Layered Architectural Fabrication of a Novel Sulfite Nanobiosensor by Encapsulation of Sulfite Oxidase on a Polypyrrole-Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Composite Decorated with Platinum Nanoparticles

The fabrication of a highly selective and ultrasensitive sulfite nanobiosensor based on a layered architectural fabrication aided by the encapsulation of sulfite oxidase (SOx) in Nafion (Naf) matrix on a multiwalled carbon nanotubes-polypyrrole (MWCNTs-PPy) composite decorated with platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) is described. The MWCNTs are deposited in the inner layer on a Pt electrode during electropolymerization of pyrrole (Py), followed by decoration with a PtNPs layer and subsequent encapsulation of SOx with Naf in the third layer capped with a fourth thin PtNPs layer. Images obtained by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) reveal that high-density PtNPs are deposited onto the 3D nanostructured inner MWCNTs-PPy layer and the electrochemical behavior is investigated. A large surface area provided by the incorporation of MWCNTs in the composite and decoration with PtNPs enables increased SOx loading, SOx retention, and substantial improvement in sensing performance. The resulting layered PtNPs/SOx-Naf/PtNPs/MWCNTs-PPy nanobiosensor exhibits a fast response time (within 3 s), a linear calibration range of 20 nmm - 6 m with an excellent sensitivity of 71 µA mm-1  cm-2 and a detection limit of 5.4 nm. The nanobiosensor  was effective in discriminating against common interferants and  was successfully applied to sulfite determination in real samples.

Biofunctionalisation of Polypyrrole Nanowires Array with Sulfite Oxidase Coupled with the Integration of Platinum Nanoparticles for Ultrasensitive Amperometric Detection of Sulfite

Sulfite determination in foods and alcoholic beverages is a common requirement by food and drug administration organisations in most countries. In this study, the enzyme, sulfite oxidase (SOx), is used to biofunctionalise a platinum-nanoparticle-modified polypyrrole nanowire array (PPyNWA) for the ultrasensitive amperometric detection of sulfite. A dual-step anodisation method was used to prepare the anodic aluminum oxide membrane used as a template for the initial fabrication of the PPyNWA. PtNPs were subsequently deposited on the PPyNWA by potential cycling in a platinum solution. The resulting PPyNWA-PtNP electrode was then biofuntionalised by adsorption of SOx onto the surface. The confirmation of the adsorption of SOx and the presence of PtNPs in the PPyNWA-PtNPs-SOx biosensor was verified by scanning electron microscopy and electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry and amperometric measurements were used to investigate the properties of the nanobiosensor and to optimise its use for sulfite detection. Ultrasensitive detection of sulfite with the PPyNWA-PtNPs-SOx nanobiosensor was accomplished by use of 0.3 M pyrrole, 10 U mL^-1 of SOx, adsorption time of 8 h, a polymerisation period of 900 s, and an applied current density of 0.7 mA cm^-2. The response time of the nanobiosensor was 2 s, and its excellent analytical performance was substantiated with a sensitivity of 57.33 μA cm^-2 mM^-1, a limit of detection of 12.35 nM, and a linear response range from 0.12 to 1200 μM. Application of the nanobiosensor to sulfite determination in beer and wine samples was achieved with a recovery efficiency of 97-103%.

Electrodeposited Carbonyl Functional Polymers as Suitable Supports for Preparation of the First-Generation Biosensors

The aim of this electrochemical study was to ascertain which type of electrochemically deposited carbonyl functionalized polymer represents the most suitable electrode substrate for direct covalent immobilization of biological catalysts (enzymes). For this purpose, a triad of amperometric biosensors differing in the type of conductive polymers (poly-vanillin, poly-trans-cinnamaldehyde, and poly-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde) and in the functioning of selected enzymes (tyrosinase and alkaline phosphatase) has been compared for the biosensing of neurotransmitters (dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and serotonin) and phenyl phosphates (p-aminophenyl phosphate and hydroquinone diphosphate). The individual layers of the polymers were electrochemically deposited onto commercially available screen-printed carbon electrodes (type C110) using repetitive potential cycling in the linear voltammetric mode. Their characterization was subsequently performed by SEM imaging and attenuated total reflectance FTIR spectroscopy. Molecules of enzymes were covalently bonded to the free carbonyl groups in polymers via the Schiff base formation, in some cases even with the use of special cross-linkers. The as-prepared biosensors have been examined using cyclic voltammetry and amperometric detection. In this way, the role of the carbonyl groups embedded in the polymeric structure was defined with respect to the efficiency of binding enzymes, and consequently, via the final (electro)analytical performance.

