Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of tungsten trioxide entrapped with graphene nanosheets for developing nanomolar electrochemical (hormone) sensor and enhanced sensitivity of the catalytic performance

A nitrogen-doped hollow carbon nanospheres-based aptasensor for non-invasive salivary detection of progesterone

Developing an easy-to-use and non-invasive sensor for monitoring progesterone (P4) as a multi-functional hormone is highly demanded for point-of-care testing. In this study, an ultrasensitive electrochemical aptasensor is fabricated for monitoring P4 in human biofluids. The sensing interface was designed based on the porous nitrogen-doped hollow carbon spheres (N-HCSs). The N-HCSs covalently immobilized high-dense aptamer (Apt) sequences as the bioreceptor of P4. The electron transfer of the redox probe was hindered by incubating P4 on the aptasensor surface and forming the P4-Apt complexes. Meanwhile, the signaling was decreased under two wide linear dynamic ranges (LDRs) from 10 fM to 5.6 μM with a limit of detection (LOD) value of 3.33 fM. The aptasensor presented satisfactory selectivity in the presence of different off-target species with successful feasibility for P4 detection in some human urine and saliva samples. The aptasensor with high sensitivity, as an advantage for on-site and sensitive measurement of P4, can be considered a non-invasive tool for routine analysis of real-world clinical samples method.

Electrochemical biosensors for monitoring of selected pregnancy hormones during the first trimester: A systematic review

The hormones human chorionic gonadotropin, progesterone, estrogen and four of its metabolites (estradiol, estrone, estriol, estetrol), as well as relaxin play an essential role in the development of the fetus during the first trimester. Imbalances in these hormones during the first trimester have been directly linked to miscarriages. However, frequent monitoring of the hormones is limited by the current conventional centralized analytical tools that do not allow a rapid response time. Electrochemical sensing is considered an ideal tool to detect hormones owing to its advantages such as quick response, user-friendliness, low economic costs, and possibility of use in point-of-care settings. Electrochemical detection of pregnancy hormones is an emerging field that has been demonstrated primarily at research level. Thus, it is timely with a comprehensive overview of the characteristics of the reported detection techniques. This is the first extensive review focusing on the advances related to electrochemical detection of hormones linked to the first trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, this review offers insights into the main challenges that must be addressed imminently to ensure progress from research to clinical applications.

Recent Advances in Electrochemical Sensors for the Detection of Biomolecules and Whole Cells

Electrochemical sensors are considered an auspicious tool to detect biomolecules (e.g., DNA, proteins, and lipids), which are valuable sources for the early diagnosis of diseases and disorders. Advances in electrochemical sensing platforms have enabled the development of a new type of biosensor, enabling label-free, non-destructive detection of viability, function, and the genetic signature of whole cells. Numerous studies have attempted to enhance both the sensitivity and selectivity of electrochemical sensors, which are the most critical parameters for assessing sensor performance. Various nanomaterials, including metal nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, graphene and its derivatives, and metal oxide nanoparticles, have been used to improve the electrical conductivity and electrocatalytic properties of working electrodes, increasing sensor sensitivity. Further modifications have been implemented to advance sensor platform selectivity and biocompatibility using biomaterials such as antibodies, aptamers, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and peptide composites. This paper summarizes recent electrochemical sensors designed to detect target biomolecules and animal cells (cancer cells and stem cells). We hope that this review will inspire researchers to increase their efforts to accelerate biosensor progress-enabling a prosperous future in regenerative medicine and the biomedical industry.

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.

