and a wide linear detection range, from 100 nM to 3.5 mM. This is superior to recently published biosensors based on noble metal nanomaterials, which confirms CuCo-BDC/GO as the MOF electrocatalysts with high performance. The remarkable electroanalytical performance of CuCo-BDC/GO is due to the presence of numerous open metal active sites, the synergistic effect of Cu²⁺ and Co²⁺, hierarchical structure with high-specific surface areas and the marvelous electrochemical properties of GO. Therefore, CuCo-BDC/GO is a powerful candidate for detecting H₂O₂ in electrochemical biosensing fields. Moreover, H₂O₂ detection in real samples can be done with the CuCo-BDC/GO, including human serum samples. Therefore, the novel CuCo-BDC/GO is a promising catalyst that can be applied in biotechnological and environmental applications.

Novel Schiff base cobalt(ii) phthalocyanine with appliance of MWCNTs on GCE: enhanced electrocatalytic activity behaviour of α-amino acids

A novel tetra-4-{(E)-[(8-aminonaphthalen-1-yl)imino]methyl}-2-methoxyphenol Co(ii) phthalocyanine (CoTANImMMPPc) was synthesized using a precursor protocol and characterized via electroanalytical and spectroscopic techniques. The FT-IR spectra of the synthesized compounds showed significant peaks corresponding to the functional groups of the precursors and phthalocyanine (Pc) compound. The mass and NMR spectra confirmed the formation of the target precursor compounds. A film of CoTANImMMPPc was deposited on the surface of an electrode and applied for the detection and monitoring of l-alanine and l-arginine. The cyclic voltammetric studies of l-alanine and l-arginine using the (CoTANImMMPPc/MWCNTs/GC) electrode showed a linear response in the range of 50–500 nM and the limit of detection was found to be 1.5 and 1.2 nM, respectively. Differential pulse voltammetry and chronoamperometry showed that the catalytic response for l-alanine and l-arginine is in the range of 50–500 nM with an LoD of 1.8 and 2.3 nM, respectively. The oxidation-active CoTANImMMPPc film significantly enhanced the current response in the chronoamperometric method and displayed a selective and sensitive response towards l-alanine and l-arginine in the presence of various other bio-molecules. The developed electrode showed good working stability and was applied for the analysis of real samples, which yielded satisfactory results. Therefore, CoTANImMMPPc-MWCNTs/GCE shows good analytical performance, is economical and produced via a simple synthetic method and can be applied as a sensor for the detection of l-alanine and l-arginine.

A novel CoTANImMMPPc complex was synthesized using a precursor protocol and characterized via electroanalytical and spectroscopic techniques with enhanced electrocatalytic behaviour of α-amino acids.

Comparative Investigation of Peripheral and Nonperipheral Zinc Phthalocyanine-Based Polycarbazoles in Terms of Optical, Electrical, and Sensing Properties

In this study, nonperipherally alkyl-linked carbazole conjugated novel zinc(II) phthalocyanine was synthesized by cyclotetramerization reaction of 6-(9 H-carbazol-9-yl)hexane-1-thiol and 3,6-bis(tosyloxy) phthalonitrile in a one-step reaction. Optical, electrical, and sensing properties of this super structured polycarbazole obtained by electropolymerization are compared with peripherally alkyl-linked polycarbazole-based zinc(II) phthalocyanine. It has been found that the attachment of alkyl-linked carbazoles to the phthalocyanine molecule in either peripheral or nonperipheral positions has a great effect on the optical and electrical properties and sensing ability of the resulting polycarbazole derivatives. P(n-ZnPc) has the highest electrochromic contrast (70.5%) among the derivatives of zinc(II) phthalocyanines in the literature. In addition to these, the sensor platform has been successfully established, and analytical optimizations have been carried out. When the sensors prepared with zinc(II) phthalocyanine are examined, it was specified that the n-ZnPc- co-TP/GOx was ranked first in the literature with high sensor response and stability. As a result, by changing of the peripheral and nonperipheral position of phthalocyanines, their physical properties can be tuned to meet the requirements of desired technological application.

