An enzyme-free sensor based on La-doped CoFe-layered double hydroxide decorated on reduced graphene oxide for sensitive electrochemical detection of urea

The successful synthesis of La-doped CoFe LDH@rGO nanocomposite is reported combining the advantages of LDH and rGO and shows promising performances in electrochemical sensors. The structure of the obtained nanocomposite was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), and field emission scanning electron microscope images (FE-SEM). Then, it was directly utilized to construct a carbon paste electrode (CPE) for urea detection. The electrochemical performance of the sensor was evaluated by various electrochemical methods. The La-CoFe LDH@rGO electrode exhibited excellent electrocatalytic properties, including a wide linear working range of 0.001-23.5 mM, very high sensitivity of 1.07 ± 0.023 µA µM-1 cm-2, a low detection limit of 0.33 ± 0.11 µM, and rapid response time of 5 s towards urea detection at the working potential of 0.4 V. Furthermore, the sensor displayed a high selectivity in different matrices, appropriate reproducibility, and long shelf life without activity loss during 3 months of storage under ambient conditions. Further tests were performed on serum and milk samples to confirm the capability of the proposed sensor for practical applications, demonstrating a reasonable recovery of 94.8 to 102% with an RSD value below 3%. Consequently, the synergistic effect of each component led to the good electrocatalytic activity of the modified electrode towards urea.

Electrochemical approach for the analysis of DNA degradation in native DNA and apoptotic cells

The aim of this work was to develop an electrochemical approach for the analysis of DNA degradation and fragmentation in apoptotic cells. DNA damage is considered one of the major causes of human diseases. We analyzed the cleavage processes of the circular plasmid pTagGFP2-N and calf thymus DNA, which were exposed to restriction endonucleases (the restriction endonucleases BstMC I and AluB I and the nonspecific endonuclease I). Genomic DNA from the leukemia K562 cell line was used as a marker of the early and late (mature) stages of apoptosis. Registration of direct electrochemical oxidation of nucleobases of DNA molecules subjected to restriction endonuclease or apoptosis processes was proposed for the detection of these biochemical events. Label-free differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) has been used to measure endonuclease activities and DNA damage using carbon nanotube-modified electrodes. The present DPV technique provides a promising platform for high-throughput screening of DNA hydrolases and for registering the efficiency of apoptotic processes. DPV comparative analysis of the circular plasmid pTagGFP2-N in its native supercoiled state and plasmids restricted to 4 and 23 parts revealed significant differences in their electrochemical behavior. Electrochemical analysis was fully confirmed by means of traditional methods of DNA analysis and registration of apoptotic process, such as gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry.

Composite Silica-Based Films as Platforms for Electrochemical Sensors

Sol-gel-derived silica thin films generated onto electrode surfaces in the form of organic-inorganic hybrid coatings or other composite layers have found tremendous interest for being used as platforms for the development of electrochemical sensors and biosensors. After a brief description of the strategies applied to prepare such materials, and their interest as electrode modifier, this review will summarize the major advances made so far with composite silica-based films in electroanalysis. It will primarily focus on electrochemical sensors involving both non-ordered composite films and vertically oriented mesoporous membranes, the biosensors exploiting the concept of sol-gel bioencapsulation on electrode, the spectroelectrochemical sensors, and some others.

Ratiometric electrochemical immunosensor for simultaneous detection of C-myc and Bcl-2 based on multi-role alloy composites

A ratiometric electrochemical immunosensor is proposed for simultaneous detection of cellular-myelocytomatosis oncoprotein (C-myc) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) via the potential-resolved strategy. It relied on multi-role co-loaded alloy composites (CLACs) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)-graphene oxide (GO)-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) (PGM) modified electrodes. CLACs with good catalytic and enzyme-like properties were synthesized in one step by loading tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) or methylene blue (MB) into Pt-Pd alloy and used as label materials. After immunological reactions, CLACs showed distinguishable dual differential pulse voltammetry signals at  - 0.26 V and 0.38 V, corresponding to C-myc and Bcl-2, and the PGM had an electrochemical signal at 1.2 V, which could be used as a reference signal to construct a ratiometric sensor. CLACs had a satisfactory synergistic effect with the PGM, and eventually achieved quadruple signal amplification. Thus, benefiting from multiple magnification and ratiometric self-calibration functions, sensitive detections of C-myc and Bcl-2 were achieved, with detection limits as low as 0.5 and 2.5 pg mL-1, respectively. Additionally, when the designed method was applied to blood samples from lymphoma patients, results consistent with the ELISA kit were obtained. This will open avenues for constructing multiple protein detection sensors.