Implantable Nanosensors for Human Steroid Hormone Sensing In Vivo Using a Self-Templating Corona Phase Molecular Recognition

Dynamic measurements of steroid hormones in vivo are critical, but steroid sensing is currently limited by the availability of specific molecular recognition elements due to the chemical similarity of these hormones. In this work, a new, self-templating synthetic approach is applied using corona phase molecular recognition (CoPhMoRe) targeting the steroid family of molecules to produce near infrared fluorescent, implantable sensors. A key limitation of CoPhMoRe has been its reliance on library generation for sensor screening. This problem is addressed with a self-templating strategy of polymer design, using the examples of progesterone and cortisol sensing based on a styrene and acrylic acid copolymer library augmented with an acrylated steroid. The pendant steroid attached to the corona backbone is shown to self-template the phase, providing a unique CoPhMoRE design strategy with high efficacy. The resulting sensors exhibit excellent stability and reversibility upon repeated analyte cycling. It is shown that molecular recognition using such constructs is viable even in vivo after sensor implantation into a murine model by employing a poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel and porous cellulose interface to limit nonspecific absorption. The results demonstrate that CoPhMoRe templating is sufficiently robust to enable a new class of continuous, in vivo biosensors.

Sonochemical approach to the synthesis of metal tungstate/nafion composite with electrocatalytic properties and its electrochemical sensing performance

High-intensity ultrasound can be used to produce novel materials, offering an atypical pathway to recognized products without high bulk temperatures, high pressures, or long reaction times. A highly sensitive and selective robust modified sensor was developed using a composition of electrochemically active strontium metal (Sr) based tungstate interconnected with nafion polymer through a facile sonochemical approach. In addition, multiple parameters are important for sonochemical methods and specifically nanomaterial or electrocatalyst development during the ultrasonic irradiation. Moreover, high-intensity ultrasonic probe (Ti-horn) was used to synthesis of nanomaterial at 50 kHz and 200 W. The SrWO₄/nafion was characterized via FESEM, EDX and XRD methods. 8-HD-guanosine (8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine) is one of the major byproduct of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) oxidation. The concentrations of 8-HD-guanosine within a cell are a measurement of oxidative stress in body and however its excess level in body causes carcinogenic threats. Therefore, the quantification of 8-HD-guanosine in biological samples with high sensitivity is of great significance. The SrWO₄/nafion modified sensor displayed low detection of 14.36 nM and wide linear range (0.025-398.6 µM), compare to previous reports.

Layered nanocomposite of zinc sulfide covered reduced graphene oxide and their implications for electrocatalytic applications

Herein, we have synthesized zinc sulfide nanospheres (ZnS NPs) encapsulated on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) hybrid by an ultrasonic bath (50 kHz/60 W). The physical and structural properties of ZnS NPs@RGO hybrid were analyzed by TEM, XRD, EIS and EDS. As-prepared ZnS NPs@RGO hybrid was applied towards the electrochemical determination of caffeic acid (CA) in various food samples. The ZnS NPs@RGO hybrid modified electrode (GCE) exhibited an excellent electrocatalytic performance towards caffeic acid detection and determination, when compared to other modified electrodes. Therefore, the electrochemical sensing performance of the fabricated and nanocomposite modified electrode was significantly improved owing to the synergistic effect of ZnS NPs and RGO catalyst. Furthermore, the hybrid materials provide highly active electro-sites as well as rapid electron transport pathways. The proposed electrochemical caffeic acid sensor produces a wide linear range of 0.015-671.7 µM with a nanomolar level detection limit (3.29 nM). In addition, the real sample analysis of the proposed sensor has applied to the determination of caffeic acid in various food samples.

Ultrasonic preparation and nanosheets supported binary metal oxide nanocomposite for the effective application towards the electrochemical sensor

Binary metal oxides (La₂O₃@SnO₂) decorated reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite was synthesized by ultrasound process in an environmentally benign solvent with a working frequency of 25 and 40 kHz (6.5 l200 H, Dakshin, India and maximum input power 210 W). Further, to enhance the electrocatalytic activity, the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was prepared from graphene oxide by ultrasonication method. As prepared La₂O₃@SnO₂/rGO was scrutinized using XRD, TEM, EDX and quantitative test for the structural and morphology properties. As modified La₂O₃@SnO₂/rGO nanocomposite exhibits better electrochemical activity towards the oxidation of methyl nicotinate with higher anodic current compared to other modified and unmodified electrode for the detection of methyl nicotinate with larger linear range (0.035-522.9 µM) and lower limit of detection (0.0197 µM). 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 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.

