Automated Sequential‐injection Chemiluminescence Determination of Glucosamine Sulphate via Luminol‐Hydrogen Peroxide System

A highly sensitive automated sequential‐injection chemiluminescence (SIA‐CL) method for determination of glucosamine sulphate (GLS) was developed. The goal of the present work is the evaluation of the enhancement effect of the investigated drug glucosamine sulphate on the chemiluminescence reaction between luminol and H₂O₂ in alkaline medium of 1.0 × 10^?2 mol L^?1 sodium hydroxide at pH 11. The experimental conditions affecting the CL reaction such as the sequence of the reagents, concentrations, flow rate and aspirated volumes of reactants were systematically investigated and optimized. Under optimum conditions 50 μL of 1.0 × 10^?3 mol L^?1 luminol, 30 μL of a GLS test solution and 50 μL of 1.0 × 10^?2 mol L^?1 H₂O₂ were used and the luminescing zone was pushed into the detector at a flow rate 100 μL s^?1. The proposed method recorded high sensitivity, accuracy and simplicity that could be clarified as linear concentration range 1.0‐2000 ng mL^?1 with rectilinear part (r = 0.9992, n = 9) and limit of detection 0.3 ng mL^?1, along with relative standard deviation 1.3%. It was found that the developed method can be used directly to determine the investigated drug GLS in its pharmaceutical dosage forms and in spiked serum and urine by diluting the samples for a 1000 fold. The obtained results were statistically analyzed and compared with those obtained by the reported method.     

Fabrication of amperometric cholesterol biosensor based on SnO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanoparticles and Nafion-modified carbon paste electrode

This study reports the fabrication of an amperometric cholesterol biosensor based on cholesterol oxidase (ChOx), SnO₂NPs and Nafion-modified carbon paste enzyme electrodes (CPE/SnO₂NPs-ChOx/Naf). The electrochemical characterisations of BCPE and CPE/SnO₂NPs were performed using CV and EIS. The determination of cholesterol was carried out by electrochemical oxidation of H₂O₂ at 0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The CPE/SnO₂NPs-ChOx/Naf presented a linear range from 0.20 μ.mol L^?1 to 4.95 μmol L^?1 with a low limit of detection (0.04 μ.mol L^?1). In addition, the optimal values for pH and temperature were found to be 7.5 and 35°C, respectively. The CPE/SnO₂NPs-ChOx/Naf was used for the determination of cholesterol in serum samples and good results were obtained.     

Effect of sodium cation on the electrochemical reduction of CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> at a copper electrode in methanol

The electrochemical reduction of CO₂ with a Cu electrode in methanol was investigated with sodium hydroxide supporting salt. A divided H-type cell was employed; the supporting electrolytes were 80 mmol dm⁻³ sodium hydroxide in methanol (catholyte) and 300 mmol dm⁻³ potassium hydroxide in methanol (anolyte). The main products from CO₂ were methane, ethylene, carbon monoxide, and formic acid. The maximum current efficiency for hydrocarbons (methane and ethylene) was 80.6%, at −4.0 V vs Ag/AgCl, saturated KCl. The ratio of current efficiency for methane/ethylene, r _f(CH₄)/r _f(C₂H₄), was similar to those obtained in LiOH/methanol-based electrolyte and larger relative to those in methanol using KOH, RbOH, and CsOH supporting salts. In NaOH/methanol-based electrolyte, the efficiency of hydrogen formation, a competing reaction of CO₂ reduction, was suppressed to below 4%. The electrochemical CO₂ reduction to methane may be able to proceed efficiently in a hydrophilic environment near the electrode surface provided by sodium cation.     