Combining amperometry and mass spectrometry as a dual detection approach for capillary electrophoresis

Dual detection concepts (DDCs) are becoming more and more popular in analytical chemistry. In this work, we describe a novel DDC for capillary electrophoresis (CE) consisting of an amperometric detector (AD) and a mass spectrometer (MS). This detector combination has a good complementarity as the AD exhibits high sensitivity, whereas the MS provides excellent selectivity. Both detectors are based on a destructive detection principle, making a serial detector arrangement impossible. Thus, for the realization of the DDC, the CE flow was divided into two parts with a flow splitter. The DDC was characterized in a proof-of-concept study with ferrocene derivates and a nonaqueous background electrolyte. We could show that splitting the CE flow was a suitable method for the instrumental realization of the DDC consisting of two destructive detectors. By lowering the height of the AD compared to the MS, it was possible to synchronize the detector responses. Additionally, for the chosen model system, we confirmed that the AD was much more reproducible and had lower limits of detection (LODs) than the MS. The LODs were identical for the DDC and the single-detection arrangements, indicating no sensitivity decrease due to the CE flow splitting. The DDC was successfully applied to determine the drug and doping agent trimetazidine.

Design of Pyrrole-Based Gate-Controlled Molecular Junctions Optimized for Single-Molecule Aflatoxin B1 Detection

Food contamination by aflatoxins is an urgent global issue due to its high level of toxicity and the difficulties in limiting the diffusion. Unfortunately, current detection techniques, which mainly use biosensing, prevent the pervasive monitoring of aflatoxins throughout the agri-food chain. In this work, we investigate, through ab initio atomistic calculations, a pyrrole-based Molecular Field Effect Transistor (MolFET) as a single-molecule sensor for the amperometric detection of aflatoxins. In particular, we theoretically explain the gate-tuned current modulation from a chemical-physical perspective, and we support our insights through simulations. In addition, this work demonstrates that, for the case under consideration, the use of a suitable gate voltage permits a considerable enhancement in the sensor performance. The gating effect raises the current modulation due to aflatoxin from 100% to more than 103÷104%. In particular, the current is diminished by two orders of magnitude from the μA range to the nA range due to the presence of aflatoxin B1. Our work motivates future research efforts in miniaturized FET electrical detection for future pervasive electrical measurement of aflatoxins.

Screen-Printed Carbon Electrodes with Macroporous Copper Film for Enhanced Amperometric Sensing of Saccharides

A porous layer of copper was formed on the surface of screen-printed carbon electrodes via the colloidal crystal templating technique. An aqueous suspension of monodisperse polystyrene spheres of 500 nm particle diameter was drop-casted on the carbon tracks printed on the substrate made of alumina ceramic. After evaporation, the electrode was carefully dipped in copper plating solution for a certain time to achieve a sufficient penetration of solution within the polystyrene spheres. The metal was then electrodeposited galvanostatically over the self-assembled colloidal crystal. Finally, the polystyrene template was dissolved in toluene to expose the porous structure of copper deposit. The morphology of porous structures was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Electroanalytical properties of porous copper film electrodes were evaluated in amperometric detection of selected saccharides, namely glucose, fructose, sucrose, and galactose. Using hydrodynamic amperometry in stirred alkaline solution, a current response at +0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl was recorded after addition of the selected saccharide. These saccharides could be quantified in two linear ranges (0.2–1.0 μmol L⁻¹ and 4.0–100 μmol L⁻¹) with detection limits of 0.1 μmol L⁻¹ glucose, 0.03 μmol L⁻¹ fructose, and 0.05 μmol L⁻¹ sucrose or galactose. In addition, analytical performance of porous copper electrodes was ascertained and compared to that of copper film screen-printed carbon electrodes, prepared ex-situ by the galvanostatic deposition of metal in the plating solution. After calculating the current densities with respect to the geometric area of working electrodes, the porous electrodes exhibited much higher sensitivity to changes in concentration of analytes, presumably due to the larger surface of the porous copper deposit. In the future, they could be incorporated in detectors of flow injection systems due to their long-term mechanical stability.

