In Situ Modification of a Semiconductor Surface by an Enzymatic Process: A General Strategy for Photoelectrochemical Bioanalysis

Optical fiber tip integrated photoelectrochemical sensors

In this work, we design and fabricate a compact photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor by integrating a graphene-MoS₂ heterostructure on an optical fiber tip. The graphene serves as a transparent carrier transport layer, and the MoS₂ presents a photoelectrical transducer that generates photocarriers and interacts with ascorbic acid (AA) in solution. This device is used to demonstrate a self-powered detection of AA with a concentration range between 1 mM and 50 mM, and a time response of ∼ 6 ms. The device downsizes traditional PEC systems to the micrometer scale, benefiting the real-time monitoring of biochemical changes in small areas and opening the pathway for miniaturized PEC sensing applications.

Visible light-driven self-powered aptasensors for ultrasensitive Microcystin-LR detection based on the carrier density effect of N-doped graphene hydrogel/hematite Schottky junctions

In this work, a novel visible light-driven self-powered photoelectrochemical (PEC) platform was designed based on 3D N-doped graphene hydrogel/hematite nanocomposites (NGH/Fe₂O₃) via a facile one-pot hydrothermal route. The coupling NGH with Fe₂O₃ could generate a Schottky junction, which promoted the separation of charges. Moreover, Mott-Schottky measurements validated that the carrier concentration achieved by NGH/Fe₂O₃ was about 3.4 × 10³ times in comparison to that of pure Fe₂O₃, which was beneficial for efficient charge transfer. Owing to the carrier density effect and Schottky junction, the photocurrent of the as-fabricated NGH/Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites was 6.9-fold higher than that of pure Fe₂O₃. On the basis of such excellent Schottky junctions, an ultrasensitive visible light-induced self-powered PEC aptasensor was developed using a Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) aptamer. The as-fabricated PEC aptasensor displayed good analytical performance toward MC-LR detection in terms of wide linear range (1 pM-5 nM), low detection limit (0.23 pM, S/N = 3), excellent selectivity and high stability. This new strategy can provide a way for regulating nanostructures for more sensitive PEC sensors by increasing the carrier density.

Establishing Interfacial Charge-Transfer Transitions on Ferroelectric Perovskites: An Efficient Route for Photoelectrochemical Bioanalysis

This work presents the concept of establishing interfacial charge-transfer transitions (ICTT) on ferroelectric perovskites for efficient photoelectrochemical (PEC) bioanalysis. The model system was exemplified by using representative lead titanate (PbTiO₃) and an enzyme tandem consisting of the isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) and p-hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase (PHBH). The enzymatic generation of protocatechuic acid (PCA) can coordinate onto the surface of the PbTiO₃ and hence form the ICTT that enables direct ligand-to-metal charge transfer from the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of PCA to the conduction band (CB) of PbTiO₃ under light irradiation. Due to the ferroelectric polarization induced electric field of PbTiO₃ and the surface polarity of PCA modification, enhanced charge separation of the ICTT contributes to the generation of anodic photocurrent and thus underlies a unique route for detecting the enzymatic activity or its substrate. For dehydrogenase detection, this strategy has better performance than some classical methodologies in terms of high sensitivity and improved selectivity. This work not only features ICTT establishment on ferroelectric perovskites for unique bioanalysis but also provides new insights into the utilization of ferroelectric perovskites for advanced PEC bioanalysis.

A review on emerging principles and strategies for colorimetric and fluorescent detection of alkaline phosphatase activity

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a natural enzyme that is able to catalyze the dephosphorylation of phosphate esters. It participates in a great number of biological processes ranging from various metabolisms to signal transduction and cellular regulation. Since the abnormality of ALP activity in body is closely associated with many diseases, it has become an important biomarker for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Besides, it is often utilized in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Given these demands, in the last few years considerable interest has been focused on exploring new materials and methods for ALP activity detection. In this review, we first made a clear classification on the principles that could be used for ALP activity determination. After that, emerging colorimetric and fluorescent strategies designed on the basis of these principles were systematically summarized. Finally, some perspectives on ALP activity analysis were discussed, hoping to inspire future efforts in the field.