Nanostructured Alpha‐Nickel Hydroxide Electrodes for High Performance Hydrogen Peroxide Sensing

Nanostructured alpha‐nickel hydroxide (α‐Ni(OH)₂) immobilized on a Fluorine‐doped Tin Oxide (FTO) surface was explored for the construction of hydrogen peroxide amperometric Flow Injection Analysis (FIA) sensors. Their notable electrocatalytic activity and heterogeneous electron‐transfer rate were confirmed by the appearance of a broad and intense peak associated with the oxidation of hydrogen peroxide and the enhancement of sensibility in hydrodynamic conditions. The α‐Ni(OH)₂ electrodes exhibited a broad dynamic range (5×10^?6 to 1×10^?3 mol L^?1), low detection limit (2×10^?7 mol L^?1), good repeatability (RSD=1.29 % for 20 successive analyses), and a sensitivity greater than 500 µA mmol^?1 L^?1 cm^?2.     

Equilibrium isotherms and isosteric heat for CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> adsorption on nanoporous carbons from polymers

Four nanoporous carbons obtained from different polymers: polypyrrole, polyvinylidene fluoride, sulfonated styrene–divinylbenzene resin, and phenol–formaldehyde resin, were investigated as potential adsorbents for carbon dioxide. CO₂ adsorption isotherms measured at eight temperatures between 0 and 60 °C were used to study adsorption properties of these polymer-derived carbons, especially CO₂ uptakes at ambient pressure and different temperatures, working capacity, and isosteric heat of adsorption. The specific surface areas and the volumes of micropores and ultramicropores estimated for these materials by using the density functional theory-based software for pore size analysis ranged from 840 to 1990 m² g^?1, from 0.22 to 1.47 cm³ g^?1, and from 0.18 to 0.64 cm³ g^?1, respectively. The observed differences in the nanoporosity of these carbons had a pronounced effect on the CO₂ adsorption properties. The highest CO₂ uptakes, 6.92 mmol g^?1 (0 °C, 1 atm) and 1.89 mmol g^?1 (60 °C, 1 atm), were obtained for the polypyrrole-derived activated carbon prepared through a single carbonization-KOH activation step. The working capacity for this adsorbent was estimated to be 3.70 mmol g^?1. Depending on the adsorbent, the CO₂ isosteric heats of adsorption varied from 32.9 to 16.3 kJ mol^?1 in 0–2.5 mmol g^?1 range. Overall, the carbons studied showed well-developed microporosity and exceptional CO₂ adsorption, which make them viable candidates for CO₂ capture, and for other adsorption and environmental-related applications.     

Miniaturized and green method for determination of chemical oxygen demand using UV-induced oxidation with hydrogen peroxide and single drop microextraction

We report on a green method for the determination of low levels of chemical oxygen demand. It is based on the combination of (a) UV-induced oxidation with hydrogen peroxide, (b) headspace single-drop microextraction with in-drop precipitation, and (c) micro-turbidimetry. The generation of CO₂ after photolytic oxidation followed by its sequestration onto a microdrop of barium hydroxide gives rise to a precipitate of barium carbonate which is quantified by turbidimetry. UV-light induced oxidation was studied in the absence and presence of H₂O₂, ultrasound, and ferrous ion. Determinations of chemical oxygen demand were performed using potassium hydrogen phthalate as a model compound. The optimized method gives a calibration curve that is linear between 3.4 and 20 mg L^?1 oxygen. The detection limit was 1.2 mg L^?1 of oxygen, and the repeatability (as relative standard deviation) was around 5 %. The method was successfully applied to the determination of chemical oxygen demand in different natural waters and a synthetic wastewater.

Preparation and characterization of H<Subscript>3</Subscript>PW<Subscript>12</Subscript>O<Subscript>40</Subscript>/ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript> catalyst for carbonation of methanol into dimethyl carbonate