Exploring the potential of molecularly imprinted polymers and metal/metal oxide nanoparticles in sensors: recent advancements and prospects

Metal/metal oxide nanoparticles have gained increasing attention in recent years due to their outstanding features, including optical and catalytic properties, as well as their excellent conductivity. The implementation of metal/metal oxide nanoparticles, combined with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) has paved the way for a new generation of building blocks to engineer and enhance the fascinating features of advanced sensors. This review critically evaluates the impact of combining metal/metal oxide nanoparticles with MIPs in sensors. It covers synthesis strategies, advantages of coupling these materials with MIPs, and addresses questions about the selectivity of these hybrid materials. In the end, the current challenges and future perspectives of this field are discussed, with a particular focus on the potential applications of these hybrid composites in the sensor field. This review highlights the exciting opportunities of using metal/metal oxide nanoparticles along with MIPs for the development of next-generation sensors.

Electrochemical sensing platform based on screen-printed carbon electrode modified with plasma polymerized acrylonitrile nanofilms for determination of bupropion

A original electrochemical sensing platform, based on screen-printed electrodes modification with plasma polymerized acrylonitrile (pp-AN) nanofilms is proposed. For that purpose, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process was conducted in a parallel plate (13.56 MHz) plasma reactor for 2 min with discharge power of 10 W. The surface topography and electrochemical properties of prepared sensors were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersion spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical characteristics of pp-AN/SPCE and pp-AN/SPAuE sensors was investigated for model redox pair [Fe(CN)6]4-/3-. Conducted research confirmed the excellent chemical stability, durability, wide potential window, high signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio, and, most importantly, the ability to standardize the sensors. The pp-AN/SPCE sensor was applied to the determination of bupropion, an antidepressant drug whose intake has increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. The voltammetric response of pp-AN/SPCE for BUP was linear in two concentration ranges of 0.63-10.0 and 10.0-50.0 μmol L-1, with a detection limit of 0.21 μmol L-1. Satisfactory recoveries (96.2-102%) and good precision (RSD below 4.1%) obtained for environmental and biological samples confirmed the usefulness of the sensor for the analysis of various kinds of samples.

Conducting dyes as electro-active monomers and polymers for detecting analytes in biological and environmental samples

Currently, electrochemical sensors are regarded as an efficient tool for the biological and environmental sensing. Electrochemical sensors, such as voltammetric, amperometric, and impedimetric sensors, have gained great attention due to their simplicity, sensitivity, and selectivity. The performance of these electrochemical sensors could be enhanced by surface engineered nano/micro structured materials with conducting dyes/redox species. In this review, a great focus has been put on the redox-active dyes because of their electronic, optical, electrochromic, and conductivity properties. The mechanisms of oxidation and subsequent polymerization of different redox-active dyes at the surface of electrodes have been studied. Additionally, their role in catalyzing the oxidation or reduction of the target analytes at the surfaces of electrodes has also been highlighted. The redox-active dyes were used as electrochemical probes for detecting various analytes in biological and environmental samples. Overall, redox-active dyes are considered promising conducting polymers for the assessment of many analytes such as drugs, pesticides, surfactants, and heavy metal ions.

Fabrication of a sensitive electrochemical sensor based on hybrid polyamide/chromotropic acid nanofibers electrospun on glassy carbon electrode for Hg2+ sensing in drinking water and canned fish samples

In this study, a new electrochemical sensor was designed based on a hybrid of polyamide (PA) and chromotropic acid (CA) nanofibers electrospun on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) configured as PANFs-CANFs/GCE. The electrochemical response of this sensor showed an excellent electrochemical activity for the detection of Hg²⁺ ions using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) methods. The proposed sensor exhibited the prominent electrocatalytic value of (α = 0.60, Log Ks = 3.45 s^-1 and Γ = 3.30 × 10 ^-9 mmol/cm²) as a result of PANFs-CANFs/GCE response to Hg²⁺ ions. The recommended sensor also demonstrated a linear portion in the calibration curve over the concentration range of 30 to 450 nM with the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 9.98 nM and 29.97 nM, respectively. The fabricated sensor revealed reproducible and repeatable responses with a high level of stability. Therefore, we highly recommend this new electro-spun based sensor for quantifying Hg²⁺ in drinking water and canned fish samples with the accurate and precise results and no side interferences.

