A cobalt oxide nanocubes interleaved reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode for amperometric detection of serotonin

Recent advances of electrochemical and optical point-of-care biosensors for detecting neurotransmitter serotonin biomarkers

Since its discovery in 1984, the monoamine serotonin (5-HT) has been recognized for its critical role as a neuromodulator in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Recent research reveals that serotonin also significantly influences various neuronal activities. Historically, it was believed that peripheral serotonin, produced by tryptophan hydroxylase in intestinal cells, functioned primarily as a hormone. However, new insights have expanded its known roles, necessitating advanced detection methods. Biosensors have emerged as indispensable tools in biomedical diagnostics, enabling the rapid and minimally invasive detection of target analytes with high spatial and temporal resolution. This review summarizes the progress made in the past decade in developing optical and electrochemical biosensors for serotonin detection. We evaluate various sensing strategies that optimize performance in terms of detection limits, sensitivity, and specificity. The study also explores recent innovations in biosensing technologies utilizing surface-modified electrodes with nanomaterials, including gold, graphite, carbon nanotubes, and metal oxide particles. Applications range from in vivo studies to chemical imaging and diagnostics, highlighting future prospects in the field.

Unlocking the future of brain research: MOFs, TMOs, and MOFs/TMOs for electrochemical NTMs detection and analysis

The central nervous system relies heavily on neurotransmitters (NTMs), and NTM imbalances have been linked to a wide range of neurological conditions. Thus, the development of reliable detection techniques is essential for advancing brain studies. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), transition metal oxides (TMOs), and MOFs-derived TMOs (MOFs/TMOs) as materials for electrochemical (EC) sensors targeting the detection of key NTMs, specifically dopamine (DA), epinephrine (EP), and serotonin (SR). The unique properties and diverse families of MOFs and TMOs, along with their nanostructured hybrids, are discussed in the context of EC sensing. The review also addresses the challenges in detecting NTMs and proposes a systematic approach to tackle these obstacles. Despite the vast amount of research on MOFs and TMOs-based EC sensors for DA detection, the review highlights the gaps in the literature for MOFs/TMOs-based EC sensors specifically for EP and SR detection, as well as the limited research on microneedles (MNs)-based EC sensors modified with MOFs, TMOs, and MOFs/TMOs for NTMs detection. This review serves as a foundation to encourage researchers to further explore the potential applications of MOFs, TMOs, and MOFs/TMOs-based EC sensors in the context of neurological disorders and other health conditions related to NTMs imbalances.

Facile Synthesis of Needle-like Copper Sulfide Structures as an Effective Electrochemical Sensor Material for Neurotransmitter Detection in Biological Samples

Electrochemical sensors, due to their excellent and unique features, are of high interest nowadays for the detection and monitoring of several biological compounds. In such a case, serotonin (SRN), an important neurotransmitter, was herein studied for its detection in biological fluids since its presence is more crucial to be monitored and detected in clinical and medical applications. Several study strategies have been used to determine the chemical and physical properties. The crystalline size of the constructed copper sulfide (Cu2S) material was measured to be 25.92 nm. The Cu2S was fabricated over the working surface and further analyzed for several sensor parameters to be optimized. The charge transfer resistance of the copper sulfide-modified glassy carbon electrode (Cu2S/GCE) was determined to be about 277.0 Ω. With the linear range from about 0.029 μM to 607.6 μM for SRN, the limit of detection (LOD) was calculated as 3.2 nM, with a good sensitivity of 13.23 μA μM-1 cm2. The sensor experienced excellent repeatability, reproducibility, and long-term stability. The fabricated electrode was selective with the presence of different interfering compounds. The real sample analysis, as determined with the regular addition method with human serum and urine samples, revealed a good recovery percentage. Thus, the employed fabricated electrode material will be highly effective in sensing other analytes of choice.