A simple sonochemical assisted synthesis of NiMoO4/chitosan nanocomposite for electrochemical sensing of amlodipine in pharmaceutical and serum samples

In this investigation, a facile sonochemical route has been developed for the preparation of porous nickel molybdate nanosheets/chitosan nanocomposite (NiMoO₄/CHIT) by using ammonium molybdate and nickel(II) acetate tetrahydrate and as nickel and molybdate precursor, respectively (ultrasonic power 60 W/cm² and frequency 20 kHz). The ultrasonic based materials preparation as a fast, convenient and economical approach has been widely used to generate novel nanomaterials. Herein, we report an efficient voltammetric sensor for amlodipine drug by using porous nickel molybdate nanosheets/chitosan nanocomposite (NiMoO₄/CHIT). Its structure and properties were characterized by x-ray diffraction pattern, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, elemental analysis and mapping. The electrochemical studies are indicated the NiMoO₄/CHIT modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) exhibited the good performance towards electrocatalytic sensing of amlodipine drug. Consequently, a linear correlation between the anodic peak current with sensor concentration 0.025-373.6 µM with a detection limit and sensitivity of 4.62 nM and 4.753 µA·µM^-1·cm^-2, respectively. A voltammetry based drug analysis was found to be high sensitive and reproducible, which able to detect nanomolar concentration. Furthermore, the fabricated electrochemical sensor was applied in drug and biological samples.

Two-dimensional binary nanosheets (Bi2Te3@g-C3N4): Application toward the electrochemical detection of food toxic chemical

Bismuth telluride is considered as an efficient and super-active electrocatalyst in the sector of electrochemical application. Herein, we prepared binary nanosheets (Bi₂Te₃) through simple solvothermal and hydrothermal method. Furthermore, to enhance the electrocatalytic activity, graphitic carbon nitrides nanosheets (g-C₃N₄) were used to prepare the composition of Bi₂Te₃/g-C₃N₄ binary nanosheets (BNs) with help of hydrothermal energy. Moreover, Bi₂Te₃/g-C₃N₄ hybrid was characterized by various techniques (XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, EDS and EIS analysis). The electrochemical performance of Bi₂Te₃/g-C₃N₄ BNs modified GCEs were analyzed by electrochemical technique (DPV, EIS and CV methods). As modified the Bi₂Te₃/g-C₃N₄ BNs modified electrode exhibits excellent electrochemical activity towards food toxic ractopamine (RAC) with high-sensitive and nano-molar detection limit (LOD). Besides, the practical ability was analyzed to detect the RAC in meat samples using Bi₂Te₃/g-C₃N₄ BNs modified GCE.

Simultaneous voltammetric determination of rizatriptan and acetaminophen using a carbon paste electrode modified with NiFe2O4 nanoparticles

Nickel-ferrite nanoparticles (NiFe₂O₄) were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. They were used to modify a carbon paste electrode (CPE) and to prepare an electrochemical sensor for simultaneous determination of rizatriptan benzoate (RZB) and acetaminophen (AC). The structure and morphology of the bare CPE and modified CPE were studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy, while the structural characterization of NiFe₂O₄ was performed via X-ray diffraction. In the potential range 0.2-1.2 V, AC and RZB were detected at potentials of 0.5 V and 0.88 V (vs. Ag/AgCl saturated KCl 3 M), respectively. Both calibration plots are linear in the 1 to 90 μM concentration range. The limits of detection (at 3σ) of AC and RZB are 0.49 and 0.44 μM, respectively. The performance of the modified CPE was evaluated by quantifying the two drugs in spiked urine and in tablets. Graphical abstract The modified electrode consist of Nickel-ferrite and graphite by differential pulse voltammetry methods are schematically presented for simultaneous detection of acetaminophen (a painkiller drug) and rizatriptan benzoate (an antimigraine drug) in human urine and tablet samples.