Studies on the application of single-stranded DNA and PNA probes for electrochemical detection of miRNA 141

The abnormal concentration of microRNAs (miRNAs) can be associated with occurrence of various diseases including cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative, hence they can be considered as potential biomarkers. An attractive approach could be the application of electrochemical methods, particularly where hybridization event between single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (ssDNA) or peptide-nucleic acid (PNA) with miRNA strand happens. Recently, the use of various nanomaterials such as gold nanoparticles, graphene oxide, quantum dots as well as catalyzed hairpin assembly or hybridization chain reaction were proposed to further enhance the performance of elaborated sensors. Herein, we present the studies on selection of receptor layer composition for detection of miRNA 141. The possibility of formation of receptor layer and further duplex monolayer between ssDNA or PNA with miRNA was analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique. The interaction of ssDNA and PNA probes with miRNA was further verified using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and quartz - crystal microbalance (QCM) techniques. On the basis of impedance spectroscopy it was shown that the use of unlabelled ssDNA as receptor layer provided 0.1 pM detection limit. This shows that proposed biosensor that is simple in preparation and use is an attractive alternative to other recently presented approaches.

Advanced experimental techniques for the sensitive detection of a toxic bisphenol A using UiO-66-NDC/GO-based electrochemical sensor

In the present study, a simple and sensitive method for detecting bisphenol A (BPA) in various environments, including groundwater, was described using a widespread electrochemical method. BPA is well-known for its endocrine-disrupting properties, which may cause potential toxicological effects oon the nervous, reproductive, and immune systems. A novel metal-organic framework (UiO-66-NDC/GO) was synthesized, and its existence was confirmed by several characterization techniques like FTIR, UV-visible, XRD, SEM-EDX, Raman spectroscopy, and TGA. Due to the excellent electrocatalytic nature, UiO-66-NDC/GO was chosen as the sensor material and integrated on the surface of the bare carbon paste electrode (BCPE). The UiO-66-NDC/GO modified carbon paste electrode (MCPE) was engaged for the detection of BPA using techniques like cyclic Voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The applied sensor exhibited an astonishing outcome for BPA detection with high sensitivity and selectivity. The lower detection limit (LLOD) of 0.025 μM was achieved at the modified sensor with a linear concentration range of 10-70 μM. Moreover, the practical applicability of the sensor was tested on tap water, drinking water, and fresh liquid milk, giving an excellent recovery of BPA in the range of 94.8-99.3 (v.%). The proposed method could be employed for electrochemical device or a solid state device fabrication for the onsite monitoring of BPA.

Sensitive voltammetric quantification of carminic acid in candies using selenium dioxide nanoparticles based electrode

Carminic acid is a food colorant which concentration has to be controlled due to the possible negative health effects. Sensitive voltammetric method is developed for carminic acid determination using electrode modified with SeO₂ nanoparticles (SeO₂ NPs) and hexadecyltriphenylphosphonium bromide (HDTPPB) acting as dispersive agent for nanoparticles and electrode surface co-modifier. SeO₂ NPs of 37-45 nm are uniformly distributed at the electrode increasing its electroactive area (41 ± 2 vs. 8.9 ± 0.2 mm² for bare glassy carbon electrode (GCE)). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data confirm an 18.3-fold decrease of charge transfer resistance compared to GCE (12.7 ± 0.3 vs. 232 ± 7 kΩ, respectively). In differential pulse mode, the linear dynamic ranges of carminic acid are 0.010-2.5 and 2.5-10 μmol L^-1 with a detection limit of 3.4 nmol L^-1. The method is successfully employed in candies and lozenges for sore throat treatment. The approach is simple, reliable, and can be used as an alternative to chromatography in routine analysis.

Eco-friendly synthesis of sulphur-doped graphenes with applicability in caffeic acid electrochemical assay

A new electrode based on glassy carbon modified with a sulphur-doped graphene material was successfully developed and applied for caffeic acid (CA) voltammetric detection and quantification. The structural features of sulphur-doped graphene (exfGR-S) characterized by different physicochemical and analytical techniques are presented. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique was employed to evaluate the electrochemical behavior of both bare glassy carbon (GCE) and modified GCE/exfGr-S electrodes towards CA oxidation. The study revealed that the modified electrode exhibits superior electrochemical performances compared to the bare electrode, with a broad CA detecting range (from 0.1 to 100.0 µM), a low detection limit 3.03 × 10^-8 M), excellent anti-interference capabilities, as well as good stability and repeatability. The developed electrochemical sensor appears to be a promising candidate for real sample quality control analysis since it successfully displayed its ability to directly detect CA in commercially available coffee product without any pretreatment.