Tuning the Fe/Co ratio towards a bimetallic Prussian blue analogue for the ultrasensitive electrochemical sensing of 5-hydroxytryptamine

Lack of highly efficient, inexpensive, and easily available catalysts severely limits the practical applicability of electrochemically sensing assay towards 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Herein, four kinds of Fe-Co bimetallic Prussian blue analogues (FeCo-PBAs) with different molar ratios of Fe to Co were prepared using a simple coprecipitation method. Interestingly, Fe(III) in K₃ [Fe(CN)₆] can be reduced to Fe(II) by adding trisodium citrate dehydrate, which could offer a new clue to synthesize PBAs with Fe(II) core ions. With the optimizational FeCo-PBA synthesized at a 0.5/1 M ratio of Fe to Co as an electrocatalyst, the constructed sensor shows excellent comprehensive performance for the 5-HT assay with a high sensitivity of 0.856 μA μM^-1 and an ultralow detection limit of 8.4 nM. Under the optimum conditions, linearity was obtained in the ranges of 0.1-10.0 μM and 10.0-200.0 μM and preferable recoveries ranged from 97.8% to 103.0% with relative standard deviation (RSD) < 4.0%. The integrated properties of FeCo-PBA can be comparable to previously reported electrocatalysts for the 5-HT assay including noble metal-based and expensive carbon (graphene and carbon nanotubes)-based electrocatalysts. The proposed sensor also exhibits outstanding selectivity, reproducibility, and practicality for real sample analyses. This work is the first report on the PBA-based sensor for the 5-HT assay, verifying the practicability of this high-performance sensor for the 5-HT assay.

The Roadmap of Graphene-Based Sensors: Electrochemical Methods for Bioanalytical Applications

Graphene (GR) has engrossed immense research attention as an emerging carbon material owing to its enthralling electrochemical (EC) and physical properties. Herein, we debate the role of GR-based nanomaterials (NMs) in refining EC sensing performance toward bioanalytes detection. Following the introduction, we briefly discuss the GR fabrication, properties, application as electrode materials, the principle of EC sensing system, and the importance of bioanalytes detection in early disease diagnosis. Along with the brief description of GR-derivatives, simulation, and doping, classification of GR-based EC sensors such as cancer biomarkers, neurotransmitters, DNA sensors, immunosensors, and various other bioanalytes detection is provided. The working mechanism of topical GR-based EC sensors, advantages, and real-time analysis of these along with details of analytical merit of figures for EC sensors are discussed. Last, we have concluded the review by providing some suggestions to overcome the existing downsides of GR-based sensors and future outlook. The advancement of electrochemistry, nanotechnology, and point-of-care (POC) devices could offer the next generation of precise, sensitive, and reliable EC sensors.

Microwave assisted synthesis of Mn3O4 nanograins intercalated into reduced graphene oxide layers as cathode material for alternative clean power generation energy device

Mn₃O₄ nanograins incorporated into reduced graphene oxide as a nanocomposite electrocatalyst have been synthesized via one-step, facile, and single-pot microwave-assisted hydrothermal technique. The nanocomposites were employed as cathode material of fuel cells for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The synthesized product was thoroughly studied by using important characterization, such as XRD for the structure analysis and FESEM and TEM analyses to assess the morphological structures of the material. Raman spectra were employed to study the GO, rGO bands and formation of Mn₃O₄@rGO nanocomposite. FTIR and UV–Vis spectroscopic analysis were used to verify the effective synthesis of the desired electrocatalyst. The Mn₃O₄@rGO-10% nanocomposite with 10 wt% of graphene oxide was used to alter the shiny surface of the working electrode and applied for ORR in O₂ purged 0.5 M KOH electrolyte solution. The Mn₃O₄@rGO-10% nanocomposite electrocatalyst exhibited outstanding performance with an improved current of − 0.738 mA/cm² and shifted overpotential values of − 0.345 V when compared to other controlled electrodes, including the conventionally used Pt/C catalyst generally used for ORR activity. The tolerance of Mn₃O₄@rGO-10% nanocomposite was tested by injecting a higher concentration of methanol, i.e., 0.5 M, and found unsusceptible by methanol crossover. The stability test of the synthesized electrocatalyst after 3000 s was also considered, and it demonstrated excellent current retention of 98% compared to commercially available Pt/C electrocatalyst. The synthesized nanocomposite material could be regarded as an effective and Pt-free electrocatalyst for practical ORR that meets the requirement of low cost, facile fabrication, and adequate stability.