Three-Dimensional TiO2@Cu2O@Nickel Foam Electrodes: Design, Characterization, and Validation of O2-Independent Photocathodic Enzymatic Bioanalysis

This work reports the innovative design and application of a three-dimensional (3D) TiO₂@Cu₂O@nickel foam electrode synergized with enzyme catalysis toward the proof-of-concept study for oxygen-independent photocathodic enzymatic detection. Specifically, a 3D-nanostructured photoelectrode has great potential in the semiconductor-based photoelectrochemical (PEC) biological analysis. On the other hand, using various photocathodes, cathodic PEC bioanalysis, especially the photocathodic enzymatic detection, represents an attractive frontier in the field. Different from state-of-the-art photocathodic enzymatic studies that are oxygen-dependent, herein, we present the ingenious design, characterization, and implementation of 3D TiO₂@Cu₂O@nickel foam photocathodes for the first oxygen-independent example. In such a configuration, the Cu₂O acted as the visible-light absorber, while the TiO₂ shell would simultaneously function as a protective layer for Cu₂O and as a desirable substrate for the immobilization of enzyme biomolecules. Especially, because of the proper band positions, the as-designed photocathode exhibited unique O₂-independent PEC property. Exemplified by glucose oxidases, the as-developed sensor exhibited positive response to glucose with good performance. Because various oxidases could be integrated with the system, this protocol could serve as a universal O₂-independent platform for many other targets. This work is also anticipated to catalyze more studies in the advanced 3D photoelectrodes toward innovative enzymatic applications.

A versatile cathodic "signal-on" photoelectrochemical platform based on a dual-signal amplification strategy

Novel cathodic photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptasensors for sensitive and selective determination of thrombin and Pb²⁺ were developed based on a new dual-signal amplification strategy. The presence of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) could quench the PEC signal of bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI). At the same time, the redox moiety G-quadruplex/hemin or ferrocene (Fc) was found to enhance the PEC signal of BiOI. So, in the presence of thrombin or Pb²⁺, the interaction between target and the aptamer resulted in the releasement of the AuNPs, as well as shorter distance between the redox moiety and the electrode surface. Hence dual-enhanced cathodic PEC biosensor strategy was realized. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limits of thrombin and Pb²⁺ were 17.3 fM and 3.16 pM, respectively with good selectivity. At the same time, the PEC performance of redox moiety G-quadruplex/hemin and Fc was compared.

Photoelectrochemical biosensing of disease marker on p-type Cu-doped Zn0.3Cd0.7S based on RCA and exonuclease III amplification

In this work, a new "signal-on" split-type photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing platform for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) detection was successfully constructed using p-type Cu-doped Zn_0.3Cd_0.7S as the photosensitive semiconductor material and target-triggered rolling circle amplification (RCA) for signal amplification. The signal derived from Cu-doped Zn_0.3Cd_0.7S was amplified by hemin/G-quadruplex. Upon target PSA introduction, the aptamer-primer probe (apt-pri) was captured by capture antibody-conjugated magnetic bead (MB-mAb) to form the sandwiched MB-mAb/PSA/apt-pri. The complex could initiate the RCA reaction to produce a long single-stranded DNA that provided binding sites for G-rich DNA and to form long single-stranded DNA/G-quadruplex/hemin. Upon the addition of exonuclease III (Exo III), the hemin/G-quadruplex immobilized on the RCA long product could be released by the digestion of Exo III. The hemin/G-quadruplex complexes in this study were used as efficient electron acceptors to neutralize the photoelectrons generated from the semiconductor and hindered the recombination of charges, thus enhancing the photocurrent. Under the optimum conditions, the developed sensing system displayed a good analytical performance with a linear range of 0.05-40 ng mL^-1 PSA and a detection limit of 16.3 pg mL^-1. Furthermore, good selectivity, high anti-interference ability, satisfactory reproducibility, and good accuracy were also achieved. These prominent analytical properties revealed that our strategy might be a potential and reliable tool for the detection of PSA.