Recent developments on graphene and its derivatives based electrochemical sensors for determinations of food contaminants

The sensing of food contaminants is essential to prevent their adverse health effects on the consumers. Electrochemical sensors are promising in the determination of electroactive analytes including food pollutants, biomolecules etc. Graphene nanomaterials offer many benefits as electrode material in a sensing device. To further improve the analytical performance, doped graphene or derivatives of graphene such as reduced graphene oxide and their nanocomposites were explored as electrode materials. Herein, the advancements in graphene and its derivatives-based electrochemical sensors for analysis of food pollutants were summarized. Determinations of both organic (food colourants, pesticides, drugs, etc.) and inorganic pollutants (metal cations and anions) were considered. The influencing factors including nature of electrode materials and food pollutants, pH, electroactive surface area etc., on the sensing performances of modified electrodes were highlighted. The results of pollutant detection in food samples by the graphene-based electrode have also been outlined. Lastly, conclusions and current challenges in effective real sample detection were presented.

Electrochemical sensors based on carbon nanostructures for the analysis of bisphenol A-A review

Overuse of Bisphenol A (BPA), a proven endocrine disruptor, has become a serious public health problem across the world. It has the potential to harm both the environment and human health, notably reproductive disorders, heart disease, and diabetes. Accordingly, much attention has been paid to the detection of BPA to promote food safety and environmental health. Carbon based nanostructures have proven themselves well in a variety of applications, such as energy storage, catalysis and sensors, due to their remarkable properties. Therefore, researchers have recently focused on fabricating electrochemical BPA sensors based on carbon nanostructures due to their unique advantages, such as real-time monitoring, simplicity, high selectivity, high sensitivity and easy operation. The purpose of the current review was to summarize the recent findings on carbon nanostructures for electrochemically sensing the BPA, as well as relevant future prospects and ongoing challenges.

A novel peptide-based electrochemical biosensor for breast cancer characterization over a poly 3-(3-aminophenyl) propionic acid matrix

In this work, a new electrochemical biosensor was developed using peptides selected by Phage Display as biorecognition phase to Breast Cancer (BC) characterization. Phage clones were selected against MCF-7 (ER-positive BC) proteins, in order to characterize patients with aggressive luminal BC. Biotin-C3 and biotin-H2 peptides were chemically synthesized and validated by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence assays, and ELISA assays, being more reactive to the MCF-7 lineage. Furthermore, a new matrix for the coupling of biomolecules on the surface of graphite electrodes was generated, through electrochemical modification with a new material derived from 3-(3-aminophenyl)propionic acid (3-3-APPA). Electrochemical and morphological characterizations were carried out, and the mechanism of electropolymerization of poly(3-3-APPA) was proposed, in which the carboxylate groups are kept in the structure of the formed polymer. Then, a biosensor was developed by immobilizing the biotin-C3 and biotin-H2 peptides in the SPE/poly(3-3-APPA)/avidin system for the detection of BC tumor markers in serological samples. Finally, peptides were validated using samples from patients with BC and Benign Breast Disease. Biotin-C3 peptide characterized luminal BC according to p53 status and to HER2 expression, being the biosensor a better strategy when compared to ELISA test. This new biosensor will open a new perspective for a rapid and electrochemical platform for the characterization of BC and its molecular subtypes.

Challenges in the design of electrochemical sensor for glyphosate-based on new materials and biological recognition

Glyphosate (GLY) is the main ingredient in the weed killer Roundup and the most widely used pesticide in the world. Studies of the harmful effects of GLY on human health began to become more wide-ranging after 2015. GLY is listed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a carcinogenic hazard to humans. Moreover, GLY has the property to complex with transition metals and are stable for long periods, being considered a high-risk element for different matrices, such as environmental (soil and water) and food (usually genetically modified crops). Since that, it was noticed an increment in the development of new analytical methods for its determination in different matrices like food, environmental and biological fluids. Noteworthy, the application of electrochemical techniques for downstream detection sparked interest due to the ability to minimize or eliminate the use of polluting chemicals, using simple and affordable equipment. This work aims to review the contribution of the electroanalytical methods for the determination of GLY in different food and environmental matrices. Parameters such as the electrochemical transduction techniques based on the electrical measurement signals, receptor materials for electrodes preparation, and the detection mechanisms are described in this review. The literature review shows that the electrochemical sensors are powerful detection system that can be improved by their design and by their portability to fulfil the needs of the GLY determination in laboratory benches, or even in situ analysis.