A novel method for cyanide quantification in human whole blood using ion chromatography with amperometric detection and its application to cyanide intoxication cases

Cyanide is a highly toxic agent that has been frequently used for suicide in South Korea. It is also used in various industrial fields, such as metal plating, in which many accidental cyanide intoxications have occurred. To overcome the disadvantages of conventional cyanide analysis methods, a simple and fast method for the analysis of cyanide in whole blood using ion chromatography (IC) with amperometric detection was developed in this study. Whole blood samples were deproteinized, diluted, and analyzed using an IC-amperometric detection system. The limits of detection and quantitation were 0.1 and 0.2 mg/L, respectively. The method showed good linearity in the range of 0.2 to 50 mg/L with R²  > 0.99. The intra- and inter-assay precision and accuracy values were <10%. The established method was successfully applied to analyze whole blood samples from three cyanide intoxication cases.

The Scavenging Effect of Myoglobin from Meat Extracts toward Peroxynitrite Studied with a Flow Injection System Based on Electrochemical Reduction over a Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode Modified with Cobalt Phthalocyanine: Quantification and Kinetics

The scavenging activity of myoglobin toward peroxynitrite (PON) was studied in meat extracts, using a new developed electrochemical method (based on cobalt phthalocyanine-modified screen-printed carbon electrode, SPCE/CoPc) and calculating kinetic parameters of PON decay (such as half-time and apparent rate constants). As reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) affect the food quality, the consumers can be negatively influenced. The discoloration, rancidity, and flavor of meat are altered in the presence of these species, such as PON. Our new highly thermically stable, cost-effective, rapid, and simple electrocatalytical method was combined with a flow injection analysis system to achieve high sensitivity (10.843 nA µM⁻¹) at a nanomolar level LoD (400 nM), within a linear range of 3–180 µM. The proposed biosensor was fully characterized using SEM, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV), and Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV). These achievements were obtained due to the CoPc-mediated reduction of PON at very low potentials (around 0.1 V vs. Ag/AgCl pseudoreference). We also proposed a redox mechanism involving two electrons in the reduction of peroxynitrite to nitrite and studied some important interfering species (nitrite, nitrate, hydrogen peroxide, dopamine, ascorbic acid), which showed that our method is highly selective. These features make our work relevant, as it could be further applied to study the kinetics of important oxidative processes in vivo or in vitro, as PON is usually present in the nanomolar or micromolar range in physiological conditions, and our method is sensitive enough to be applied.

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 reinforced hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction of free urinary biomarkers of whole grain intake followed by CE analysis

The whole grain intake is closely associated with human health. In this work, three-phase dynamic hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction reinforced with 0.10 mg/mL 30 nm zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 nanoparticles was introduced for purification and enrichment of free urinary metabolite biomarkers of whole grain intake. Eight milliliters of HCl (pH 3.00) and 8 μL of 300 mM NaOH solutions were used as the donor and acceptor phases, respectively. The temperature and stirring rate were kept at 25℃ and 500 rpm, and the extraction time was 40 min. The extraction process required no further desorption, and the resultant extract was directly used for electrophoretic analysis without derivatization. Based on the synergistic effect of hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction and the electrophoretic stacking, the enrichment factors of 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and 3-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-propionic acid reached 1018-1034 times, and their limits of detection achieved 0.33-0.67 ng/mL (S/N = 3) in urine matrix. The developed method has been successfully used for urine analysis, and the sample recovery data were in the range of 97.0-103.5%. This developed method provided an attractive alternative for the determination of urinary metabolite biomarkers of whole grain intake due to its sensitive, fast, low-cost, and environmental-friendly features.