A H₃PW₁₂O₄₀/ZrO₂ catalyst for effective dimethyl carbonate (DMC) formation via methanol carbonation was prepared using the sol–gel method. X-ray photoelectron spectra showed that reactive and dominant (63%) W(VI) species, in WO₃ or H₂WO₄, enhanced the catalytic performances of the supported ZrO₂. The mesoporous structure of H₃PW₁₂O₄₀/ZrO₂ was identified by nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms. In particular, partial sintering of catalyst particles in the duration of methanol carbonation caused a decrease in the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of the catalyst from 39 to 19 m²/g. The strong acidity of H₃PW₁₂O₄₀/ZrO₂ was confirmed by the desorption peak observed at 415 °C in NH₃ temperature-programmed desorption curve. At various reaction temperatures (T?=?110, 170, and 220 °C) and CO₂/N₂ volumetric flow rate ratios (CO₂/N₂?=?1/4, 1/7, and 1/9), the calculated catalytic performances showed that the optimal methanol conversion, DMC selectivity, and DMC yield were 4.45, 89.93, and 4.00%, respectively, when T?=?170 °C and CO₂/N₂?=?1/7. Furthermore, linear regression of the pseudo-first-order model and Arrhenius equation deduced the optimal rate constant (4.24?×?10^?3 min^?1) and activation energy (E_a?=?15.54 kJ/mol) at 170 °C with CO₂/N₂?=?1/7 which were favorable for DMC formation.     

Fabrication of a New Self-assembly Compound of CsTi<Subscript>2</Subscript>NbO<Subscript>7</Subscript> with Cationic Cobalt Porphyrin Utilized as an Ascorbic Acid Sensor

A novel sandwich-structured nanocomposite based on Ti₂NbO₇^? nanosheets and cobalt porphyrin (CoTMPyP) was fabricated through electrostatic interaction, in which CoTMPyP has been successfully inserted into the lamellar spacing of layered titanoniobate. The resultant Ti₂NbO₇/CoTMPyP nanocomposite was characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, FT-IR, and UV-vis. It is demonstrated that the intercalated CoTMPyP molecules were found to be tilted approximately 63° against Ti₂NbO₇^? layers. The glass carbon electrode (GCE) modified by Ti₂NbO₇/CoTMPyP film showed a fine diffusion-controlled electrochemical redox process. Furthermore, the Ti₂NbO₇/CoTMPyP-modified electrode exhibited excellent electrocatalytic oxidation activity of ascorbic acid (AA). Differential pulse voltammetric studies demonstrated that the intercalated nanocomposite detects AA linearly over a concentration range of 4.99?×?10^?5 to 9.95?×?10^?4 mol L^?1 with a detection limit of 3.1?×?10^?5 mol L^?1 at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3.0.     

Carbon ceramic electrodes modified with mixed oxides SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/SnO<Subscript>2</Subscript> for determination of levofloxacin

The preparation of a carbon ceramic electrode modified with SnO₂ (CCE/SnO₂) using tin dibutyl diacetate as precursor was optimized by a 2³ factorial design. The factors analyzed were catalyst (HCl), graphite/organic precursor ratio, and inorganic precursor (dibutyltin diacetate). The statistical treatment of the data showed that only the second-order interaction effect, catalyst × inorganic precursor, was significant at 95% confidence level, for the electrochemical response of the system. The obtained material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (MEV), X-ray diffraction (XRD), RAMAN spectroscopy, XPS spectra, and voltammetric techniques. From the XPS spectra, it was confirmed the formation of the Si–O–Sn bond by the shift in the binding energy values referred to Sn 3d3/2 due to the interaction of Sn with SiOH species. The incorporation of SnO₂ provided an increment of the electrode response for levofloxacin, with Ipa = 147.0 μA for the ECC and Ipa = 228.8 μA for ECC/SnO₂, indicating that SnO₂ when incorporated into the silica network enhances the electron transfer process. Under the optimized working conditions, the peak current increased linearly with the levofloxacin concentration in the range from 6.21×10^?5 to 6.97×10^?4 mol L^?1 with quantification and detection limits of 3.80×10^?5 mol L^?1 (14.07 mg L^?1) and 1.13×10^?5 mol L^?1 (4.18 mg L^?1), respectively.     

