A Photoelectrochemical Biosensor Fabricated using Hierarchically Structured Gold Nanoparticle and MoS2 on Tannic Acid Templated Mesoporous TiO2

In a tannic acid assisted synthesis of mesoporous TiO₂, tannic acid was used as a cost effective and non‐toxic template for pore formation. Meanwhile, a gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) deposited TiO₂ nanocomposite was coated on an indium tin oxide electrode for the fabrication of a photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensing system. Upon the formation of anatase structure, the electrode was coated with MoS₂ for effective visible light absorption. The mesoporous structure led to an enhanced surface area by improving Au NPs and glucose oxidase adsorption. Incorporation of Au NPs led to an enhanced photonic efficiency due to the generation of Schottky barriers. The obtained nanocomposite was used for the light‐driven, real‐time, and selective PEC glucose sensing. Under visible light irradiation, the enzyme immobilized electrodes yielded significant photocurrent improvement owing to the releasing electron donor H₂O₂. The obtained PEC biosensor demonstrated acceptable reproducibility and stability with a sensitivity of 4.42 μA mM^?1 cm^?2 and a low detection limit of 1.2 μM glucose. Also, the linear measurement range was found to be 0.004–1.75 mM glucose. The results indicated that the proposed production method of mesoporous TiO₂ will pave the way for a green chemistry based porous material production, along with the extension of the implementation of semiconductors in PEC biosensing systems.     

Thulium(III) Ions Monitoring by a Novel Thulium(III) Microelectrode Based on a S‐N Schiff Base

This study presents for the first time development of a highly selective and sensitive thulium(III) micro‐sensor. Theoretical calculations were conducted on a S‐N Schiff base [thiophene‐2‐carbaldehyde‐(7‐methyl‐1,3‐benzothiazol‐2‐yl) hydrazone] (TCMH) in order to obtain a clue about the tendency of TCMH to Tm(III) and some other metal ions. Then, TCMH was used as a membrane‐active component to prepare a Tm(III)‐selective polymeric membrane microelectrode. In line with the resulting data, the electrode exhibits a Nernstian response toward Tm(III) ions for a very wide concentration range (1.0×10^?11–4.0×10^?6 M) with a detection limit of 1.0×10^?11 (ca. 1.5 ppt) and a very fast response time in the whole concentration range (<5 s). In addition, the results showed that the certain microelectrode could be applied in the pH range of 4.0–11.0 with a usage of more than one month without any considerable potential divergence.     

A Sequence‐Selective Electrochemical DNA Biosensor Based on HRP‐Labeled Probe for Colorectal Cancer DNA Detection

Abstract

A highly‐sensitive sequence‐selective DNA sensor based on HRP‐labeled probe to detect specific K‐ras gene which is highly associated with colorectal cancer has been reported. Capture probe modified with–SH was first chemically adsorbed on the gold electrode through self‐assembly. Then, the hybridization of a complementary nucleic acid (target DNA:K‐ras gene) and HRP labeled oligonucleotide detection probe occurred in a sandwich way. Finally, H₂O₂ electroreduction current catalyzed by HRP was measured amperometrically in the presence of hydroquinon as mediator. The sequence selectivity is double guaranteed by the complementary hybridization of target DNA with capture and detection probes. The experimental conditions were optimized. The linear range is 1.17×10^?11～1.17×10^?7 mol l^?1 with a detection limit of 5.85×10^?12 mol l^?1. The electrode with capture probe can be reused after regeneration in boiling water.     

Visible‐light‐driven self‐cleaning SERS substrate of silver nanoparticles and graphene oxide decorated nitrogen‐doped titania nanotube array