Facile sonochemical synthesis of rutile-type titanium dioxide microspheres decorated graphene oxide composite for efficient electrochemical sensor

In this reports the facile and green synthesis of rutile-type titanium dioxide nanoparticles decorated graphene oxide nanocomposite via the ultrasonication process (frequency: 50 kHz, Power: 100 W/cm² and Ultrasonic type: Ti-horn). Because, the sonochemical synthesis method is simple, non-explosive and harmless method than other conventional technique. Furthermore, the synthesized material was characterized by various analytical techniques including FESEM, EDX, XRD, EIS and electrochemical methods. Then, the synthesized TiO₂ MPs@GOS composite was applied for the electrocatalytic detection of theophylline (TPL) using CV and amperometric (current-time) techniques. Captivatingly, the modified sensor has excellent electrocatalytic performance with the wider linear range from 0.02 to 209.6 µM towards the determination of theophylline and the LOD and sensitivity of the modified sensor was calculated as 13.26 nM and 1.183 μA·µM^-1·cm^-2, respectively. In addition, a selectivity, reproducibility and stability of the TiO₂ MPs@GOS modified GCE were analyzed towards the determination of theophylline molecule. Finally, the real time application of TiO₂ MPs@GOS modified theophylline sensor was established in serum and drug samples.

Recent Progress of Biomarker Detection Sensors

Early cancer diagnosis and treatment are crucial research fields of human health. One method that has proven efficient is biomarker detection which can provide real-time and accurate biological information for early diagnosis. This review presents several biomarker sensors based on electrochemistry, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), nanowires, other nanostructures, and, most recently, metamaterials which have also shown their mechanisms and prospects in application in recent years. Compared with previous reviews, electrochemistry-based biomarker sensors have been classified into three strategies according to their optimizing methods in this review. This makes it more convenient for researchers to find a specific fabrication method to improve the performance of their sensors. Besides that, as microfabrication technologies have improved and novel materials are explored, some novel biomarker sensors-such as nanowire-based and metamaterial-based biomarker sensors-have also been investigated and summarized in this review, which can exhibit ultrahigh resolution, sensitivity, and limit of detection (LoD) in a more complex detection environment. The purpose of this review is to understand the present by reviewing the past. Researchers can break through bottlenecks of existing biomarker sensors by reviewing previous works and finally meet the various complex detection needs for the early diagnosis of human cancer.

Sonochemical synthesis and fabrication of honeycomb like zirconium dioxide with chitosan modified electrode for sensitive electrochemical determination of anti-tuberculosis (TB) drug

Herein, novel honeycomb like zirconium dioxide with chitosan (ZrO₂@chitosan) nanocomposite have been designed through a facile ultrasound-assisted method and followed by a simple sonication process (bath-type ultrasound washer; Honda Electronics-W-118T; 100 W/cm² and 300 kHz frequency). After then, as-synthesized ZrO₂@chitosan was characterized by FESEM, XRD and EIS. The ZrO₂@chitosan nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode shows excellent electrochemical sensing performance towards anti-tuberculosis drug (rifampicin). Furthermore, the ZrO₂@chitosan modified and fabricated electrochemical sensor showed a wide linear range between 0.015 µM and 547.4 µM and nanomolar detection limit (7.5 nM). Moreover, the ZrO₂@chitosan modified electrode showed selectivity towards the detection of anti-tuberculosis drug (rifampicin). The ZrO₂@chitosan nanocomposite film modified non-enzymatic sensor has high stable and good reproducible towards the detection of rifampicin. In addition, the as-synthesized ZrO₂@chitosan nanocomposite modified electrode has been applied to the determination of rifampicin in biological samples such as human serum and urine samples.