Non-constant Diffusion Behavior for CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Diffusion into Brine: Influence of Density-Driven Convection

A graphically-based analysis method used to characterize the diffusion process of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into brine conventionally assumes a constant diffusion coefficient. However, this study found that the assumption is not valid: an inflection point appeared in the calculated dimensionless pressure versus time curve separating the whole diffusion process into unsteady and steady stages, with each stage corresponding to different mechanisms. The unsteady stage, which accounts for the majority of the dissoluble CO₂ diffused into the brine, has hitherto always been neglected in calculating the diffusion coefficient. In this study, a pseudo-diffusion coefficient, which considers both the natural convection effect caused by fluid circulation due to density difference and molecule diffusion driven by the dissolved CO₂ concentration gradient, is proposed to characterize the unsteady stage of the diffusion process. Results from 21 pressure decay experiments indicate that the pseudo-diffusion coefficient of the unsteady stage varies directly with environment’s temperature and inversely with the brine concentration and pressure. The pseudo-diffusion coefficient varied in the range of 10^?8–10^?7 m²·s^?1, while the diffusion coefficient reported in the literature vary in the lower range of 10^?10–10^?8 m²·s^?1. The up to three orders of magnitude difference in the diffusion coefficients representing different diffusive mechanisms testifies to the importance of the unsteady stage in the diffusion of CO₂ in brine. This higher range of variation for the pseudo-diffusion coefficient now incorporating the unsteady stage has also the side effect of introducing higher uncertainties into the prediction of the concentration distribution in CO₂ sequestration calculations.     

Nanoparticles of type Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>-SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-graphene oxide and coated with an amino acid-derived ionic liquid for extraction of Al(III), Cr(III), Cu(II), Pb(II) prior to their determination by ICP-OES

An amino acid derived ionic liquid, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and graphene oxide (GO) were used to prepare a material for the magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) of the ions Al(III), Cr(III), Cu(II) and Pb(II). The material was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectral (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), magnetic analysis and isoelectric point (pI) analysis. It is shown to be a viable sorbent for the separation of these metal ions. Single factor experiments were carried out to optimize adsorption including pH values, ionic strength, temperature and solution volume. Following desorption with 0.1 M HCl, the ions were quantified by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Under the optimum conditions, the method provides a linear range from 10 to 170 μg· L^?1 for Al(III); from 4.0 to 200 μg· L^?1 for Cr(III); from 5.0 to 170 μg· L^?1 for Cu(II); and from 5.0 to 200 μg· L^?1 for Pb(II). The limits of detection (LOD) are 6.2 ng L^?1 for Al(III); 1.6 ng L^?1 for Cr(III); 0.52 ng L^?1 for Cu(II); and 30 ng L^?1 for Pb(II). Method performance was investigated by determination of these ions in (spiked) environmental water and gave recoveries in the range of 89.1%–117.8%.

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Graphical abstract The graph shows that Al(III), Cr(III), Cu(II), Pb(II) are not adsorbed quantitatively by Fe₃O₄-SiO₂. On the other hand, Cr(III) and Pb(II) are adsorbed quantitatively by Fe₃O₄-SiO₂-GO while Al(III) and Cu(II) are not quantitatively retained. However, 3D–Fe₃O₄-SiO₂-GO-AAIL adsorb all these 4 metal ions quantitatively.

     

Physicochemical properties and mixed electronic and ionic conduction of composite ceramics in the system ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>CuO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>

Composites ZrO₂-(Bi₂CuO₄+ 20 wt % Bi₂O₃) (50–80 vol % ZrO₂) are synthesized and their physicochemical properties are studied. It is demonstrated that the composites comprise triple-phase mixtures of ZrO₂ of a monoclinic modification, Bi₂CuO₄, and solid solution Bi_2?x Zr _x O_{3 + x/2} and retain their mechanical strength up to 800°C. Impedance spectroscopy is used to examine their electroconductivity at 700–800°C in the interval of partial oxygen pressures extending from 37 to 2.1 × 10⁴ Pa. Contributions made by electronic and ionic constituents to their overall conductivity are evaluated. The best specimens’ conductivity is ～0.01 S cm^?1, with the electronic and ionic transport numbers nearly equal. The composite consisting of 50 vol % ZrO₂ and 50 vol % (Bi₂CuO₄ + 20 wt % Bi₂CuO₄) is tested in the role of an oxygen-separating membrane. The selective flux of oxygen in the temperature interval 750–800°C amounts to (2.2–6.3) × 10^?8 mol cm^?2 s^?1, testifying that these materials may be used as gas-separating membranes.     