Bismuth Oxyiodide Couples with Glucose Oxidase: A Special Synergized Dual-Catalysis Mechanism for Photoelectrochemical Enzymatic Bioanalysis

On the basis of a special synergized dual-catalysis mechanism, this work reports the preparation of a BiOI-based heterojunction and its use for cathodic photoelectrochemical (PEC) oxidase biosensing, which, unexpectedly, revealed that hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) had a greater impact than dioxygen (O₂). Specifically, the BiOI layer was in situ formed on the substrate through an impregnating hydroxylation method for the following coupling with the model enzyme of glucose oxidases (GOx). The constructed cathodic PEC enzyme sensor exhibited a good analytical performance of rapid response, high stability, and good selectivity. Especially, glucose-induced H₂O₂-controlled enhancement of the photocurrent was recorded rather than the commonly observed O₂-dependent suppression of the signal. This interesting phenomenon was attributed to a special synergized dual-catalysis mechanism. Briefly, this study is expected to provide a new BiOI-based photocathode for general PEC bioanalysis development and to inspire more interest in the design and construction of a novel heterojunction for advanced photocathodic bioanalysis. More importantly, the mechanism revealed here would offer a totally different perspective for the use of a biomimetic catalyst in the design of future PEC enzymatic sensing and the understanding of relevant signaling routes as well as the implementation of innovative PEC devices.

Liposome-amplified photoelectrochemical immunoassay for highly sensitive monitoring of disease biomarkers based on a split-type strategy

Liposomes are an excellent candidate component for biosensors to transduce and amplify detection signals due to their outstanding ability in encapsulating signal marker compounds. However, the use of liposomes for photoelectrochemical (PEC) signal transduction has not yet been achieved due the lack of appropriate sensing strategy. Herein, we report on a novel liposomes-amplified PEC immunoassay (LAPIA) method for sensitive HIV-p24 antigen (p24) detection based on a split-type strategy. Initially, liposomes were encapsulated with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in their hydrophilic chamber and conjugated with secondary antibody on the surface to form the ALP-encapsulated liposomes (ALP-Ls) based PEC signal label. Sandwiched immunoassay based on the ALP-Ls label was then carried out in microwell plate. Upon addition of tween 20, the ALP molecules were released and catalyzed the hydrolysis of ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AA-p) to produce ascorbic acid (AA). The latter then donated electron to the graphene/g-C₃N₄ nanohybrids based photoelectrode, arousing an increased photocurrent signal. The separation of immunoreaction step and PEC signal excitation (i.e. split-type) not only enabled the realization of liposomes based amplification strategy, but also could eliminate the PEC-caused biomolecules damage. The developed PEC method possessed a wide calibration range from 1.0pgmL^-1 to 50ngmL^-1 and a low detection limit of 0.63pgmL^-1. Its practicability was demonstrated by assaying human serum samples. Moreover, the universality of the liposomes-amplified PEC sensing strategy was also demonstrated by developing it into a sensitive microRNA detection method.

InGaN/GaN nanowires as a new platform for photoelectrochemical sensors - detection of NADH