Rapid preparation and evaluation of chiral open-tubular columns supported with bovine serum album and zeolite imidazolate framework-8 for mini-capillary electrochromatography

In this work, a class of novel and eco-friendly open-tubular (OT) chiral column was presented for the first time by one step preparation with zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) and bovine serum album (BSA) based on electrostatic adsorption and adsorption affinity. This stationary phase materials combined the features of large surface areas and adsorption affinity of ZIF-8, and also the multiple chiral binding sites of BSA, which contributes to the π-interaction and hydrophobic interaction with the analytes. The separation performance of BSA@ZIF-8-OT chiral columns was evaluated with a miniaturized capillary electrochromatography and amperometric detection (mini-CEC-AD) system; in particular, nine groups of model molecules, including homologues, structural isomers, and chiral compounds, were baseline separated under the certain optimum conditions. The RSDs of run-to-run, day-to-day, column-to-column, and batch-to-batch reproducibility were less than 13.8 %. Furthermore, the prepared OT columns were successfully applied to fast analysis of ephedrine isomers in Chinese herb ephedra, and the LODs achieved 1.5-2.0 ng mL^-1 (S/N=3) by an electrophoretic stacking technique of moving chemical reaction boundary. This mini-CEC-AD system with BSA@ZIF-8-OT chiral columns provides a promising potential in pharmaceutical analysis due to its fast, sensitive, enantioselective, and low-cost characteristics.

Assay of Phospholipase D Activity by an Amperometric Choline Oxidase Biosensor

A novel electrochemical method to assay phospholipase D (PLD) activity is proposed based on the employment of a choline biosensor realized by immobilizing choline oxidase through co-crosslinking on an overoxidized polypyrrole film previously deposited on a platinum electrode. To perform the assay, an aliquot of a PLD standard solution is typically added to borate buffer containing phosphatidylcholine at a certain concentration and the oxidation current of hydrogen peroxide is then measured at the rotating modified electrode by applying a detection potential of +0.7 V vs. SCE. Various experimental parameters influencing the assay were studied and optimized. The employment of 0.75% (v/v) Triton X-100, 0.2 mM calcium chloride, 5 mM phosphatidylcholine, and borate buffer at pH 8.0, ionic strength (I) 0.05 M allowed to achieve considerable current responses. In order to assure a controlled mass transport and, at the same time, high sensitivity, an electrode rotation rate of 200 rpm was selected. The proposed method showed a sensitivity of 24 (nA/s)⋅(IU/mL)⁻¹, a wide linear range up to 0.33 IU/mL, fast response time and appreciable long-term stability. The limit of detection, evaluated from the linear calibration curve, was 0.005 IU/mL (S/N = 3). Finally, due to the presence of overoxidized polypyrrole film characterized by notable rejection properties towards electroactive compounds, a practical application to real sample analysis can be envisaged.

Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and the Electrocatalytic Activity of Gluconobacter oxydans as the Basis of a Biosensor

This paper considers the effect of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the parameters of Gluconobacter oxydans microbial biosensors. MWCNTs were shown not to affect the structural integrity of microbial cells and their respiratory activity. The positive results from using MWCNTs were due to a decrease in the impedance of the electrode. The total impedance of the system decreased significantly, from 9000 kOhm (G. oxydans/chitosan composite) to 600 kOhm (G. oxydans/MWCNTs/chitosan). Modification of the amperometric biosensor with nanotubes led to an increase in the maximal signal from 65 to 869 nA for glucose and from 181 to 1048 nA for ethanol. The biosensor sensitivity also increased 4- and 5-fold, respectively, for each of the substrates. However, the addition of MWCNTs reduced the affinity of respiratory chain enzymes to their substrates (both sugars and alcohols). Moreover, the minimal detection limits were not reduced despite a sensitivity increase. The use of MWCNTs thus improved only some microbial biosensor parameters.