Boosted Sensor Performance by Surface Modification of Bifunctional rht-Type Metal-Organic Framework with Nanosized Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide

The surface and interface could be designed to enhance properties of electrocatalysts, and they are regarded as the key characteristics. This report describes surface modification of a bifunctional rht-type metal-organic framework (MOF, Cu-TDPAT) with nanosized electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (n-ERGO). The hybrid strategy results in a Cu-TDPAT-n-ERGO sensor with sensitive and selective response toward hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Compared with Cu-TDPAT, Cu-TDPAT-n-ERGO exhibits significantly enhanced electrocatalytic activities, highlighting the importance of n-ERGO in boosting their electrocatalytic activity. The sensor shows a wide linear detection range (4-12 000 μM), and the detection limit is 0.17 μM (S/N = 3) which is even lower than horseradish peroxidase or recently published noble metal nanomaterial based biosensors. Moreover, the sensor displays decent stability, excellent anti-interference performance, and applicability in human serum and urine samples. Such good sensing performance can be explained by the synergetic effect of bifunctional Cu-TDPAT (open metal sites and Lewis basic sites) and n-ERGO (excellent conductive property). It is expected that rht-type MOF-based composites can provide wider application potential for the construction of bioelectronics devices, biofuel cells, and biosensors.

Comparison of the catalytic activity for O2reduction of Fe and Co MN4 adsorbed on graphite electrodes and on carbon nanotubes

Metal phthalocyanines adsorbed on CNTs deliver much higher electrocatalytic currents for the ORR because of the high concentration of catalyst.

Developing Biosensors in Developing Countries: South Africa as a Case Study

A mini-review of the reported biosensor research occurring in South Africa evidences a strong emphasis on electrochemical sensor research, guided by the opportunities this transduction platform holds for low-cost and robust sensing of numerous targets. Many of the reported publications centre on fundamental research into the signal transduction method, using model biorecognition elements, in line with international trends. Other research in this field is spread across several areas including: the application of nanotechnology; the identification and validation of biomarkers; development and testing of biorecognition agents (antibodies and aptamers) and design of electro-catalysts, most notably metallophthalocyanine. Biosensor targets commonly featured were pesticides and metals. Areas  of regional import to sub-Saharan Africa, such as HIV/AIDs and tuberculosis diagnosis, are also apparent in a review of the available literature. Irrespective of the targets, the challenge to the effective deployment of such sensors remains shaped by social and economic realities such that the requirements thereof are for low-cost and universally easy to operate devices for field settings. While it is difficult to disentangle the intertwined roles of national policy, grant funding availability and, certainly, of global trends in shaping areas of emphasis in research, most notable is the strong role that nanotechnology, and to a certain extent biotechnology, plays in research regarding biosensor construction. Stronger emphasis on collaboration between scientists in theoretical modelling, nanomaterials application and or relevant stakeholders in the specific field (e.g., food or health monitoring) and researchers in biosensor design may help evolve focused research efforts towards development and deployment of low-cost biosensors.

Fabrication of a novel electrochemical sensor for determination of hydrogen peroxide in different fruit juice samples

A new hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) sensor is fabricated based on a multiwalled carbon nanotube-modified glassy carbon electrode (MWCNT-GCE) and reactive blue 19 (RB). The charge transfer coefficient, α, and the charge transfer rate constant, k_s, of RB adsorbed on MWCNT-GCE were calculated and found to be 0.44 ± 0.01 Hz and 1.9 ± 0.05 Hz, respectively. The catalysis of the electroreduction of H₂O₂ by RB-MWCNT-GCE is described. The RB-MWCNT-GCE shows a dramatic increase in the peak current and a decrease in the over-voltage of H₂O₂ electroreduction in comparison with that seen at an RB modified GCE, MWCNT modified GCE, and activated GCE. The kinetic parameters such as α and the heterogeneous rate constant, k′, for the reduction of H₂O₂ at RB-MWCNT-GCE surface were determined using cyclic voltammetry. The detection limit of 0.27μM and three linear calibration ranges were obtained for H₂O₂ determination at the RB-MWCNT-GCE surface using an amperometry method. In addition, using the newly developed sensor, H₂O₂ was determined in real samples with satisfactory results.