Enhanced and tunable oxygen carrier and amperometric sensor based on a glassy carbon electrode assembly of a hemoglobin-chitosan-Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> composite

The authors have prepared organized assemblies of a hemoglobin-chitosan(CS)@Fe₃O₄ composite on glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) via three strategies with the aim of preparing tunable Hb-coated GCEs with good stability and long-term oxygen storage capability. The formation and morphology of the Hb-CS@Fe₃O₄ composite was characterized by scanning electrochemical microscopy, XRD and UV–vis spectroscopy. It is shown that Hb is fully integrated into the CS@Fe₃O₄ and can be manipulated by a magnetic field whilst maintaining its biological activity. In the absence of oxygen, a surface-controlled electrode process occurs with an interfacial electron transfer rate (k _s) of 2.14 s^?1. The modified GCE also has a favorable oxygen storage lifetime (almost 6 h). One Hb-CS@Fe₃O₄ film on the electrode displays particularly good electrocatalytic reduction activity towards oxygen. The linear range for detection of O₂ is 1.2?×?10^?7?~?2.0?×?10^?4 mol L^?1 with a detection limit of 4.0?×?10^?8 mol L^?1. In our opinion, this method has great potential in terms of enhanced oxygen storage capability of Hb, which can be applied in special situations such as space operations, down hole mining, mountaineering and diving.

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Graphical Abstract Hb-CS@Fe₃O₄ composites were prepared by three strategies, and oxygen carrying capability was studied. The corresponding modified electrode constructed on the basis of the magnetic field environment was superior in terms of stability, sensitivity and O₂ storage time, showing wider linear range and lower detection limit.

     

On-line packed magnetic in-tube solid phase microextraction of acidic drugs such as naproxen and indomethacin by using Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>@SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>@layered double hydroxide nanoparticles with high anion exchange capacity

The authors describe a 3-component nanoparticle system composed of a silica-coated magnetite (Fe₃O₄) core and a layered double (Cu-Cr) hydroxide nanoplatelet shell. The sorbent has a high anion exchange capacity for extraction anionic species. A simple online system, referred to as "on-line packed magnetic-in-tube solid phase microextraction" was designed. The nanoparticles were placed in a stainless steel cartridge via dry packing. The cartridge was then applied to the preconcentration acidic drugs including naproxen and indomethacin from urine and plasma. Extraction and desorption times, pH values of the sample solution and flow rates of sample solution and eluent were optimized. Analytes were then quantified by HPLC with UV detection. Under optimal conditions, the limits of detection range from 70 to 800 ng L^?1, with linear responses from 0.1–500 μg L^?1 (water samples), 0.6–500 μg L^?1 (spiked urine), and 0.9–500 μg L^?1 (spiked plasma). The inter- and intra-assay precisions (RSDs, for n?=?5) are in the range of 2.2–5.4%, 2.8–4.9%, and 2.0–5.2% at concentration levels of 5, 25 and 50 μg L^?1, respectively. The method was applied to the analysis of the drugs in spiked human urine and plasma, and good results were achieved.

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Graphical abstract Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@CuCr-LDH magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized and packed in to a stainless steel column. The column was applied to solid phase microextraction of acidic drugs from biological samples.