Simultaneous quantification of Cd(II) and Pb(II) in surface marine sediments using Ag-Hg and Ag-Bi nanoalloys glassy carbon modified electrodes

The evaluation of glassy carbon (GC) electrodes modified with a Nafion (Nf) film and doped with nanoalloys (Nys) deposits of Ag-Hg and Ag-Bi and their application to determination of Cd (II) and Pb(II) in marine sediments, is described. Deposited Ag-Hg and AgBi Nys have a size of approximately ~80 nm dispersed and embedded inside the booths of the Nf net, while other of them remained on Nf net surface. For the AgBiNysNf-GC electrode, a detection limit (DL), 3 s criterion, slightly higher than for the AgHgNysNf-GC modified electrode was obtained. Accuracy of measurements was asserted by comparison with quantification of Cd and Pb in three sets of marine sediments samples previously analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The values of the standard deviation and the coefficients of variation are very low, and also comparable between the different determinations.

Chemically modified carbon-based electrodes for the determination of paracetamol in drugs and biological samples

Paracetamol is a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug widely used in pharmaceutical applications for its sturdy, antipyretic and analgesic action. However, an overdose of paracetamol can cause fulminant hepatic necrosis and other toxic effects. Thus, the development of advantageous analytical tools to detect and determine paracetamol is required. Due to simplicity, higher sensitivity and selectivity as well as costefficiency, electrochemical sensors were fully investigated in last decades. This review describes the advancements made in the development of electrochemical sensors for the paracetamol detection and quantification in pharmaceutical and biological samples. The progress made in electrochemical sensors for the selective detection of paracetamol in the last 10 years was examined, with a special focus on highly innovative features introduced by nanotechnology. As the literature is rather extensive, we tried to simplify this work by summarizing and grouping electrochemical sensors according to the by which manner their substrates were chemically modified and the analytical performances obtained.

Electrochemical sensors and biosensors using laser-derived graphene: A comprehensive review

Laser-derived graphene (LDG) technology is gaining attention as a promising material for the development of novel electrochemical sensors and biosensors. Compared to established methods for graphene synthesis, LDG provides many advantages such as cost-effectiveness, fast electron mobility, mask-free, green synthesis, good electrical conductivity, porosity, mechanical stability, and large surface area. This review discusses, in a critical way, recent advancements in this field. First, we focused on the fabrication and doping of LDG platforms using different strategies. Next, the techniques for the modification of LDG sensors using nanomaterials, conducting polymers, biological and artificial receptors are presented. We then discussed the advances achieved for various LDG sensing and biosensing schemes and their applications in the fields of environmental monitoring, food safety, and clinical diagnosis. Finally, the drawbacks and limitations of LDG based electrochemical biosensors are addressed, and future trends are also highlighted.

Non-enzymatic electrochemical approaches to cholesterol determination

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

NiCo2O4 Nano-/Microstructures as High-Performance Biosensors: A Review

Non-enzymatic biosensors based on mixed transition metal oxides are deemed as the most promising devices due to their high sensitivity, selectivity, wide concentration range, low detection limits, and excellent recyclability. Spinel NiCo2O4 mixed oxides have drawn considerable attention recently due to their outstanding advantages including large specific surface area, high permeability, short electron, and ion diffusion pathways. Because of the rapid development of non-enzyme biosensors, the current state of methods for synthesis of pure and composite/hybrid NiCo2O4 materials and their subsequent electrochemical biosensing applications are systematically and comprehensively reviewed herein. Comparative analysis reveals better electrochemical sensing of bioanalytes by one-dimensional and two-dimensional NiCo2O4 nano-/microstructures than other morphologies. Better biosensing efficiency of NiCo2O4 as compared to corresponding individual metal oxides, viz. NiO and Co3O4, is attributed to the close intrinsic-state redox couples of Ni3+/Ni2+ (0.58 V/0.49 V) and Co3+/Co2+ (0.53 V/0.51 V). Biosensing performance of NiCo2O4 is also significantly improved by making the composites of NiCo2O4 with conducting carbonaceous materials like graphene, reduced graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes (single and multi-walled), carbon nanofibers; conducting polymers like polypyrrole (PPy), polyaniline (PANI); metal oxides NiO, Co3O4, SnO2, MnO2; and metals like Au, Pd, etc. Various factors affecting the morphologies and biosensing parameters of the nano-/micro-structured NiCo2O4 are also highlighted. Finally, some drawbacks and future perspectives related to this promising field are outlined.