Sensitive electrochemical sensor based on nickel/PDDA/reduced graphene oxide modified screen-printed carbon electrode for nitrite detection

A simple, rapid method of the determination of nitrite in food samples is reported by using a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor based on nickel, poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and a disposable screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). The method is based on a modification of the electrode to enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of the disposable and applicable SPCE, which is essential for the present analytical challenge. The nitrite determination was performed by using a cyclic voltammetry (CV) method under optimum conditions. Ni/PDDA/rGO/SPCE showed a linear working range of 6 to 100 μM of nitrite concentration. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were 1.99 μM (S/N = 3) and 6.6 μM (S/N = 10), respectively. The sensitivities were 0.453 μA μM^-1 cm^-2 for the lower concentration range and 0.171 μA μM^-1 cm^-2 for the higher concentration range. The Ni/PDDA/rGO sensor also showed excellent anti-interference ability and good long-term stability. The purposed disposable sensor was successfully applied to determine nitrite in sausages and pickled vegetable samples with satisfactory recovery.

Design and Fabrication of α-MnO2-Nanorods-Modified Glassy-Carbon-Electrode-Based Serotonin Sensor

Serotonin is a very important monoamine neurotransmitter, which takes part in biological and psychological processes. In the present scenario, design and fabrication of a serotonin electrochemical sensor is of great significance. In this study, we have synthesized α-MnO₂ via a hydrothermal synthesis method using potassium permanganate as a precursor. The physiochemical properties, such as structural and phase-purity of the prepared α-MnO₂, were investigated by various characterization techniques and methods (powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy). Furthermore, the serotonin sensor was fabricated using α-MnO₂ as an electrode modifier or electro-catalyst. The bare glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was adopted as a working substrate, and its active carbon surface was modified with the synthesized α-MnO₂. This modified GCE (α-MnO₂/GCE = MGCE) was explored as a serotonin sensor. The electrochemical investigations showed that the MGCE has excellent electro-catalytic properties towards determination of serotonin. The MGCE exhibits an excellent detection limit (DL) of 0.14 µM, along with good sensitivity of 2.41 µAµM^-1 cm^-2. The MGCE also demonstrated excellent selectivity for determination of serotonin in the presence of various electro-active/interfering molecules. The MGCE also exhibits good cyclic repeatability, stability, and storage stability.

Real-time monitoring of 5-HT release from cells based on MXene hybrid single-walled carbon nanotubes modified electrode

Serotonin (5-HT) is an essential inhibitory neurotransmitter in vivo that is critical for interneuronal communication of the nervous system. Herein, we constructed an electrochemical cell-sensing platform for 5-HT detection based on MXene/single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) nanocomposite. The one-dimensional SWCNTs with good electrical conductivity are uniformly dispersed on the surface and intermediate layers of the two-dimensional MXene to form a tightly heterogeneous heterostructure. The synthesized MXene-SWCNTs could improve the stacking problem of MXene nanosheets and expose more active sites, effectively promoting the conductive properties and electrochemical activity of the composite. The fabricated MXene-SWCNTs/GCE possessed outstanding detection capability for 5-HT with a wide linear range of 4 nM-103.2 μM and a low detection limit of 1.5 nM. Moreover, the sensor was further applied for the real-time monitoring trace amount of 5-HT releasing from different cell lines, which confirmed its promising applications in 5-HT related physiological and pathological fields. MXene-SWCNTs/GCE was developed and applied for the real-time monitoring of trace amounts of 5-HT secreted from living cells.

A graphene-based electrochemical flow analysis device for simultaneous determination of dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and melatonin

A graphene-based electrochemical flow analysis device for simultaneous determination of dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and melatonin.

Enhanced response of sensor on serotonin using nickel-reduced graphene oxide by atomic layer deposition

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a promising method for preparing nanomaterials. The thickness and uniformity of nanomaterials can be precisely controlled. Hence, the uniform Ni nanoparticles (Ni NPs) deposited on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) by ALD and got the optimal combination interface. The morphology, structure, and electrochemical behavior of Ni NPs-rGO nanocomposite are investigated. By experiment results, the Ni NPs could occupy some active surface of rGO, resulting in high conductivity and large specific surface area of Ni NPs-rGO nanocomposite. The Ni NPs-rGO nanocomposite exhibits high electrocatalytic activity for serotonin and speeds up the electron transfer between the surface of the electrode and the solution. Therefore, the sensor is prepared by Ni NPs-rGO nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and used to sensitive detection of serotonin. By differential pulse voltammetric, the Ni NPs-rGO/GCE enhanced the current responses and showed a wide linear range of 0.02-2 μM with a low detection of 0.01 μM for serotonin (S/N = 3). The Ni NPs-rGO/GCE exhibited good stability, selectivity, and anti-interference ability that can be used for real sample detection. According to these results, the Ni NPs-rGO nanocompositeis successfully prepared by ALD. The properties of Ni NPs-rGO nanocomposite make it an attractive material for potential applications in sensors and catalysis.