     

Use of Tin (IV) Porhyrins as Ionophores for the Construction of Phthalate‐Selective Electrodes: Influence of the Structure and Membrane Composition on their Response Properties

Tin(IV) porphyrins derivatives were used as ionophores for phthalate selective electrodes preparation. The influence of ionophore structure and membrane composition (amount of incorporated ionic sites) on the electrode response, selectivity and long‐term stability were studied. Poly(vinyl chloride) polymeric membranes plasticized with o‐NPOE (o‐nitrophenyloctylether) and containing Sn(IV)‐tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) dichloride (Sn(IV)[TPP]Cl₂) or Sn(IV)‐octaethylporphyrin (OEP) dichloride (Sn(IV)[OEP]Cl₂), and in some cases incorporating lipophilic cationic (tetraocthylammonium bromide ‐ TOABr) and anionic (sodium tetraphenylborate – NaTPB and potassium tetrakis[3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate‐KTFPB) additives, were prepared and their potentiometric characteristics compared. Both ionophores are shown to operate via a neutral mechanism, and the addition of 10 mol % of lipophilic quaternary ammonium salt derivative to the membrane is required to achieve optimal electrode performance. The potentiometric units prepared, with Sn(IV)[TPP]Cl₂ (Type A) or Sn(IV)[OEP]Cl₂ (Type B) without additives, presented a slope of ?52.8 mV dec^?1 and ?58.8 mV dec^?1 and LLLR of 9.9×10^?5 mol L^?1 and 9.9×10^?6 mol L^?1, respectively. The units prepared using the same metalloporphyrins and incorporating 10% mol TOABr presented a slope of ?55.0 mV dec^?1 and ?57.8 mV dec^?1 and LLLR of 5.0×10^?7 mol L^?1 and 3.0×10^?7 mol L^?1. Their analytical usefulness was assessed by potentiometric determinations of phthalate in water and industrial products providing results that presented recoveries of about 100%.     

Sensitive Determination of the Diquat Herbicide in Fresh Food Samples on a Highly Boron‐Doped Diamond Electrode

The highly boron‐doped diamond electrode (HBDD) combined with square wave voltammetry (SWV) was used in the development of an analytical procedure for diquat determination in potato and sugar cane samples and lemon, orange, tangerine and pineapple juices. Preliminary experiments realised in a medium of 0.05 mol L^?1 Na₂B₄O₇ showed the presence of two voltammetric peaks around ?0.6 V and around ?1.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl/Cl^? 3.0 mol L^?1, where the first peak could be successfully used for analytical proposes due the facility in the electrode surface renovation. After the experimental and voltammetric optimisation, the calculated detection and quantification limits were 1.6×10^?10 mol L^?1 and 5.3×10^?10 mol L^?1 (0.057 µg L^?1 and 0.192 µg L^?1, respectively), which are lower than the maximum residue limit established for fresh food samples by the Brazilian Sanitary Vigilance Agency. The proposed methodology was used to determine diquat residues in potato and sugar cane samples and lemon, orange, tangerine and pineapple juices and the calculated recovery efficiencies indicated that the proposed procedure presents higher robustness, stability and sensitivity, good reproducibility, and is very adequate for diquat determination in complex samples.     

Anodic Stripping Voltammetric Determination of Mercury(II) in Water Using a 4‐Tert‐Butyl‐1‐(Ethoxycarbonylmethoxy)Thiacalix[4]Arene Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

A glassy carbon electrode coated the film of 4‐tert‐butyl‐1‐(ethoxycarbonylmethoxy)thiacalix[4]arene is designed for the determination of trace amounts of Hg²⁺. Compared with bare glassy carbon electrode, the modified electrode can improve the measuring sensitivity of Hg²⁺. Under the optimum experimental condition, the modified electrode in 0.1 mol L^?1 H₂SO₄ + 0.01 mol L^?1 KCl solution shows a linear voltammetric response in the range of 8.0 × 10^?9 ～ 3.0 × 10^?6 mol L^?1 with detection limit 5.0 × 10^?9 mol L^?1 for Hg²⁺. The high sensitivity, selectivity, and stability of modified electrode also prove its practical application for a simple, rapid and economical determination of Hg²⁺ in water samples.     