Electrochemical sensors for improved detection of paraquat in food samples: A review

Paraquat (1,10-dimethyl-4,40-dipyridinium chloride), also known as methyl viologen, is widely used as a quaternary ammonium herbicide (broadleaf weed killer) all over the world owing to its excellent effect in plant cells for crop protection and horticultural use. However, it is dangerous because of its high acute toxicity even at low concentrations. Its detection in the environment is therefore necessary. As a consequence of its widespread usage, it causes genotoxic, teratogenic as well as other environmental and ecological adverse impacts. Exposure to PQ leads to a high mortality rate because no specific drug is effective for treatment. Excessive consumption of PQ can cause cellular damage and necrosis in the brain, heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. The diversity and sensitivity of the analyses currently required have forced the experimenter to use more advanced and efficient techniques, which can provide qualitative and quantitative results in complex environments. Electrochemical methods generally meet these criteria while offering other advantages to achieve excellent accuracy and fast handling. This paper provides an overview of the determination of PQ using electrochemical methods combined with several modified electrodes in food samples, including milk, apple juice, tomato juice, and potato juice. Emphasis was placed on the most relevant modifiers used to generate high selectivity and sensitivity such as noble metals, metallic nanoparticles, polymers, biomolecules, clay, and apatite minerals. Comprehensively, it is strongly convincing that the synergy between the sensor substrate and the modifier architecture gives the electrodes a high capacity to detect paraquat in complex matrices such as food. In line with the context, information's on the mechanism of electrooxidation or reduction of PQ has been reported with the discussion of some future prospects and some insights. To the best of our knowledge, there is no review article relating the electrochemical determination of paraquat.

Voltammetric determination of nitro compound 4-nitroaniline in aqueous medium at chitosan gelified modified carbon paste electrode (CS@CPE)

A sensitive, selective and reproducible electrochemical method has been established for the electroanalysis of 4-nitroaniline (4-NA) using a carbon paste electrode modified with a chitosan solution gelled in acetic acid (CS@CPE). The modified electrode was then characterized spectroscopically using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In addition, the electrochemical and interfacial characteristics of the as-prepared modified electrode were assessed by potentiodynamic cyclic voltammetry (CV) and AC electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was additionally used to deduce the trace amounts of (4-NA) in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) of pH7.0 as an ideal electrolyte. Under optimized conditions, the peak current of 4-NA increased linearly with the increasing 4-NA concentration over the range of 0.1μM to 0.1Mm. The calibration curve presents two linear ranges of current versus 4-NA concentration with a detection limit of 93.4nM (3sb/B). The repeatability of the current peak registered at CS@CPE was performed at a level of 0.5μM 4-NA employing one sensor on the same day for eight measurements. The relative standard deviation was 3.5%.

A review on electrochemical biosensing platform based on layered double hydroxides for small molecule biomarkers determination

The development of layered double hydroxides (LDHs), also known as anionic clays with uniform distribution of metal ions and facile exchangeability of intercalated anions, are now appealing an immense deal of attention in synthesis of multifunctional materials. In electrochemical biosensors, LDHs provide stable environment for immobilization of enzymes or other sensing materials and play crucial roles in development of clinical chemistry, point-of-care devices through analysis of various small molecule metabolites excreted by biological processes which in turn serve as molecular biomarkers for medical diagnostics. In this review, we summarize the recent development in fabrication of LDH based nanoarchitectures and their electrocatalytic applications in ultrasensitive in vitro determination of conventional biomarkers, i.e., H₂O₂, glucose, dopamine and other biomolecules. Moreover, detailed discussion has been compiled to differentiate electrochemical enzymatic and nonenzymatic biosensors, to evaluate useful concentration ranges of H₂O₂ and glucose for analytical circumstances and to distinguish tumorigenic and normal cells via quantifying the released H₂O₂ efflux from living cells. Here, we envision that electrochemical sensing platform based on structurally integrated LDH nanohybrids with highly conducting substrates will assist as diseases diagnostic probe further enhancing diagnosis as well as therapeutic window for chronic diseases. Finally, the perspective for fabrication and assembly of LDH electrode is proposed for the future innovation of electrochemical biosensors with high performance making them more reliable for in vitro diagnostics.

