Synthesis and Characterization of Co3O4/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposite for Amperometric Sensing of Hydrazine

Co₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized and decorated on the multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) through a simple hydrothermal procedure. The deposited Co₃O₄ NPs on the sidewalls of MWCNTs were found to be cubic crystal structure and homogenously dispersed with a narrow particle size distribution centered at around 6 nm. The Co₃O₄/MWCNTs nanocomposite was then utilized for the electrochemical detection of hydrazine, and exhibited a high sensitivity of 34.5 µA mM^?1, a low detection limit of 0.8 µM (S/N=3), a wide linear range of 20 µM to 1.1 mM along with a short response time of less than 5 s.     

High‐Performance Amperometric Sensors Using Catalytic Platinum Nanoparticles‐Thionine‐Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposite

Thionine (TH) adsorbed on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) increases the load and dispersion of platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) generated by chemical reduction of H₂PtCl₆ with NaBH₄. Under the optimum conditions, the PtNPs‐TH‐MWCNTs/Au electrode electrocatalyzed the reduction and oxidation of H₂O₂ with high sensitivity, and after glucose oxidase (GOx) adsorption it responded to glucose concentration with a sensitivity of 0.14 A M^?1 cm^?2. The cyclic voltammetric cathodic peak current for NO₂^? reduction on PtNPs‐TH‐MWCNTs/Au responded linearly to NO₂^? concentration from 0.5 to 150 µM, with a sensitivity of 5.52 A M^?1 cm^?2 and a detection limit of 0.2 µM.     

An Ethanol Biosensor Based on Simple Immobilization of Alcohol Dehydrogenase on Fe3O4@Au Nanoparticles

An ethanol biosensor based on alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) attached to Au seeds decorated on magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@Au NPs) is presented. ADH was immobilized on Fe₃O₄@Au NPs, which were subsequently fixed by a magnet on a carbon paste electrode modified with 5 % (m : m) MnO₂. Optimum conditions for the amperometric determination of ethanol with the biosensor were as follows: working potential +0.1 V (vs. Ag/AgCl); supporting electrolyte: 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution at pH 6.8 containing 0.25 mM of the coenzyme (NAD⁺); working electrode: carbon paste with magnetically attached Fe₃O₄@Au NPs (0.012 mg ? cm^?2 electrode area) with immobilized alcohol dehydrogenase (120 units per cm² of electrode area). Linearity between signal and concentration was found for the range from 0.1 to 2.0 M ethanol (r²=0.995) with a detection limit of 0.07 M, a sensitivity of 0.02 µA ? mM^?1 ? cm^?2, a reproducibility of 4.0 % RSD, and a repeatability of 2.7 % RSD. The results for the determination of ethanol in alcoholic beverages showed good agreement with gas chromatography (GC) with recovery of 96.0 – 108.8 %.     

Electrodeposition of Three‐Dimensional Porous Platinum Film on Removable Polyaniline Template for High‐Performance Electroanalysis

Three‐dimensional porous platinum (Pt_por) films are prepared based on Pt electrodeposition on polyaniline (PANI) modified electrodes followed by selective dissolution of PANI with HNO₃. Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance data suggest that the PANI‐H₂PtCl₆ interaction involves redox and coordination reactions, depending on the working potential. The Pt_por shows better electrocatalytic performance than the Pt/PANI and conventionally electrodeposited Pt. The Pt_por modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) can electrocatalyze the oxidation of H₂O₂ with a sensitivity of 414 µA cm^?2 mM^?1 and a detection limit of 9 nM, and the chitosan‐glucose oxidase/Pt_por/GCE can sense glucose with a sensitivity of 93.4 µA cm^?2 mM^?1.     

A Novel Electroactive Polymer for pH‐independent Oxygen Sensing

Methylene blue (MB⁺) and pyrrole were copolymerised to electrodeposit a novel electroactive polymer on a Au electrode which was assessed for O₂ sensing. The electroactive polymer exhibits diffusion‐limited behaviour and an electrochemical, followed by catalytic (EC′) mechanism in the presence of dissolved O₂. Notably, it is pH‐insensitive in both N₂‐purged and air‐equilibrated phosphate buffered saline (PBS) from pH 4 to 8. It is stable over 18 days, possesses a good sensitivity of 256.335 µA mM^?1 cm^?2, wide linear range of 15 µM to 285 µM and detection limit of 1.47 µM (S/N=3) for dissolved O₂. It is highly promising for use in biological investigations where pH fluctuations are expected.     

Ozone reduction at Nafion modified Au electrode and the measurement of ozone concentration in highly resistive solutions

The mass transport and charge transfer kinetics of ozone reduction at Nafion coated Au electrodes were studied in 0.5 mol/L H2SO4 and highly resistive solutions such as distilled water and tap water. The diffusion coefficient and partition coefficient of ozone in Nafion coating are 1.78×10-6 cm2·s-1 and 2.75 at 25℃ (based on dry state thickness), respectively. The heterogeneous rate constants and Tafel slopes for ozone reduction at bare Au are 4.1×10-6 cm·s-1, 1.0×10-6 cm·s-1 and 181 mV, 207 mV in 0.5 mol/L H2SO4 and distilled water respectively and the corresponding values for Nafion coated Au are 5.5×10-6 cm·s-1, 1.1×10-6 cm·s-1 and 182 mV, 168 mV respectively. The Au microelectrode with 3 μm Nafion coating shows good linearity over the range 0-10 mmol/L ozone in distilled water with sensitivity 61 μA·ppm-1 ·cm-2, detection limit 10 ppb and 95% response time below 5 s at 25℃. The temperature coefficient in range of 11-30℃ is 1.3%.     