Voltammetric Determination of 4‐Nitrophenol and 5‐Nitrobenzimidazole Using Different Types of Silver Solid Amalgam Electrodes – A Comparative Study

The voltammetric behavior of two genotoxic nitro compounds (4‐nitrophenol and 5‐nitrobenzimidazole) has been investigated using direct current voltammetry (DCV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) at a polished silver solid amalgam electrode (p‐AgSAE), a mercury meniscus modified silver solid amalgam electrode (m‐AgSAE), and a mercury film modified silver solid amalgam electrode (MF‐AgSAE). The optimum conditions have been evaluated for their determination in Britton‐Robinson buffer solutions. The limit of quantification (L_Q) for 5‐nitrobenzimidazole at p‐AgSAE was 0.77 µmol L^?1 (DCV) and 0.47 µmol L^?1 (DPV), at m‐AgSAE it was 0.32 µmol L^?1 (DCV) and 0.16 µmol L^?1 (DPV), and at MF‐AgSAE it was 0.97 µmol L^?1 (DCV) and 0.70 µmol L^?1 (DPV). For 4‐nitrophenol at p‐AgSAE, L_Q was 0.37 µmol L^?1 (DCV) and 0.32 µmol L^?1 (DPV), at m‐AgSAE it was 0.14 µmol L^?1 (DCV) and 0.1 µmol L^?1 (DPV), and at MF‐AgSAE, it was 0.87 µmol L^?1 (DCV) and 0.37 µmol L^?1 (DPV). Thorough comparative studies have shown that m‐AgSAE is the best sensor for voltammetric determination of the two model genotoxic compounds because it gives the lowest L_Q, is easier to prepare, and its surface can be easily renewed both chemically (by new amalgamation) and/or electrochemically (by imposition of cleaning pulses). The practical applicability of the newly developed methods was verified on model samples of drinking water.     

Sensitive determination of the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A at ultrathin film based on nanostructured hybrid material SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/GO/AgNP

In this work, we described an electrochemical sensor using a nanocomposite based on graphene oxide (GO), silver nanoparticles (AgNP), and disordered mesoporous silica (SiO₂), which was used for the determination of bisphenol A in water samples. Initially, the hybrid material SiO₂/GO was synthesized via sol-gel process, subsequently decorated with AgNP with an approximate 20 nm particle size prepared directly on the surface of the SiO₂/GO using N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as an agent reducer. A glassy carbon electrode was modified with SiO₂/GO/AgNP and used in developing a sensitive electrochemical sensor for the determination of bisphenol A in phosphate buffer 0.1 mol L^?1 (pH 7.0). The detection limit was 45.2 nmol L^?1 with a linear response range between 1.0 × 10^?7 and 2.6 × 10^?6 mol L^?1 and a sensitivity of 1.27 × 10^?7 A mol^?1 L. Finally, the optimized electrochemical sensor was used for the quantitation of endocrine interfering in natural waters.     

An ITO electrode modified with electrodeposited graphene oxide and gold nanoclusters for detecting the release of H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> from bupivacaine-injured neuroblastoma cells

This study describes an amperometric sensor for hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) that uses an ITO glass electrode which was modified with a nanocomposite consisting of electrochemically reduced graphene oxide and gold nanoclusters (AuNCs). The sensor was used to quantify extracellular H₂O₂ released from human neuroblastoma cells of type SH-SY5Y. The calibration plot, established best at a working voltage of ?0.4 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) is linear in the 40 nmol?L^?1 to 2 μmol?L^?1 concentration range, and the detection limit is 20 nmol?L^?1 (at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3). The method was further applied to study bupivacaine-induced cell damage and the protective effects of α-lipoic acid. The study indicated that pretreatment of the cells with lipoic acid retards cell damage induced by bupivacaine. The sensor can be easily fabricated, is disposable and highly sensitive. The sensor is perceived to represent an alternative for studying the interactions of drugs with cells, and as an effective tool to quantify cell-secreted H₂O₂.

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Graphical abstract One-step electrochemical synthesis of graphene oxide and gold nanoclusters on an ITO electrode for studying the release of H₂O₂ from SH-SY5Y cells and for evaluation of drug-induced cell damage