Graphene oxide (GO) and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) sequentially decorated nitrogen‐doped titania nanotube array (N‐TiO₂ NTA) had been designed as visible‐light‐driven self‐cleaning surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate for a recyclable SERS detection application. N‐TiO₂ NTA was fabricated by anodic oxidation and then doping nitrogen treatment in ammonia atmosphere, acting as a visible‐light‐driven photocatalyst and supporting substrate. Ag/GO/N‐TiO₂ NTA was prepared by decorating GO monolayer through an impregnation process and then depositing Ag NPs through a polyol process on the surface of N‐TiO₂ NTA, acting as the collection of organic molecule and Raman enhancement. The SERS activity of Ag/GO/N‐TiO₂ NTA was evaluated using methyl blue as an organic probe molecule, revealing the analytical enhancement factor of 4.54 × 10⁴. Ag/GO/N‐TiO₂ NTA was applied as active SERS substrate to determine a low‐affinity organic pollutant of bisphenol A, revealing the detection limit of as low as 5 × 10^?7 m . Ag/GO/N‐TiO₂ NTA could also achieve self‐cleaning function for a recycling utilization through visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic degradation of the adsorbed organic molecules. Ag/GO/N‐TiO₂ NTA has been successfully reused for five times without an obvious decay in accuracy and sensitivity for organic molecule detection. The unique properties of this SERS substrate enable it to have a promising application for the sensitive and recyclable SERS detection of low‐affinity organic molecules. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Designing and fabrication of a novel gold nanocomposite structure: application in electrochemical sensing of bisphenol A

In this article, a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor is introduced for direct electro-oxidation of bisphenol A (BPA). The novel nanocomposite was prepared based on multi-walled carbon nanotube/thiol functionalised magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄-SH) as an immobilisation platform and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as an amplifying electrochemical signal. The chemisorbed AuNPs exhibited excellent electrochemical activity for the detection of BPA. Some analysing techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray diffraction exposed the formation of nanocomposite. Under optimum conditions (pH 9), the sensor showed a linear range between 0.002–240 μM, with high sensitivity (0.25 μA μM^?1) along with low detection limit (6.73 × 10^?10 M). Moreover, nanocomposites could efficiently decrease the effect of interfering agents and remarkably enhance the utility of sensor at detection of BPA in some real samples.     

Highly Selective and Sensitive Triiodide PVC‐Based Membrane Electrode Based on a New Charge Transfer Complex of 2‐(((2‐(((E)‐1‐(2‐Hydroxyphenyl) Methylidine) Amino) Phenyl) Imino) Methyl) Phenol for Nano‐Level Monitoring of Triiodide

Abstract

A highly selective and sensitive triiodide sensor based on a 2‐(((2‐(((E)‐1‐(2‐hydroxy phenyl) methylidine) amino) phenyl) imino) methyl) phenol with iodine (CTC) as membrane carrier was developed. The electrode revealed a Nernstian behavior over a very wide triiodide‐ion concentration range (5.0×10^?8–1.0×10^?2 M), and relatively low detection limit (3.0×10^?8 M). The potentiometric response is independent of the pH of solution in the pH range of 3.0–10.0. The electrodes manifest advantages of low resistance, very fast response (<12 s), and most importantly, good selectivities relative to a wide variety of inorganic and organic anions, including iodide, bromide, chloride, fluoride, sulfite, sulfate, cyanide, thiocyanate, and acetate. In fact, the selectivity behavior of the proposed triiodide ion‐selective electrode shows great improvements compared to the previously reported electrodes for the triiodide ion. The proposed membrane sensor can be used for at least 6 months without any significant divergences in the potential. The electrode was successfully applied as an indicator electrode in the titration of triiodide with thiosulfate ion.     

Copper Oxide Nanoparticles with Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Ultrasensitive Photoelectrochemical Aptasensor of Bisphenol A

In this work, g‐C₃N₄, CuO and g‐C₃N₄/CuO?X (where × can be 3, 6, or 9) were synthesized through hydrothermal and calcination methods and used to fabricate photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptasensor for detection of bisphenol A (BPA). CuO nanoparticles covered with g‐C₃N₄ were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The aptasensor based on g‐C₃N₄/CuO‐6 possessed high PEC activity due to its good conductivity and low electron recombination rate. PEC experiments demonstrate that the aptasensor based on g‐C₃N₄/CuO‐6 exhibits a broad linear range towards BPA from 0.02–10 ng L^?1 and 50–1200 ng L^?1 and reveals superior stability, selectivity and repeatability. Thus, g‐C₃N₄/CuO‐6 composite is a promising material for the determination of BPA in PEC field and has commercially viable.     