InGaN/GaN nanowire heterostructures are presented as nanophotonic probes for the light-triggered photoelectrochemical detection of NADH. We demonstrate that photogenerated electron-hole pairs give rise to a stable anodic photocurrent whose potential- and pH-dependences exhibit broad applicability. In addition, the simultaneous measurement of the photoluminescence provides an additional tool for the analysis and evaluation of light-triggered reaction processes at the nanostructured interface. InGaN/GaN nanowire ensembles can be excited over a wide wavelength range, which avoids interferences of the photoelectrochemical response by absorption properties of the compounds to be analyzed by adjusting the excitation wavelength. The photocurrent of the nanostructures shows an NADH-dependent magnitude. The anodic current increases with rising analyte concentration in a range from 5µM to 10mM, at a comparatively low potential of 0mV vs. Ag/AgCl. Here, the InGaN/GaN nanowires reach high sensitivities of up to 91µAmM^-1cm^-2 (in the linear range) and provide a good reusability for repetitive NADH detection. These results demonstrate the potential of InGaN/GaN nanowire heterostructures for the defined conversion of this analyte paving the way for the realization of light-switchable sensors for the analyte or biosensors by combination with NADH producing enzymes.

Self-enhanced photocathodic matrix based on poly-dopamine sensitized TiO2 mesocrystals for mycotoxin detection assisted by a dual amplificatory nanotag

A new photoelectrochemical sensor for zearalenone detection was established based on a self-enhanced photocathodic matrix coupled with ordered mesoporous Co₃O₄.

Self-Enhanced Ultrasensitive Photoelectrochemical Biosensor Based on Nanocapsule Packaging Both Donor-Acceptor-Type Photoactive Material and Its Sensitizer

In this work, a self-enhanced ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor was established based on a functionalized nanocapsule packaging both donor-acceptor-type photoactive material and its sensitizer. The functionalized nanocapsule with self-enhanced PEC responses was achieved first by packaging both the donor-acceptor-type photoactive material (poly{4,8-bis[5-(2-ethylhexyl)thiophen-2-yl]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene-2,6-diyl-alt-3-fluoro-2-[(2-ethylhexyl)carbonyl]thieno[3,4-b]thiophene-4,6-diyl}, PTB7-Th) and its sensitizer (nano-C60, fullerene) in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to form a nanocapsule, which significantly enhanced PEC signal and stability of the PEC biosensor. Moreover, a quadratic enzymes-assisted target recycling amplification strategy was introduced to the system for ultrasensitive determination. Compared with other established PEC biosensors, our proposed self-enhanced approach showed higher effectivity, accuracy, sensitivity, and convenience without any addition of coreactant or sensitizers into the testing electrolyte for photocurrent amplification and performed excellent analytical properties for microRNA estimation down to femtomole level with microRNA-141 as a model. Additionally, the proposed PEC biosensor was employed for estimation of microRNA in different cancer cells and pharmacodynamic evaluation in cancer cells. This self-enhanced PEC strategy has laid the foundation for fabrication of simple, effective, and ultrasensitive PEC diagnostic devices, leading to the possibility for early diagnosis, timely stage estimation, and accurate prognosis judgment of disease.

Photoelectrochemical detection of metal ions

Depending on the situation, metal ions may either play beneficial roles or be harmful to human health and ecosystems. Sensitive and accurate detection of metal ions is thus a critical issue in the field of analytical sciences and great efforts have been devoted to the development of various metal ion sensors. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) detection is an emerging technique for the bio/chemical detection of metal ions, and features a fast response, low cost and high sensitivity. Using representative examples, this review will first introduce the fundamentals and summarize recent progress in the PEC detection of metal ions. In addition, interesting strategies for the design of particular PEC metal ion sensors are discussed. Challenges and opportunities in this field are also presented.

Enhanced photoelectrochemical aptasensing platform for TXNDC5 gene based on exciton energy transfer between NCQDs and TiO2 nanorods