Rhodium nanoparticle-mesoporous silicon nanowire nanohybrids for hydrogen peroxide detection with high selectivity

Developing nanostructured electrocatalysts, with low overpotential, high selectivity and activity has fundamental and technical importance in many fields. We report here rhodium nanoparticle and mesoporous silicon nanowire (RhNP@mSiNW) hybrids for hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) detection with high electrocatalytic activity and selectivity. By employing electrodes that loaded with RhNP@mSiNW nanohybrids, interference caused from both many electroactive substances and dissolved oxygen were eliminated by electrochemical assaying at an optimal potential of +75 mV. Furthermore, the electrodes exhibited a high detection sensitivity of 0.53 μA/mM and fast response (< 5 s). This high-performance nanohybrid electrocatalyst has great potential for future practical application in various oxidase-base biosensors.

Interfacial peroxidase-like catalytic activity of surface-immobilized cobalt phthalocyanine on multiwall carbon nanotubes

The rapid diffusional mass transfer process (DMTP) always results in a highly efficient reaction.

Facile preparation of graphene nanoribbon/cobalt coordination polymer nanohybrid for non-enzymatic H2O2 sensing by dual transduction: electrochemical and fluorescence

A novel graphene nanoribbon (GNR)/cobalt coordination polymer (MCPs) composite (MCPs@GNR) is prepared by in situ reduction of graphene oxide nanoribbon (GONR) with simultaneous growth of MCPs nanoparticles on its surface demonstrating high H₂O₂ sensing.

A sensitive and selective enzyme-free amperometric glucose biosensor using a composite from multi-walled carbon nanotubes and cobalt phthalocyanine

In the present study, a simple and sensitive amperometric enzyme-free glucose sensor was developed at a multiwalled carbon nanotube and cobalt phthalocyanine (MWCNT–CoTsPc) modified electrode.

Cobalt phthalocyanine modified electrodes utilised in electroanalysis: nano-structured modified electrodes vs. bulk modified screen-printed electrodes

Cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPC) compounds have been reported to provide electrocatalytic performances towards a substantial number of analytes. In these configurations, electrodes are typically constructed via drop casting the CoPC onto a supporting electrode substrate, while in other cases the CoPC complex is incorporated within the ink of a screen-printed sensor, providing a one-shot economical and disposable electrode configuration. In this paper we critically compare CoPC modified electrodes prepared by drop casting CoPC nanoparticles (nano-CoPC) onto a range of carbon based electrode substrates with that of CoPC bulk modified screen-printed electrodes in the sensing of the model analytes l-ascorbic acid, oxygen and hydrazine. It is found that no “electrocatalysis” is observed towards l-ascorbic acid using either of these CoPC modified electrode configurations and that the bare underlying carbon electrode is the origin of the obtained voltammetric signal, which gives rise to useful electroanalytical signatures, providing new insights into literature reports where “electrocatalysis” has been reported with no clear control experiments undertaken. On the other hand true electrocatalysis is observed towards hydrazine, where no such voltammetric features are witnessed on the bare underlying electrode substrate.