Dual-channel Microchip Electrophoresis with Amperometric Detection System for Rapid Analysis of Cefoperazone and Sulbactam

A dual-channel microchip electrophoresis (ME) with in-channel amperometric detection was developed for cefoperazone and sulbactam determination simultaneously. In this study, a microelectrode detector was made of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) modified indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated poly-ethylene terephthalate (PET) film. The parameters including detection potential applied on working electrode, buffer concentration and pH value were optimized to improve the detection sensitivity and separation efficiency of cefoperazone and sulbactam. Under the optimal conditions, sensitive detection of cefoperazone and sulbactam was obtained with limits of detection (LODs) (S/N = 3) of 0.52 and 0.75 μg/mL, respectively. The plasma sample, which was from a patient with a brain injury taking Sulperazone, was successfully detected with a simple sample pretreatment process by dual-channel ME amperometric detection. This rapid and sensitive method possesses practical potential in clinical applications, and could provide a guidance for clinical rational drug use.

Quantal Release of Dopamine and Action Potential Firing Detected in Midbrain Neurons by Multifunctional Diamond-Based Microarrays

Micro-Graphitic Single Crystal Diamond Multi Electrode Arrays (μG-SCD-MEAs) have so far been used as amperometric sensors to detect catecholamines from chromaffin cells and adrenal gland slices. Besides having time resolution and sensitivity that are comparable with carbon fiber electrodes, that represent the gold standard for amperometry, μG-SCD-MEAs also have the advantages of simultaneous multisite detection, high biocompatibility and implementation of amperometric/potentiometric protocols, aimed at monitoring exocytotic events and neuronal excitability. In order to adapt diamond technology to record neuronal activity, the μG-SCD-MEAs in this work have been interfaced with cultured midbrain neurons to detect electrical activity as well as quantal release of dopamine (DA). μG-SCD-MEAs are based on graphitic sensing electrodes that are embedded into the diamond matrix and are fabricated using MeV ion beam lithography. Two geometries have been adopted, with 4 × 4 and 8 × 8 microelectrodes (20 μm × 3.5 μm exposed area, 200 μm spacing). In the amperometric configuration, the 4 × 4 μG-SCD-MEAs resolved quantal exocytosis from midbrain dopaminergic neurons. KCl-stimulated DA release occurred as amperometric spikes of 15 pA amplitude and 0.5 ms half-width, at a mean frequency of 0.4 Hz. When used as potentiometric multiarrays, the 8 × 8 μG-SCD-MEAs detected the spontaneous firing activity of midbrain neurons. Extracellularly recorded action potentials (APs) had mean amplitude of ∼-50 μV and occurred at a mean firing frequency of 0.7 Hz in 67% of neurons, while the remaining fired at 6.8 Hz. Comparable findings were observed using conventional MEAs (0.9 and 6.4 Hz, respectively). To test the reliability of potentiometric recordings with μG-SCD-MEAs, the D₂-autoreceptor modulation of firing was investigated by applying levodopa (L-DOPA, 20 μM), and comparing μG-SCD-MEAs, conventional MEAs and current-clamp recordings. In all cases, L-DOPA reduced the spontaneous spiking activity in most neurons by 70%, while the D₂-antagonist sulpiride reversed this effect. Cell firing inhibition was generally associated with increased APs amplitude. A minority of neurons was either insensitive to, or potentiated by L-DOPA, suggesting that AP recordings originate from different midbrain neuronal subpopulations and reveal different modulatory pathways. Our data demonstrate, for the first time, that μG-SCD-MEAs are multi-functional biosensors suitable to resolve real-time DA release and AP firing in in vitro neuronal networks.