A serotonin voltammetric biosensor composed of carbon nanocomposites and DNA aptamer

A sensitive and selective voltammetric biosensor composed of layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly of positively charged poly(diallyldimethylammonium)-wrapped oxidized single-walled carbon nanotubes (PDDA-oSWCNTs), negatively charged serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT)-specific aptamer, and tyrosinase on Au nanoparticles deposited screen printed carbon electrode was developed for measurement of 5-HT. Surface characteristics of 5-HT biosensor were explored using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The respective effects of 5-HT-specific aptamer and oSWCNTs on the detection of 5-HT were investigated by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The peak current at the potential of 0.29 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) increased with respect to 5-HT concentration resulting in two dynamic ranges from 0.05 to 0.5 and 1 to 20 μM with a limit of detection of 2 nM from the LbL biosensor in buffer solution, which were better than those without the LbL of aptamer and oSWCNTs. The developed biosensor was applied to the direct determination of 5-HT concentrations in undiluted healthy control and Internet gaming disorder serum samples. The results were verified by comparison with those from liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric analyses.

Rice-Spikelet-like Copper Oxide Decorated with Platinum Stranded in the CNT Network for Electrochemical In Vitro Detection of Serotonin

The specific monitoring of serotonin (ST) has provoked massive interest in therapeutic and biological science since it has been recognized as the third most significant endogenous gastrointestinal neurotransmitter. Hence, there is a great need to develop a sensitive and low-cost sensing platform for the detection of a clinically relevant ST level in biological matrices. Herein, we develop a simple two-step approach for an ultrasensitive electrochemical (EC) sensor with the Cu₂O metal oxide (MO)-incorporated CNT core that has been further deposited with a transitional amount of platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs). We presented, for the first time, the deposition of Pt NPs on the (CNTs-Cu₂O-CuO) nanopetal composite via the galvanic replacement method, where copper not only acts as a reductant but a sacrificial template as well. The electrocatalytic aptitude of the fabricated EC sensing platform has been assessed for the sensitive detection of ST as a proficient biomarker in early disease diagnostics. The synergy of improved active surface area, remarkable conductivity, polarization effect induced by Pt NPs on CNTs-Cu₂O-CuO nanopetals, fast electron transfer, and mixed-valence states of copper boost up the redox processes at the electrode-analyte junction. The CNTs-Cu₂O-CuO@Pt-modified electrode has unveiled outstanding electrocatalytic capabilities toward ST oxidation in terms of a low detection limit of 3 nM (S/N = 3), wide linear concentration range, reproducibility, and incredible durability. Owing to the amazing proficiency, the proposed EC sensor based on the CNTs-Cu₂O-CuO@Pt heterostructure has been applied for ST detection in biotic fluids and real-time tracking of ST efflux released from various cell lines as early disease diagnostic approaches.

In-situ synthesis of nanocubic cobalt oxide @ graphene oxide nanocomposite reinforced hollow fiber-solid phase microextraction for enrichment of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs from human urine prior to their quantification via high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection

The in-situ synthesis and application of nanocubic Co₃O₄-coated graphene oxide (Co₃O₄@ GO) was introduced for the first time to present a cost-effective, stable and convenient operation and a simple device for hollow fiber solid-phase microextraction (HF-SPME) of four selected nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including diclofenac, mefenamic acid, ibuprofen and indomethacin. The extracted analytes were desorbed by an appropriate organic solvent and analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV). The prepared sorbent was approved using different characterization methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The variables effective on the Co₃O₄@GO-HF-SPME method including extraction time, desorption time, desorption solvent volume, sample pH, stirring rate and ionic strength were screened via Plackett-Burman design and then optimized by Box-Behnken design. Under optimal condition, the calibration curves were linear within the range of 1.0-200.0 µg L^-1 of analyte concentration with detection limits of 0.18-1.1 µg L^-1 and the relative standard deviations less than 10.1%. The limits of quantification (LOQs) were in the range of 0.60-3.67 µg L^-1. Matrix effect was not observed with this method; therefore, standard addition is not necessary for quantification of target compounds. The enrichment factors were obtained in the range of 49-68. The relative recoveries of the urine sample analysis were calculated in the range of 93-102%. Finally, the presented method exhibited good sensitivity, excellent repeatability, high reusability and acceptable precision, which will be a promising method to analyze various nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in urine samples.