Bienzymatic biosensor for rapid detection of aspartame by flow injection analysis

A rapid, simple and stable biosensor for aspartame detection was developed. Alcohol oxidase (AOX), carboxyl esterase (CaE) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were immobilised with glutaraldehyde (GA) onto screen-printed electrodes modified with cobalt-phthalocyanine (CoPC). The biosensor response was fast. The sample throughput using a flow injection analysis (FIA) system was 40 h⁻¹ with an RSD of 2.7%. The detection limits for both batch and FIA measurements were 0.1 µM for methanol and 0.2 µM for aspartame, respectively. The enzymatic biosensor was successfully applied for aspartame determination in different sample matrices/commercial products (liquid and solid samples) without any pre-treatment step prior to measurement.

Zinc phthalocyanines with fluorinated substituents for direct sensing of carbamate and organophosphate pesticides in water

Water pollution by pesticides as the result of intensive agriculture and horticulture has brought many negative consequences to humans and ecosystems. Among others, chemical sensor systems are under intense development for direct pesticide analysis in aqueous samples as a cost effective and simple alternative analytical method. In this work, a set of zinc phthalocyanines is studied in its liquid sensing properties using quartz crystal microbalances. Four different species selected from the two most common organophosphorus and carbamate classes of pesticides are used as test analytes. The phthalocyanines are chemically modified with different fluorinated substituents to increase sensor sensitivity and govern pesticide selectivity in order to create sensors with widely diverging analyte responses. By this means, sensors with a general high sensitivity and selectivity for the two pesticide classes were obtained and detection limits down to 0.03 mg.L-1 could be achieved. The response data of the sensors are analyzed in detail using exploratory multivariate data evaluation methods. The results show that phthalocyanine based sensors are a truly capable platform for chemical analysis systems of aqueous samples.

Metallophthalocyanines and metalloporphyrins as electrocatalysts: a case of hydrogen peroxide and glucose detection

This review summarizes the applications of metallophthalocyanine (MPc) and metallo-porphyrin (MP) complexes as electrocatalysts immobilized onto various electrodes for the detection of hydrogen peroxide and glucose. The uses of MPc and MP complexes as electron mediators for the detection of glucose at glucose oxidase modified surfaces are discussed.

Self-assembled monolayers and electropolymerized thin films of phthalocyanines as molecular materials for electroanalysis

In this review, we report on the newly developed area of research devoted to the formation of self-assembled monolayers of metallophthalocyanines by focusing on some significant examples dedicated to electroanalytical applications. We also summarize recent examples on the use of electropolymerized metallophthalocyanine films in electroanalysis. In both cases, activation and detection of thiols are the main targeted applications.

Applications of polymerized metal tetra-amino phthalocyanines towards hydrogen peroxide detection

This work reports the use of metallo tetra-amino phthalocyanines ( MTAPc, M = Co and Mn ) polymer thin films on gold and glassy carbon electrode surfaces for the detection and monitoring of hydrogen peroxide ( H2O2 ). The polymer-modified electrodes were characterized using electrochemical and microscopic-based methods. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to study the bare and polymer-modified ITO surfaces. The electrocatalytic reduction of H2O2 with glassy carbon polymer-modified electrodes gave higher current densities compared to their gold counterparts. The electroanalytical properties of H2O2 were obtained using a real-time calibration curve of the amperometric determination in pH 7.4 aqueous solution. The limits of detection (LoD) of the polymer-modified electrodes towards electroreduction of H2O2 were of the order of 10–7 M, with high sensitivity ranging from 6.0–15.4 mA.mM-1.cm-2.

Probing electrochemical and electrocatalytic properties of cobalt(II) and manganese(III) octakis(hexylthio)phthalocyanine as self-assembled monolayers