Enzyme-based amperometric galactose biosensors: a review

This review (with 35 references) summarizes the various strategies used in biosensors for galactose, and their analytical performance. A brief comparison of the enzyme immobilization methods employed and the analytical performance characteristics of a range of galactose biosensors are first summarized in tabular form and then described in detail. Selected examples have been included to demonstrate the various applications of these biosensors to real samples. Following an introduction into the field that covers the significance of sensing galactose in various fields, the review covers biosensors based on the use of galactose oxidase, with a discussion of methods for their immobilization (via cross-linking, adsorption, covalent bonding and entrapment). This is followed by a short section on biosensors based on the use of galactose dehydrogenase. The conclusion section summarizes the state of the art and addresses current challenges.

Graphical abstract

Graphene nanoribbon/FePt bimetallic nanoparticles/uric acid as a novel magnetic sensing layer of screen printed electrode for sensitive determination of ampyra

A novel electrochemical sensor for sensitive determination of ampyra (Am) based on graphene nanoribbons modified by iron-platinum bimetallic nanoparticles and uric acid (SPCE/FePtGNR/UA) dropped on the screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) surface and magnetically captured onto an SPCE working electrode surface is reported in the present work. The modified nanocomposite and sensing layer was characterized by different techniques, including cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray powdered diffraction (XRD). Am determination by conventional electrochemical methods is not possible, because of its high redox overpotential. Therefore, the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) signals of UA were used as a redox probe for indirect electrochemical determination of Am. The limit of detection (LOD) and linear concentration range were obtained as 0.028 and 0.08-9.0µmolL^-1 (3S_b/m = 3), respectively. The feasibility of the proposed method was examined by the detection of Am in biological and pharmaceutical samples with satisfactory results. The constructed electrochemical sensor was applied for fast, simple and sensitive detection of Am in real environments.

Development of a disposable and low-cost electrochemical sensor for dopamine detection based on poly(pyrrole-3-carboxylic acid)-modified electrochemically over-oxidized pencil graphite electrode

In this study, preparation of a single-use electrochemical sensor for the selective and sensitive determination of dopamine (DOP) was investigated by electrochemical polymerization of pyrrole-3-carboxylic acid on electrochemically over-oxidized pencil graphite electrode (p(P3CA)/EOPGE). Cyclic voltammetry measurements of Fe(CN)₆^4-/3- indicated that the electrochemically over-oxidized PGE (EOPGE) showed superior electron transfer characteristics according to bare PGE. The ionized carboxyl groups found in the structure of poly(pyrrole-3-carboxylic acid) (p(P3CA)) showed high affinity towards positively charged DOP. The combination of the advantages of EOPGE and p(P3CA) in p(P3CA)/EOPGE led to a synergistic effect on the electrochemical oxidation of DOP. The effects of experimental variables on the voltammetric performance of the p(P3CA)/EOPGE were examined by preparing the electrodes at different conditions. The p(P3CA)/EOPGE showed high selectivity towards DOP by discriminating its oxidation potential from the common interfering substances such as ascorbic and uric acids. The p(P3CA)/EOPGE showed linear responses in the electrochemical oxidation of DOP between the concentration values of 0.025µM and 7.5µM. Detection limit was determined as 0.0025µM according to signal to noise ratio (S/N: 3). Analytical application of p(P3CA)/EOPGE was successfully tested in the determination of DOP in blood serum and pharmaceutical samples.

Electrodeposition of reduced graphene oxide on a Pt electrode and its use as amperometric sensor in microchip electrophoresis

This report describes the development and application of a novel graphene-modified electrode to be used as amperometric sensor in microchip electrophoresis (ME) devices. The modified electrode was achieved based on electroreduction of graphene oxide on an integrated Pt working electrode of a commercial ME device. The surface modification was characterized by SEM and cyclic voltammetry techniques. The results indicated that graphene sheets were successfully deposited exhibiting higher surface conductivity and greater electrode sensitivity. The performance of the modified electrode for the amperometric detection on ME devices has been demonstrated by the separation and detection of an anionic mixture containing iodide and ascorbate. The graphene-modified electrode provided significantly higher sensitivity (896.7 vs. 210.9 pA/μM for iodide and 217.8 vs. 127.8 pA/μM for ascorbate), better separation efficiencies (3400 vs. 700 plates/m for iodide and 10 000 vs. 2400 plates/m for ascorbate), enhanced peak resolutions (1.6 vs. 1.0), and LODs (1.5 vs. 5.3 μM for iodide and 3.1 vs. 7.3 μM for ascorbate) in comparison with the unmodified Pt electrode. The proposed amperometric sensor was successfully applied for the analysis of ascorbic acid (through its anionic form) in a commercial medicine sample, and the results achieved were in agreement with the value provided by the supplier. Based on the data here presented, the modified graphene electrode shows great promise for ME applications.