The over expression of thioredoxin domain-containing protein 5 (TXNDC5) can promote the growth of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). A novel highly sensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptsensor was developed for the detection of TXNDC5 by using the nanohybrids (TiO₂ NRs/NCQDs) of nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs) and TiO₂ nanorods as the photo-to-electron conversion medium. TiO₂ NRs/NCQDs nanohybrids were prepared by controlling the experimental condition. TiO₂ NRs were self-assembled to form the nanopores with good photocurrent conversion efficiency. NCQDs possessed carboxyl groups (−COOH) and amino groups (−NH₂) in the preparation process. −COOH and −NH₂ groups played important roles for anchoring the capture probes (5′ primer and 3′ primer) through covalent binding. The ultrasensitive and stable detection for TXNDC5 was achieved by the specific recognition between the capture probes and the targets. The fabricated aptsensor showed excellent performance with a wide linear range (0.5 fmol/L ∼ 10 nmol/L) and a low detection limit of 0.1 fmol/L. This kind of aptsensor would provide a potential application for TXNDC5.

Nanostructured 2D Diporphyrin Honeycomb Film: Photoelectrochemistry, Photodegradation, and Antibacterial Activity

Surface patterns of well-defined nanostructures play important roles in fabrication of optoelectronic devices and applications in catalysis and biology. In this paper, the diporphyrin honeycomb film, composed of titanium dioxide, protoporphyrin IX, and hemin (TiO2/PPIX/Hem), was synthesized using a dewetting technique with the well-defined polystyrene (PS) monolayer as a template. The TiO2/PPIX/Hem honeycomb film exhibited a higher photoelectrochemical response than that of TiO2 or TiO2/PPIX, which implied a high photoelectric conversion efficiency and a synergistic effect between the two kinds of porphyrins. The TiO2/PPIX/Hem honeycomb film was also a good photosensitizer due to its ability to generate singlet oxygen ((1)O2) under irradiation by visible light. This led to the use of diporphyrin TiO2/PPIX/Hem honeycomb film for the photocatalytic inactivation of bacteria. In addition, the photocatalytic activities of other metal-diporphyrin-based honeycomb films, such as TiO2/MnPPIX/Hem, TiO2/CoPPIX/Hem, TiO2/NiPPIX/Hem, TiO2/CuPPIX/Hem, and TiO2/ZnPPIX/Hem, were investigated. The result demonstrated that the photoelectric properties of diporphyrin-based film could be effectively enhanced by further coupling of porphyrin with metal ions. Such enhanced performance of diporphyrin compounds opened a new way for potential applications in various photoelectrochemical devices and medical fields.

N-doped TiO2 based visible light activated label-free photoelectrochemical biosensor for detection of Hg(2+) through quenching of photogenerated electrons

A novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor was fabricated based on N-doped TiO2 for the detection of Hg(2+) through the quenching of photogenerated electrons. The N-doped TiO2 was synthesized by a sol-gel method with urea and tetrabutyl titanate as the N and Ti sources. Compared with the undoped TiO2, the N-doped TiO2 showed an enhanced photocurrent response under visible light (λ > 420 nm). The sensing surface was functionalized with 5'-amino-modified T-rich oligonucleotides. The photoelectrochemical biosensor bound Hg(2+) on the surface by a highly specific T-Hg(2+)-T recognition. Hg(2+) on the surface of the N-doped TiO2 film withdrew the photogenerated electrons and decreased the recorded current signal. The dynamic linear range for Hg(2+) has been determined to be as low as 2-6 μM.

Biomolecule-free, selective detection of o-diphenol and its derivatives with WS2/TiO2-based photoelectrochemical platform

Herein, a novel photoelectrochemical platform with WS2/TiO2 composites as optoelectronic materials was designed for selective detection of o-diphenol and its derivatives without any biomolecule auxiliary. First, catechol was chosen as a model compound for the discrimination from resorcinol and hydroquinone; then several o-diphenol derivatives such as dopamine, caffeic acid, and catechin were also detected by employing this proposed photoelectrochemical sensor. Finally, the mechanism of such a selective detection has been elaborately explored. The excellent selectivity and high sensitivity should be attributed to two aspects: (i) chelate effect of adjacent double oxygen atoms in the o-diphenol with the Ti(IV) surface site to form a five/six-atom ring structure, which is considered as the key point for distinction and selective detection. (ii) This selected WS2/TiO2 composites with proper band level between WS2 and TiO2, which could make the photogenerated electron and hole easily separated and results in great improvement of sensitivity. By employing such a photoelectrochemical platform, practical samples including commercial clinic drugs and human urine samples have been successfully performed for dopamine detection. This biomolecule-free WS2/TiO2 based photoelectrochemical platform demonstrates excellent stability, reproducibility, remarkably convenient, and cost-effective advantages, as well as low detection limit (e.g., 0.32 μmol L(-1) for dopamine). It holds great promise to be applied for detection of o-diphenol kind species in environment and food fields.