Electrochemical Sensor Based on Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Film Prepared with Functional Abietic‐Type Acids as Cross‐Linker for the Determination of Quinine

A novel cross‐linker (functional abietic‐type acids) for preparing highly sensitive, molecularly imprinted sensors was proposed for quinine determination. A MIP film was created on a glassy carbon electrode for determination of quinine using free radical polymerization method. The modification procedure was characterized via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The interaction between functional monomer and target molecule was observed by UV spectrometric methods. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the peak currents were proportional to the concentrations of quinine in the range from 8.0×10^?7 to 2.6×10^?4 M with a detection limit of 2.0×10^?8 M. Meanwhile the prepared sensor showed sensitive and selective binding sites for quinine. Determination of quinine in tonic water showed good recovery.     

Electrocatalytic Oxidation and Determination of Dopamine in the Presence of Ascorbic Acid and Uric Acid at a Poly (4‐(2‐Pyridylazo)‐Resorcinol) Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

A sensitive and selective electrochemical method for the determination of dopamine (DA) was developed using a 4‐(2‐Pyridylazo)‐Resorcinol (PAR) polymer film modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The PAR polymer film modified electrode shows excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of DA in a phosphate buffer solution (PBS) (pH 4.0). The linear range of 5.0×10^?6–3.0×10^?5 M and detection limit of 2.0×10^?7 M were observed. Simultaneous detection of AA, DA and UA has also been demonstrated on the modified electrode. This work provides a simple and easy approach to selective detection of DA in the presence of AA and UA.     

Investigation of the Photodecomposition of Hemin and Trace Amount Determination of Hemin with Flow Injection Chemiluminescence Method

Using the hemin‐H₂O₂‐Na₂CO₃‐NaOH chemiluminescence (CL) system, the study on the photodecomposition behavior of hemin under ultraviolet light and solar light were carried out and the determination of hemin was developed coupled with simple flow injection technique. The results showed that the decomposition reaction of hemin in different light irradiations corresponded with a first‐order reaction. And then the determination of hemin was completed by the CL emission from the reaction of hemin with H₂O₂ in aqueous carbonate. The linear range was 2.2 × 10^?10 to 6.88 × 10^?7 M and the detection limit was 2.2 × 10^?11 M (S/N = 3). The relative standard deviation (RSD) was 2.82% for ten independent detections of 1.72 × 10^?8 M hemin. As a preliminary application, the proposed method was successfully applied for the analysis of hemin in pharmaceutical formulations and animal blood with a recovery of 96?108%. A possible CL mechanism of the present system was discussed, and free radicals were suggested to be involved in this reaction.     

Iodide‐Selective Electrodes Based on Bis[N(2‐methyl‐phenyl) 4‐Nitro‐thiobenzamidato]mercury(II) and Bis[N‐phenyl 3,5‐Dinitro‐thiobenzamidato]mercury(II) Carriers

Highly selective poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) membrane electrodes based on recently synthesized mercury complexes including Hg(Nmpntb)₂ and Hg(Npdntb)₂ as new carriers for iodide‐selective electrodes by incorporating the membrane ingredients on the surface of graphite electrodes are reported. The effect of various parameters including the membrane composition, pH and possible interfering anions were investigated on the response properties of the electrodes. Both sensors exhibited Nernstian responses toward iodide over a wide concentration range of 7×10^?7 to 0.1 M and 1×10^?6 to 0.1 M, with slopes of 59.6±0.8 and 58.9±0.9 mV per decade of iodide concentration and detection limit of 3×10^?7 M and 7×10^?7 for Hg(Npdntb)₂ and Hg(Nmpntb)₂, respectively, over a wide pH range of 3–11. The sensors have response times of ≤5 s and can be used for at least 2 months without any considerable divergence in their potential response. The proposed electrodes show good ability to discriminate iodide over several inorganic and organic anions. The electrodes were successfully applied to direct determination of iodide in synthetic mixture, waste water and drinking water and as indicator electrodes in precipitation titrations.     

Electroanalysis of Bisphenol A at a Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes‐gold Nanoparticles Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

A sensitive electrochemical method was developed for the determination of bisphenol A (BPA) at a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with a multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)‐gold nanoparticles (GNPs) hybrid film, which was prepared based on the electrostatic interaction between positively charged cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and negatively charged MWCNTs and GNPs. The MWCNT‐GNPs/GCE exhibited an enhanced electroactivity for BPA oxidation versus unmodified GCE and MWCNTs/GCE. The experimental parameters, including the amounts of modified MWCNTs and GNPs, the pH of the supporting electrolyte, scan rate and accumulation time, were examined and optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the differential pulse voltammetric anodic peak current of BPA was linear with the BPA concentration from 2.0×10^?8 to 2×10^?5 mol L^?1, with a limit of detection of 7.5 nmol L^?1. The proposed procedure was applied to determine BPA leached from real plastic samples with satisfactory results.     