Theoretical voltammetric response of electrodes coated by solid polymer electrolyte membranes

A model for the differential capacitance of metal electrodes coated by solid polymer electrolyte membranes, with acid/base groups attached to the membrane backbone, and in contact with an electrolyte solution is developed. With proper model parameters, the model is able to predict a limit response, given by Mott-Schottky or Gouy-Chapman-Stern theories depending on the dissociation degree and the density of ionizable acid/base groups. The model is also valid for other ionic membranes with proton donor/acceptor molecules as membrane counterions. Results are discussed in light of the electron transfer rate at membrane-coated electrodes for electrochemical reactions that strongly depend on the double layer structure. In this sense, the model provides a tool towards the understanding of the electro-catalytic activity on modified electrodes. It is shown that local maxima and minima in the differential capacitance as a function of the electrode potential may occur as consequence of the dissociation of acid/base molecular species, in absence of specific adsorption of immobile polymer anions on the electrode surface. Although the model extends the conceptual framework for the interpretation of cyclic voltammograms for these systems and the general theory about electrified interfaces, structural features of real systems are more complex and so, presented results only are qualitatively compared with experiments.

First report for voltammetric determination of methyldopa in the presence of folic acid and glycine

In this study, a carbon paste electrode modified with TiO2 nanoparticles and ferrocene monocarboxylic acid (FM) was used to prepare a novel electrochemical sensor. The objective of this novel electrode modification was to seek new electrochemical performances for the detection of methyldopa in the presence of folic acid and glycine. The peak potentials recorded in a phosphate buffer solution (PBS) of pH7.0 were 325, 750 and 880 mV vs. Ag/AgCl/KCl (3.0M) for methyldopa, folic acid and glycine, respectively. Under the optimum pH of 7.0, the oxidation of methyldopa occurred at a potential about 160 mV less positive than that of the unmodified carbon paste electrode (CPE). The response of catalytic current with methyldopa concentration showed a linear relation in the range from 2.0×10(-7) to 1.0×10(-4)M with a detection limit of 8.0 (± 0.2)×10(-8)M.

Detection of real sample DNA at a cadmium sulfide--chitosan/gelatin modified electrode

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) was combined with chitosan (Chi) and gelatin (Gel) to prepare a CdS-Chi/Gel modified electrode. Chi exhibits a large positive charge density and was to provide a uniform of CdS surface. Gel exhibits high mechanical strength and low toxicity toward mammalian cells, and is non-antigenic biopolymer. CdS-Chi exhibits a lower contact angle than that of bare CdS, indicating that the hydrophilicity of the sample surface had increased. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to determine diffusion coefficients and to characterize the electron transfer kinetics during the redox reactions. The surface morphologies of CdS-Chi and Gel were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used to detect the analytes. DPV not only increased the linear range of the electrocatalytic current, but also lowered the overpotential for oxidation interference in the measurements. The CdS electrode exhibited a enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward the analytes evaluated in this study. The presence of Gel enhanced the loading and stability of the electrode. The fabricated electrode was successfully used for the simultaneous electrochemical oxidation of guanine (G) and adenine (A).

Electrochemical Determination of Trace Sudan I Contamination in Chili Powder at Carbon Nanotube Modified Electrodes

We have developed a simple, convenient and inexpensive voltammetric method for determining trace Sudan I contamination in chili powder, based on the catalyzed electrochemical reduction of Sudan I at the carbon nanotube modified electrode. Under optimized conditions, the method exhibited acceptable analytical performance in terms of linearity (over the concentration range 6.0×10⁻⁷ to 7.5×10⁻⁵ M, r = 0.9967), detection limit (2.0×10⁻⁷ M) and reproducibility (RSD = 4.6%, n=10, for 2.0×10⁻⁵ M Sudan I).