A sensitive electrochemical determination of chemotherapy agent using graphitic carbon nitride covered vanadium oxide nanocomposite; sonochemical approach

We have developed a graphitic carbon nitride covered vanadium oxide nanocomposite (V₂O₅@g-C₃N₄) by a simple sonochemical approach (50 kHz and 150 W/cm²). Furthermore, the morphology and chemical composition of the V₂O₅@g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite was carried out by X-rays diffractometry (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Furthermore, the V₂O₅@g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite modified electrode was investigate electrochemical behavior of the anticancer drug. Compared with bare SPCE, V₂O₅/SPCE and g-C₃N₄/SPCE, V₂O₅@g-C₃N₄ modified SPCE showed highest current response towards anti-cancer drug (methotrexate). Furthermore, the modified sensor exhibits with a sharp peaks and wide linear range (0.025-273.15 μM) by using DPV with the sensitivity of 7.122 μA μM^-1 cm^-2. Notably, we have achieved a nanomolar detection limit (13.26 nM) for the DPV detection of methotrexate. Further, the practicability of the V₂O₅@g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite modified sensor can be used for real time sensing of methotrexate in drug and blood serum samples with good recover ranges. It has potential applications in routine analysis with high specificity, excellent reproducibility and good stability.

Novel sonochemical synthesis of Fe3O4 nanospheres decorated on highly active reduced graphene oxide nanosheets for sensitive detection of uric acid in biological samples

In this study, a super-active Iron (II, III) oxide nanospheres (Fe₃O₄ NPs) decorated reduced graphene oxide (rGOS) nanocomposite was developed. Fe₃O₄ NPs were stabilized on rGOS through electrostatic interactions in the aqueous medium. This process involves an ultrasound assisted reduction reaction of the GOS. The as-synthesized Fe₃O₄ NPs@rGOS was characterized through the HRTEM, SEM, XRD, Raman, elemental mapping and EDX analysis. The Fe₃O₄ NPs@rGOS modified GCE was developed for the determination of biomarker. Uric acid is important biomarker based on gout and kidney stone with high adverse effect in human body. The results obtained showed that the modified electrode Fe₃O₄ NPs@rGOS shows good electrochemical reduction peak compared to bare electrode and control electrodes. The Fe₃O₄ NPs@rGOS modified sensor linear range 0.02-783.6 µM was observed with nanomolar LOD 0.12 nM. In addition, the modified Fe₃O₄ NPs@rGOS/GCE sensor has been applied to determination of uric acid concentration in urine and blood serum samples. Furthermore, advantages of the modified sensor are high stability, repeatability and reproducibility.

Ultrasonic-assisted synthesis and in vitro biological assessments of a novel herceptin-stabilized graphene using three dimensional cell spheroid

In vivo assays of graphene and its derivatives are big challenges in biological evaluations because they require simultaneous long-term stability in aqueous dispersion and controllable systemic toxicity. Bifunctional graphene nanosheets which have key function in biomedical area are expected to address this challenge. Here, novel bifunctional graphene nanosheets were successfully synthesized in the presence of Herceptin, a natural antibody, using a facile ultrasonic-assisted method. Graphite layers were successfully exfoliated which resulted excellent stability of separated layers in herceptin solution. In aqueous solution, graphene concentration was effectively controlled by varying the herceptin content and sonication time. Furthermore, the toxicity of graphene was tested in both 2D and 3D spheroid cultures. The results showed that graphene toxicity were considerably reduced in spheroid culture compared to the 2D culture data. Moreover, the toxicity behavior of graphene was dependent on the exposed concentration of graphene that the mortality rate was significantly decreased when the concentration of graphene was below 1 µg/mL. This bifunctional graphene which possessed long-term stability in aqueous solutions and induced slight toxicity offers a promising nanostructure in tumor-targeted drug delivery, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the feasibility of ultrasonic assisted method in one-step synthesis of bifunctional nanomaterials and biostructures for clinical applications.

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.