Design, Preparation and Performance Study of On-Chip Flow-Through Amperometric Sensors with an Integrated Ag/AgCl Reference Electrode

To improve the reference potential stability of on-chip amperometric sensors, we propose a novel integrated Ag/AgCl reference electrode structure. This structure can refresh the saturated potassium chloride filling solution surrounding the Ag/AgCl electrode. We then designed a flow-through amperometric sensor and a multilayer microfluidic chip based on the integrated reference electrode. In order to improve the detection signal strength of the flow-through sensor, a numerical simulation model was established. The simulation results showed that a combination of (1) using a step-type detection cell structure that maintains micro-channel width while reducing micro-channel height, and (2) controlling the sample flow rate to limit the mass transfer of the sensor surface effectively, improves the detection signal strength. The step-type detection cell structure had dimensions of 200 μm × 200 μm × 100 μm (length × width × height), and the electroosmotic flow driving voltage was 120 V/cm. Finally, successful trace detection of Mg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ in the water was achieved using the amperometric sensor and microfluidic chip: detection limits were 5 μmol/L and 84 μmol/L. The preparation of an on-chip flow-through amperometric sensor with an integrated Ag/AgCl reference electrode will facilitate improved portability of microfluidic detection technology.

Electrochemical Oxidation of l-selenomethionine and Se-methylseleno-l-cysteine at a Thiol-Compound-Modified Gold Electrode: Its Application in a Flow-Through Voltammetric Sensor

A flow-electrolytic cell that consists of a bare gold wire or of different thiol-compound-modified gold electrodes (such as 2,4-thiazolidinedione, 2-mercapto-5-thiazoline, 2-mercaptothiazoline, l-cysteine, thioglycolic acid) was designed to be used in a voltammetric detector to identify l-selenomethionine and Se-methylseleno-l-cysteine using high-performance liquid chromatography. Both l-selenomethionine and Se-methylseleno-l-cysteine are more efficiently electrochemically oxidized on a thiol/gold than on a bare gold electrode. For the DC mode, and for measurements with suitable experimental parameters, a linear concentration from 10 to 1600 ng·mL⁻¹ was found. The limits of quantification for l-selenomethionine and Se-methylseleno-l-cysteine were below 10 ng·mL⁻¹. The method can be applied to the quantitative determination of l-selenomethionine and Se-methylseleno-l-cysteine in commercial selenium-containing supplement products. Findings using high-performance liquid chromatography with a flow-through voltammetric detector and ultraviolet detector are comparable.

Bioanalytical Method Development Using Liquid Chromatography with Amperometric Detection for the Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Forsythiaside in Rats

An analytical method entailing high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrochemical detection was developed for determining forsythiaside (FTS) in rat plasma. Rat plasma samples were prepared through efficient trichloroacetic acid deproteination. FTS and the internal standard were chromatographically separated on a reversed-phase core-shell silica C18 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, i.d. 2.6 μm), with a mobile phase consisting of an acetonitrile-0.05-M phosphate solution (11.8:88.2, v/v), at a flow rate of 400 μL/min. The calibration curve, with r² > 0.999, was linear in the 20-1000 ng/mL range. The intra- and interday precision were less than 9.0%, and the accuracy ranged from 94.5% to 106.5% for FTS. The results indicated that the newly developed HPLC-EC method is more sensitive than previous reported methods using UV detection, and this new analytical method is applied successfully for the pharmacokinetic study of FTS. The hydrogel delivery system can efficiently improve bioavailability and mean residual time for FTS, as evidenced by the 2.5- and 6.3-fold increase of the area under the curve and the extension of the half-life, respectively.

Preparation of Free-Standing and Flexible Graphene/Ag Nanoparticles/Poly(pyronin Y) Hybrid Paper Electrode for Amperometric Determination of Nitrite

A flexible and free-standing graphene-based hybrid paper was successfully fabricated by successive applications of vacuum filtration and electropolymerization. First, a suspension including graphene oxide (GO) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was prepared, and GO/AgNPs paper was obtained by vacuum-filtration of this suspension through a membrane. This GO/AgNPs paper was transformed to rGO/AgNPs paper by using both chemical reduction with HI and thermal annealing procedures. rGO/AgNPs/poly(PyY) hybrid paper electrode was formed by electropolymerization of Pyronin Y (PyY) on rGO/AgNPs paper electrode from a PyY monomer-containing (pH 1.0) solution. Structural, chemical, and morphological characterization of this hybrid paper was carried out by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, four-point probe conductivity measurement, and cyclic voltammetry techniques. Electrooxidation of nitrite on rGO/AgNPs/poly(PyY) hybrid paper electrode has been achieved at 860 mV with a linear range of 0.1-1000 μM, sensitivity of 13.5 μAμM(-1)cm(-2), and a detection limit of 0.012 μM. Amperometry studies have shown that the hybrid paper electrode is suitable for amperometric determination of nitrite in both standard laboratory samples and real samples. Moreover, this paper electrode selectively detects nitrite even in the presence of 100-fold common ions and exhibits an excellent operational stability and good flexibility.