Cyclometalated iridium complex-based label-free photoelectrochemical biosensor for DNA detection by hybridization chain reaction amplification

Photoactive material is the most crucial factor which intimately determines analytical performances of the photoelectrochemical sensor. On the basis of the high affinity of dipyrido [3,2-a:2',3'-c] phenazine (dppz) with DNA helix, a novel photoactive intercalator, [(ppy)2Ir(dppz)](+)PF6(-)(ppy = 2-phenylpyridine and dppz = dipyrido [3,2-a:2',3'-c] phenazine) was prepared and characterized by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The photoelectrochemical properties of the as-prepared iridium(III) complex immobilized on the ITO electrode was investigated. Either cathodic or anodic photocurrent generation can be observed when triethanolamine (TEOA) or dissolved O2 is used as a sacrificial electron donor/acceptor, respectively. The probable photocurrent-generation mechanisms are speculated. A highly sensitive iridium(III) complex-based photoelectrochemical sensor was proposed for DNA detection via hybridization chain reaction (HCR) signal amplification. Under optimal conditions, the biosensor was found to be linearly proportional to the logarithm of target DNA concentration in the range from 0.025 to 100 pmol L(-1) with a detection limit of 9.0 fmol L(-1) (3σ). Moreover, the proposed sensor displayed high selectivity and good reproducibility, demonstrating efficient and stable photoelectric conversion ability of the Ir(III) complex.

Photoelectrochemical bioanalysis: the state of the art

This review provides a panoramic snapshot of the state of the art in the dynamically developing field of photoelectrochemical bioanalysis.

Anatase TiO2 based photoelectrochemical sensor for the sensitive determination of dopamine under visible light irradiation

The sensitive photoelectrochemical determination of dopamine was achieved using an indium tin oxide electrode modified with TiO₂ nanoparticles.

A biomimetic mussel-inspired photoelectrochemical biosensing chip for the sensitive detection of CD146

A universal biomimetic mussel-inspired photoelectrochemical biosensing chip was constructed by a polydopamine coating strategy.

Photoelectrochemical biosensor using enzyme-catalyzed in situ propagation of CdS quantum dots on graphene oxide

An innovative photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor platform was designed based on the in situ generation of CdS quantum dots (QDs) on graphene oxide (GO) using an enzymatic reaction. Horseradish peroxidase catalyzed the reduction of sodium thiosulfate with hydrogen peroxide to generate H2S, which reacted with Cd(2+) to form CdS QDs. CdS QDs could be photoexcited to generate an elevated photocurrent as a readout signal. This strategy offered a "green" alternative to inconvenient presynthesis procedures for the fabrication of semiconducting nanoparticles. The nanomaterials and assembly procedures were characterized by microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. Combined with immune recognition and on the basis of the PEC activity of CdS QDs on GO, the strategy was successfully applied to a PEC assay to detect carcinoembryonic antigen and displayed a wide linear range from 2.5 ng mL(-1) to 50 μg mL(-1) and a detection limit of 0.72 ng mL(-1) at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The PEC biosensor showed satisfactory performance for clinical sample detection and was convenient for determining high concentrations of solute without dilution. This effort offers a new opportunity for the development of numerous rapid and convenient analytical techniques using the PEC method that may be applied in the design and preparation of various solar-energy-driven applications.