Facile sonochemical synthesis of porous and hierarchical manganese(III) oxide tiny nanostructures for super sensitive electrocatalytic detection of antibiotic (chloramphenicol) in fresh milk

We report the preparation of a porous and hierarchical manganese(III) oxide tiny nanostructures (Mn₂O₃ TNS) by a simple sonochemical approach. The nanocatalyst was synthesized by a bath-type ultrasound washer (Honda Electronics, W-118T) at 700 W and 300 kHz frequency. The morphology and chemical composition of the nanocatalyst were characterized by X-rays diffractometry (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 antibiotic drug (chloramphenicol) under phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). A facile sonochemical route was employed to prepare Mn₂O₃ TNS modified electrode. The screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) modified with Mn₂O₃ TNS was fabricated and applied for the electrochemical determination of chloramphenicol. Compared with bare SPCE, Mn₂O₃ TNS modified SPCE showed highest current response towards chloramphenicol. Furthermore, the modified sensor exhibits with a sharp peak and two linear ranges by using DPV (i) 0.015-1.28 μM with the sensitivity of 4.167 μA μM^-1 cm^-2 and (ii) 1.35-566.3 μM with the sensitivity of 7.205 μA μM^-1 cm^-2. Notably, we achieved a very low-level detection limit of 4.26 nM for the DPV detection of chloramphenicol. Further, the superior practicability of the nanosheets modified sensor can be used for real time sensing of chloramphenicol with good recover ranges.

A novel electrochemical sensor for determination of DNA damage biomarker (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine) in urine using sonochemically derived graphene oxide sheets covered zinc oxide flower modified electrode

To explore a novel and multi-layer based graphene oxide covered zinc oxide nanoflower (ZnO NFs@GOS) as a modified electrode materials by sonochemical technique (40 kHz, 300 W). Herein, novel nanocomposite is successfully characterized by various characterization analysis (FESEM, HRTEM, XRD, XPS and (EIS) electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) and employed as high sensitive modified electrode (ZnO NFs@GOS nanocomposite) for the electrochemical determination of biomarker. 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-HDG) is one of the important cancer and oxidative stress biomarker. The results demonstrated that the ZnO NFs@GOS modified SPCE reveal well-defined electro-oxidation peak at 0.36 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The high sensitive properties of the optimized flower like modified electrode are because of the excellent synergistic effect of the ZnO flower and the graphene oxide nanosheets, as evidenced by a superior bio-sensing performance. The nanocomposite fabricated modified biosensor was facilitating the analysis of 8-HDG in the concentration ranges of 0.05-536.5 µM with a low detection limit is 8.67 nM. The ZnO NFs@GOS modified sensor can also employed for the determination of 8-HDG in human urine samples, promising its application towards the quantification of cancer biomarker in biological samples.

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.

Facile synthesis of mesoporous WS2 nanorods decorated N-doped RGO network modified electrode as portable electrochemical sensing platform for sensitive detection of toxic antibiotic in biological and pharmaceutical samples

We report a facile and ultrasound assisted sonochemical synthesis of a Tungsten disulfide nanorods decorated nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide based nanocomposite. The WS₂ NRs/N-rGOs nanocomposite was characterized by FESEM, HRTEM, XRD, XPS and electrochemical methods and its application towards the electrochemical detection of organo-arsenic drug (coccidiostat). The WS₂ NRs/N-rGOs modified SPCE was used for the electrochemical reduction of roxarsone (ROX) and it showed superior electrocatalytic performance in terms of reduction peak current and shift in overpotential when compared to those of WS₂ NRs/SPCE, N-rGOs/SPCE and based SPCE. The WS₂ NRs/N-rGOs modified SPCE showed an excellent sensing ability towards ROX in nitrogen saturated phosphate buffer (PB) then the other controlled modified and unmodified electrodes. The WS₂ NRs/N-rGOs/SPCE displays high sensitive response towards ROX and gives wide linearity in the range of 0.1-442.6 µM ROX in neutral phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) and the sensitivity of the sensor is calculated as 14.733 µA µM^-1 cm^-2. The WS₂ NRs/N-rGOs nanocomposite modified sensor also exhibits valuable ability of anti-interference to electroactive analytes. Furthermore, the as-prepared WS₂ NRs/N-rGOs/SPCE has been applied to the determination of ROX in biological and pharmaceutical samples.