Evaluating the diffusion coefficient of dopamine at the cell surface during amperometric detection: disk vs ring microelectrodes

During exocytosis, small quantities of neurotransmitters are released by the cell. These neurotransmitters can be detected quantitatively using electrochemical methods, principally with disk carbon fiber microelectrode amperometry. An exocytotic event then results in the recording of a current peak whose characteristic features are directly related to the mechanisms of exocytosis. We have compared two exocytotic peak populations obtained from PC12 cells with a disk carbon fiber microelectrode and with a pyrolyzed carbon ring microelectrode array, with a 500 nm ring thickness. The specific shape of the ring electrode allows for precise analysis of diffusion processes at the vicinity of the cell membrane. Peaks obtained with a ring microelectrode array show a distorted average shape, owing to increased diffusion pathways. This result has been used to evaluate the diffusion coefficient of dopamine at the surface of a cell, which is up to an order of magnitude smaller than that measured in free buffer. The lower rate of diffusion is discussed as resulting from interactions with the glycocalyx.

A microchip-based endothelium mimic utilizing open reservoirs for cell immobilization and integrated carbon ink microelectrodes for detection

This paper describes the fabrication and characterization of a microfluidic device that utilizes a reservoir-based approach for endothelial cell immobilization and integrated embedded carbon ink microelectrodes for the amperometric detection of extracellular nitric oxide (NO) release. The design utilizes a buffer channel to continuously introduce buffer or a plug of stimulant to the reservoir as well as a separate sampling channel that constantly withdraws buffer from the reservoir and over the microelectrode. A steel pin is used for both the fluidic connection to the sampling channel and to provide a quasi-reference electrode for the carbon ink microelectrode. Characterization of the device was performed using NO standards produced from a NONOate salt. Finally, NO release from a layer of immobilized endothelial cells was monitored and quantified using the system. This system holds promise as a means to electrochemically detect extracellular NO release from endothelial cells in either an array of reservoirs or concurrently with fluorescence-based intracellular NO measurements.

Critical Evaluation of Acetylcholine Determination in Rat Brain Microdialysates using Ion-Pair Liquid Chromatography with Amperometric Detection

Liquid chromatography with amperometric detection remains the most widely used method for acetylcholine quantification in microdialysis samples. Separation of acetylcholine from choline and other matrix components on a microbore chromatographic column (1 mm internal diameter), conversion of acetylcholine in an immobilized enzyme reactor and detection of the produced hydrogen peroxide on a horseradish peroxidase redox polymer coated glassy carbon electrode, achieves sufficient sensitivity for acetylcholine quantification in rat brain microdialysates. However, a thourough validation within the concentration range required for this application has not been carried out before. Furthermore, a rapid degradation of the chromatographic columns and enzyme systems have been reported. In the present study an ion-pair liquid chromatography assay with amperometric detection was validated and its long-term stability evaluated. Working at pH 6.5 dramatically increased chromatographic stability without a loss in sensitivity compared to higher pH values. The lower limit of quantification of the method was 0.3 nM. At this concentration the repeatability was 15.7%, the inter-day precision 8.7% and the accuracy 103.6%. The chromatographic column was stable over 4 months, the immobilized enzyme reactor up to 2-3 months and the enzyme coating of the amperometric detector up to 1-2 months. The concentration of acetylcholine in 30 μl microdialysates obtained under basal conditions from the hippocampus of freely moving rats was 0.40 ± 0.12 nM (mean ± SD, n = 30). The present method is therefore suitable for acetylcholine determination in rat brain microdialysates.