New peripherally (β) and non-peripherally (α) substituted metal octakis(hexylthio)phthalocyanines (β- and α-MOcHexTPc) containing cobalt and manganese as metal centers were synthesized. Their characterization using electrochemical methods showed that these complexes exhibit several redox processes at E1/2 (mV vs. Ag∣AgCl) = 380 (212) (I), 1140 (864) (II), -450 (-460) (III) and -1170 (-1304) (IV) for β- (α-) CoOcHexTPc . These redox processes were assigned to CoIIIPc-2/CoIIPc-2 (I) , CoIIIPc-1/CoIIIPc-2 (II) , CoIIPc-2/CoIPc-2 (III) and CoIPc-2/CoIPc-3 (IV) using spectroelectrochemistry. For the β- (α-) MnOcHexTPc complex the redox processes were observed at E1/2 (mV vs. Ag∣AgCl) = -20 (5) (I), -530 (-640) (II) and -1270 (-1380) (III) and were assigned to MnIIIPc-2/MnIIPc-2 (I), MnIIPc-2/MnIIPc-3 (II) and MnIIPc-3/MnIIPc-4 (III) . Electrochemical and microscopic characterization using AFM showed that the self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are formed on the gold surface using these complexes. The electrochemical characterization showed the blocking of the Faradaic processes at SAMs modified electrodes and these reactions are well-known to easily occur at unmodified gold electrodes. The AFM characterization showed an increase in surface roughness upon modifying the gold surface with MOcHexTPc SAMs, further confirming the presence of the monolayers on the gold surface. The MOcHexTPc SAMs were investigated for their electrocatalytic application towards H2O2 detection. The MOcHexTPc SAMs modified gold electrodes gave excellent currents for H2O2 detection. The observed H 2 O2 electrocatalytic reduction peaks were close to where the metal redox processes from the MOcHexTPc occurred, showing the involvement of the metal redox processes in the electrocatalytic mediation reactions.

Electrocatalytic and photosensitizing behavior of metallophthalocyanine complexes

Electrocatalytic or photosensitizing (photocatalytic) properties of metallophthalocyanine (MPc) complexes are dependent on the central metal. Electrocatalytic behavior is observed for electroactive central metals such as Co , Mn and Fe , whereas photosensitizing behavior is observed for diamagnetic metals such as Al , Zn and Si . In the presence of nanoparticles such as quantum dots, the photosensitizing behavior of MPc complexes is improved. Carbon nanotubes enhance the electrocatalytic behavior of MPc complexes.

Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Glucose at Glucose Oxidase-Cobalt Phthalocyanine-Modified Boron-Doped Diamond Electrode

Electrochemical detection of glucose was achieved at a glucose oxidase (GOx)-cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc)-modified boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode without any additional electron mediator in the electrolyte solution. The surface of the hydrogen-terminated BDD thin film prepared by microwave plasma-assisted CVD was modified with 4-vinylpyridine (4VP) via photochemical modification. The 4VP-BDD was then immersed in a CoPc solution to obtain CoPc-BDD. A poly(p-phenylenediamine) (PPD) thin film containing GOx was coated on the CoPc-BDD electrode surface via electropolymerization. At the GOx/PPD-CoPc-BDD electrode, anodic current for glucose oxidation was observed with a sigmoidal voltammetric curve, indicating successful electron mediation of H2O2generated as the result of glucose oxidation at GOx. The signal-to-background ratio for voltammetric current of glucose detection was larger at the GOx/PPD-CoPc-BDD electrode than at the GOx/PPD-modified platinum electrode due to the smaller background current of the modified BDD electrode.

Recent advances in electrochemical sensing for hydrogen peroxide: a review

Due to the significance of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) in biological systems and its practical applications, the development of efficient electrochemical H(2)O(2) sensors holds a special attraction for researchers. Various materials such as Prussian blue (PB), heme proteins, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and transition metals have been applied to the construction of H(2)O(2) sensors. In this article, the electrocatalytic H(2)O(2) determinations are mainly focused on because they can provide a superior sensing performance over non-electrocatalytic ones. The synergetic effect between nanotechnology and electrochemical H(2)O(2) determination is also highlighted in various aspects. In addition, some recent progress for in vivo H(2)O(2) measurements is also presented. Finally, the future prospects for more efficient H(2)O(2) sensing are discussed.