Hierarchical structure of molybdenum disulfide-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for the development of a highly efficient serotonin biosensing platform

Molybdenum disulfide-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite based immunosensor for the serotonin detection.

An atomic-layer NiO-BaTiO3 nanocomposite for use in electrochemical sensing of serotonin

The NiO films were deposited on the surface of BaTiO₃ (BTO) by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The thickness of NiO film was controlled by the number of ALD cycles, which the optimum number of ALD cycles were 400 cycles. The morphology of NiO-BTO nanocomposite was observed by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscopy. The sensor based on NiO-BTO nanocomposite displays good electrocatalytic activity and high sensitivity for serotonin (at 0.36 V vs. Ag/AgCl). In the range of 0.05-5 μM, the concentrations of serotonin are linearly related to current intensity and the detection limit is 0.03 μM (S/N = 3). The NiO-BTO/GCE was successfully applied in serum samples. It shows that the NiO-BTO nanocomposite prepared by ALD can serve as electrochemical sensor devices and applications in the fields of biosensors.

A Screen-Printed Electrode Modified With Graphene/Co3O4 Nanocomposite for Electrochemical Detection of Tramadol

In this paper, graphene (Gr)/Co₃O₄ nanocomposite was synthesized and utilized for the development of a novel electrochemical sensor to detect tramadol. Tramadol determination was examined by linear sweep voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, and chronoamperometry on Gr/Co₃O₄ nanocomposite-modified screen-printed electrode (Gr/Co₃O₄/SPE) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Under the optimized condition, the detection limit of tramadol is 0.03 μM (S/N = 3) in the linear ranges of 0.1–500.0 μM. Furthermore, Gr/Co₃O₄/SPE was satisfactorily utilized to detect tramadol in tramadol tablet and urine specimens.

Structural refinement and electrochemical properties of one dimensional (ZnO NRs)1-x(CNs)x functional hybrids for serotonin sensing studies

Herein, the efficient serotonin (5-HT) sensing studies have been conducted using the (ZnO NRs)1-x(CNs)x nanocomposites (NCs) having appropriate structural and electrochemical properties. Initially, the different compositions of ZnO nanorods (NRs), with varying content of carbon nanostructures (CNs=MWCNTs and RGO), are prepared using simple in-situ wet chemical method and thereafter these NCs have been characterized for physico-chemical properties in correlation to the 5-HT sensing activity. XRD Rietveld refinement studies reveal the hexagonal Wurtzite ZnO NRs oriented in (101) direction with space group 'P63mc' and both orientation as well as phase of ZnO NRs are also retained in the NCs due to the small content of CNs. The interconnectivity between the ZnO NRs with CNs through different functional moieties is also studied using FTIR analysis; while phases of the constituents are confirmed through Raman analysis. FESEM images of the bare/NCs show hexagonal shaped rods with higher aspect ratio (4.87) to that of others. BET analysis and EIS measurements reveal the higher surface area (97.895 m2/g), lower charge transfer resistance (16.2 kΩ) for the ZCNT 0.1 NCs to that of other NCs or bare material. Thereafter, the prepared NCs are deposited on the screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) using chitosan as cross-linked agent for 5-HT sensing studies; conducted through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) measurements. Among the various composites, ZCNT0.1 NCs based electrodes exhibit higher sensing activity towards 5-HT in accordance to its higher surface area, lower particle size and lower charge transfer resistance. SWV measurements provide a wide linear response range (7.5-300 μM); lower limit of detection (0.66 μM), excellent limit of quantification (2.19 μM) and good reproducibility to ZCNT 0.1 NCs as compared to others for 5-HT sensing studies.

Cobalt oxide nanoparticle-decorated reduced graphene oxide (Co3O4–rGO): active and sustainable nanoelectrodes for water oxidation reaction

Herein, cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄)-decorated reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-based nanoelectrodes were fabricated by the chemical reduction method for electrocatalytic water oxidation reactions.