Isophorone‐boronate ester: A simple chemosensor for optical detection of fluoride anion

A highly selective isophorone‐boronate ester based chemosensor, ( 1 ) , having a dicyanovinyl moiety as a convenient colorimetric probe, has been designed. Different types of anionic analyte such as CH₃COO^?, ClO₄^?, Cl^?, F^?, PF₆^?, Br^? and HSO₄^? were tested and among them only highly nucleophilic F^? anion displayed significant response towards the sensor. Addition of the fluoride anion across the boron atom disrupts the π‐conjugation thereby shifts the absorption wavelength towards the redshift region due to the decrease in the HOMO‐LUMO energy gap and a colour change from yellow to blue is observed under visible light condition. The detection limit of this probe was calculated to be 3.25 × 10^—8 M for fluoride anion. The binding constants and the detection limits of the sensor were calculated using absorption titration studies. The silica gel TLC strips dip‐coated by the chemosensor ( 1 ) revealed a colour change from yellow to brick red to naked eye.     

Determination of 1‐Naphthol with Denatured DNA–Modified Pretreated Glassy Carbon Electrode

Abstract

A highly sensitive electrochemical biosensor for the detection of trace amount of 1‐naphthol was designed. Acid‐denatured DNA were immobilized onto the pretreated glassy carbon electrode (GCE(ox)) surface. Two well‐defined oxidation peaks were observed on the denatured DNA‐modified GCE(ox) at about +0.80 V and +1.10 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) in 0.10‐M acetate buffer (pH 5.0). The peak current of the guanine residue decreased with increasing concentration of 1‐naphthol. The optimum experimental conditions for the detection of 1‐naphthol were explored, and the calibration was linear for 1‐naphthol in the range of 1.0×10^?8?1.1×10^?6 M, with a correlation coefficient of 0.998. The limit of detection (LOD) was 5.0×10^?9 M (S/N=3).     

An Asymetric Lutetium(III) Microsensor Based on N‐(2‐Furylmethylene) Pyridine‐2,6‐Diamine for Determination of Lutetium(III) Ions

Abstract

In this work, for the first time, we introduce a highly selective and sensitive lutetium(III) micro‐sensor. N‐(2‐furylmethylene) pyridine‐2,6‐diamine (FPD) was used as a membrane‐active component to prepare a highly sensitive Lu(III)‐selective polymeric membrane microelectrode. Theoretical calculations for FPD, lutetium and some other metal ions were carried out and selectivity toward Lu(III) ions was confirmed. The best performance was achieved by a membrane composed of 32% PVC, 60% o‐nitrophenyloctyl ether, 4% potassium tetrakis (p‐chlorophenyl) borate (KTpClPB) and 4% FPD. The electrode exhibits a Nernstian response for Lu(III) ions over a particular concentration range (1.0×l0^?11?1.0×10^?6 mol l^?1) with a slope of 20.5±0.2 mV decade^?1. The detection limit is 3.0×10^?11 mol l^?1 while the sensor presents a response time of <10 s and a useful working pH range of 4.0–10.5. As a matter of fact, the proposed sensor discriminates relatively well for Lu(III) ions in compare to common alkali, alkaline earth, heavy metals and, specially, lanthanide ions. The sensor was successfully applied as an indicator electrode in a potentiometric titration of Lu(III) ions with EDTA. In addition, it was used for determination of lutetium in some soil samples where domestic devices were stored. The proposed sensor was evaluated for Lu(III) ions determination in some binary mixtures.     

Fabrication of Sensitive Potentiometric Cholesterol Biosensor Based on Co3O4 Interconnected Nanowires

Highly sensitive, selective, reliable and inexpensive cholesterol biosensors are highly demanded for the routine monitoring of cholesterol molecules in order to prevent heart failure incidents. In this study, Co₃O₄ nanostructures are synthesized using polyvinyl pyrrolidone surfactant as growth template by a low temperature aqueous chemical growth method. The morphology of nanostructures was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction techniques. The nanostructures exhibit interconnected nanowires like morphology with interconnected network of nanowires. The nanostructures of Co₃O₄ are polycrystalline. The cholesterol oxidase was physically adsorbed on the interconnected nanowires of Co₃O₄ for the chemical sensing of cholesterol molecules. The sensor device detected a wide range of cholesterol from 1×10^?7 M to 1×10^?3 M concentrations with sensitivity of ?94.031 mV/decade. A detection limit of 0.035×10^?7 M cholesterol concentration was observed and a fast response time of 10 s was also noticed. The fabricated device is highly stable, selective, sensitive, reproducible and repeatable. All the collected information about presented cholesterol biosensor indicates its potential application for the monitoring of cholesterol concentrations from human blood serum and real‐life samples.     

Enhanced Anodic Electrochemiluminescence of Dissolved Oxygen with 2‐(Dibutylamino) ethanol at TiO2 Nanoparticles Modified Platinum Electrode for Dopamine Detection

The anodic electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of dissolved oxygen with 2‐(dibutylamino) ethanol (DBAE) on platinum electrode has been reported previously by our group. Interestingly, the ECL intensity can be greatly amplified at TiO₂ nanoparticles modified platinum electrode (TiO₂/Pt), which is due to the catalytic effect of TiO₂ nanoparticles to electrochemical oxidation of DBAE. It is the first case to obtain the enhanced ECL from luminophor by electrochemical catalysis of co‐reactant. The enhanced anodic ECL intensity can be quenched by dopamine sensitively. And the ECL intensity versus the logarithm of concentration of dopamine was linear over the 4.0×10^?12–1.8×10^?8 M (R²=0.9957), with the limit of detection of 2.7×10^?12 M (S/N=3).     

The Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Thymine at α‐Cyclodextrin Incorporated Carbon Nanotube‐Coated Electrode

Electrocatalytic oxidation of thymine at α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) incorporated carbon nanotube‐coated electrode (CNT/CE) was thoroughly studied in alkaline media. CNT showed an electrocatalytic effect on the oxidation of thymine, formation of a supramolecular inclusion complex between α‐CD and thymine at CNT/CE further enhanced the sensitivity to thymine. The electrocatalytic behavior was further developed as a sensitive detection scheme for thymine by differential pulse voltammetry. A linear calibration over the concentration range from 2.5×10^?5 to 1.8×10^?3 mol/L in pH 10.8 NaHCO₃‐Na₂CO₃ buffer solution was obtained with a detection limit of 5×10^?6 mol/L.     

Selective Detection of Dopamine Using Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified by a Combined Electropolymerized Permselective Film of Polytyramine and Polypyrrole‐1‐propionic Acid

A sensitive and selective electrochemical method for the determination of dopamine using a combined electropolymerized permselective film of polytyramine and polypyrrole‐1‐propionic acid on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode was developed. The formation of a “layer‐by‐layer” film has allowed for selective detection of dopamine in the presence of 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA), DOPAC, ascorbic acid, uric acid, epinephrine and norepinephrine. The modified electrodes exhibited a detection limit of 100 nM with linearity ranging from 5×10^?6 to 5×10^?5 M. No cleaning step was required during the course of repeated measurement.     

A novel photoelectrochemical hydrogen peroxide sensor based on nickel(II)-potassium hexacyanoferrate-graphene hybrid materials modified n-silicon electrode

A platinum (Pt) film coated n-silicon (Pt/n-n⁺-Si) was modified with nickel(II)-potassium hexacyanoferrate (NiHCF)-graphene sheets (GS) hybrid and used as a photo-electrochemical (PEC) sensor for non-enzyme hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) detection. A NiHCF film was deposited on the surface of GS/Pt/n-n⁺-Si electrode by chemical method. The structure and composition of the NiHCF film was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). PEC behavior of the NiHCF-GS/Pt/n-n⁺-Si electrode was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) under illumination. The modified electrode has been used as PEC sensor for H₂O₂ detection with a linear range of 2.0 × 10^?6–2.9 × 10^?3 M and a detection limit of 1.0 × 10^?6 M at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 in a two-electrode cell with a Pt plate as counter electrode. The characteristics of GS layer have been discussed in both the improvement of sensibility and selectivity.