Minimally‐invasive Microneedle‐based Biosensor Array for Simultaneous Lactate and Glucose Monitoring in Artificial Interstitial Fluid

Here we report the first mediated pain free microneedle‐based biosensor array for the continuous and simultaneous monitoring of lactate and glucose in artificial interstitial fluid (ISF). The gold surface of the microneedles has been modified by electrodeposition of Au‐multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and successively by electropolymerization of the redox mediator, methylene blue (MB). Functionalization of the Au‐MWCNTs/polyMB platform with the lactate oxidase (LOX) enzyme (working electrode 1) and with the FAD‐Glucose dehydrogenase (FADGDH) enzyme (working electrode 2) enabled the continuous monitoring of lactate and glucose in the artificial ISF. The lactate biosensor exhibited a high sensitivity (797.4±38.1 μA cm^?2 mM^?1), a good linear range (10–100 μM) with a detection limit of 3 μM. The performance of the glucose biosensor were also good with a sensitivity of 405.2±24.1 μA cm^?2 mM^?1, a linear range between 0.05 and 5 mM and a detection limit of 7 μM. The biosensor array was tested to detect the amount of lactate generated after 100 minutes of cycling exercise (12 mM) and of glucose after a normal meal for a healthy patient (10 mM). The results reveal that the new microneedles‐based biosensor array seems to be a promising tool for the development of real‐time wearable devices with a variety of sport medicine and clinical care applications.     

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.     

Carbamate Insecticide Sensing Based on Acetylcholinesterase/Prussian Blue-Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes/Screen-Printed Electrodes

Prussian blue (PB)-multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) modified screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) were used to immobilize enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) for carbamate insecticide sensing. The synthesized hybrid PB-MWCNTs had high stability at pH values in the range of 5–10 and presented a porous and homogeneous microenvironment to entrap enzyme molecules. The generated hybrids not only acted as carriers of acetyl cholinesterase, but also promoted electron-transfer reactions because of the synergistic effects between MWCNTs and PB. Under the optimal conditions, the response of the sensor was proportional to acetylthiocholine (ATCh) concentrations ranging from 0.1 mM to 0.6 mM, with a sensitivity of 21.97 µA · mM^?1 · cm^?2. The sensors were further used to detect pesticides, and the inhibition rate of pirimicarb was proportional to the logarithm of its concentration ranging from 1.0 × 10^?6 to 1.0 g · L^?1, with a limit of detection (LOD) equal to 5.32 × 10^?8 g · L^?1. In order to evaluate the performance of the detection system, the sensors were applied to determine pirimicarb in water samples and exhibited high sensitivity and good stability. The detection system is fast, simple for analysis of pirimicarb in environmental samples, and could provide a semi-automated analytical system through further improvement in biosensor arrays.     

Pt Nanoparticle‐modified Carbon Fiber Microelectrode for Selective Electrochemical Sensing of Hydrogen Peroxide

We report a simple approach to the production of carbon fiber‐based amperometric microbiosensors for selective detection of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), which was achieved by electrometallization of carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFMs) by electrodeposition of Pt nanoparticles. The Pt‐carbon hybrid sensing interface provided a sensitivity of 7711±587 μA ? mM^?1 ? cm^?2, a detection limit of 0.53±0.16 μM (S/N=3), a linear range of 0.8 μM–8.6 mM, and a response time of <2 sec. The morphologies of the Pt nanoparticle‐modified CFMs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. To achieve selectivity, permseletive layers, polyphenylenediamine (PPD) and Nafion, were deposited resulting in exclusion of the anionic and cationic interferents, ascorbic acid and dopamine, respectively, at their physiologically relevant concentrations. The resultant sensors displayed a sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide of 1381±72 μA ? mM^?1 ? cm^?2, and a detection limit of 0.86±0.19 μM (S/N=3). This simple and rapid metallization method converts carbon fiber microelectrodes, which are readily accessible, to microscale Pt electrodes in 2 min, providing a platform for oxidase‐based amperometric biosensors with improved spatial resolution over more commonly used platinum electrode array microprobes.     

Regulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway with synthesized bismuth oxide nanoparticles from Ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract: Mitigating the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells

In order to overcome the limitations of conventional therapeutic systems in the treatment of cancer, nanoparticles (NPs) have been rapidly produced and developed as a separate treatment method for control of cancer. Synthesis of nanoparticles using plant-based materials (green synthesis), due to the easy and cost-effective synthesis, production of non-toxic, sustainable and environmentally friendly products, can be considered the most appropriate method for preparation of NPs. In this study, after synthesis of Bi₂O₃ NPs using Ginger (Zingiber officinale) root (rhizome) extract, the synthesized NPs were characterized and their potential application as selective anticancer agents against HCT116 colorectal cancer cells was evaluated through regulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, whereas the human kidney (HK-2) cells were used as normal cells. FTIR analysis showed a band at 673 cm^?1 attributed to Bi-O vibration with a fingerprint region at 1291 cm^?1 demonstrating the attachment of the organic molecules to the synthesized Bi₂O₃ NPs. UV–visible study showed a λ_max of around 268 nm, whereas XRD analysis showed eight clear peaks, demonetizing the crystalline phase of synthesized Bi₂O₃ NPs. TEM analysis showed that spherical-shaped Bi₂O₃ NPs have a size range of 20–50 nm with a man size of around 35 nm. Finally, DLS analysis determined that Bi₂O₃ NPs have a hydrodynamic size of about 71.19 nm (PDI of 0.179) and a zeta potential value of ?44.39 mV, revealing the good colloidal stability of NPs. Cellular assays (MTT, LDH, flow cytometry, and RT-qPCR) showed that synthesized Bi₂O₃ NPs selectively induced anticancer effects against HCT116 colorectal cancer cells through membrane leakage, generation of ROS, induction of apoptosis via dysregulation of Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 at mRNA level mediated via regulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. In conclusion, it may be suggested that the presence study could provide useful information for the potential anticancer effects mediated by synthesized Bi₂O₃ NPs in vitro, although further studies, including in vivo studies and clinical trials, are needed to support our findings.     

Employing Methylene Green Coated Carbon Nanotube Electrodes to Enhance NADH Electrocatalysis for Use in an Ethanol Biofuel Cell

We prepared and characterized electrocatalysts based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) coated with methylene green (MG). These electrocatalysts can regenerate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺), so they are potentially applicable in the field of bioelectronics. NADH oxidation occurs between 0.14±0.002 and 0.16±0.002 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The most efficient bioanode furnishes 88±7 µW cm^?2 and 500 µA cm^?2 and an open circuit voltage of 590±22 mV. In conclusion, we obtained a reliable and easy‐to‐prepare electrocatalyst that can regenerate NAD⁺ and may be applicable in biosensors and bioelectronic devices that use a wide range of NAD⁺‐dependent enzymes.     

Glucose Biosensors Based on Electrodes Modified with Ferrocene Derivatives Intercalated into Mg/Al Layered Double Hydroxides

Two amperometric biosensors based on glassy carbon electrodes (GC) modified with Mg/Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) containing ferrocene‐carboxylate (Fc? CO₂H) or ferrocene‐sulfonate (Fc? SO₃H), as interlayer anions, and glucose oxidase (GOx) are presented. Amperometric detection of glucose involves the electrochemical oxidation of H₂O₂ mediated by the ferrocene derivative. Optimization of the biosensors construction and of the operative conditions was investigated and is discussed herein. The performances of the two biosensors were evaluated by chronoamperometry, working at low anodic potentials (+0.400 V for Fc? CO₂H and +0.500 V for Fc? SO₃H vs. SCE). The linearity extended up to 1.5 mM and 10.0 mM in batch and in flow conditions, respectively, for both biosensors, whereas the sensitivity was higher for the one based on Fc? CO₂H (4.8±0.3 versus 2.0±0.3 μA mM^?1cm^?2 in batch mode, and 63.9±0.4 versus 25.8±0.4 μA mM^?1cm^?2 in flow mode). The biosensors display rapid response time (less than 20 s), good reproducibility, as well as good operational stability. Glucose can be accurately determined in the presence of the most common interferences that coexist in blood serum if an oxidative membrane containing nanoparticles of MnO₂ is applied on the biosensors' surface.     

Direct Electrochemistry and Application in Electrocatalysis of Hemoglobin in a Polyacrylic Resin‐Gold Colloid Nanocomposite Film

A novel nanocomposite integrating the good biocompatibility of polyacrylic resin nanoparticles (PAR) and the good conductivity of colloidal gold nanoparticles was proposed to construct the matrix for the immobilization of hemoglobin (Hb) on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). UV‐vis spectra demonstrated that Hb preserved its native structure after being entrapped into the composite film. The direct electrochemistry of hemoglobin (Hb) in this nanocomposite films showed a pair of well‐defined and quasi‐reversible cyclic voltammetric peaks with a formal potential of ?0.307 mV and a constant electron transfer rate of 2.51±0.2 s^?1. The resultant amperometric biosensor showed fast responses to the analytes with excellent detection limits of 0.2 µM for H₂O₂ and 0.89 µM for TCA (S/N=3), and high sensitivity of 1108.6 for H₂O₂ and 77.14 mA cm^?2 M^?1 for TCA, respectively. The linear current response was found in the range from 0.59 to 7.3 µM (R²=0.9996) for H₂O₂ and from 5 to 85 µM (R²=0.9996) for TCA, while the superior apparent Michaelis–Menten constant was 0.012 mM for H₂O₂ and 0.536 mM for TCA, respectively. Therefore, the PAR‐Au‐Hb nanocomposite as a novel matrix opens up a possibility for further study on the direct electrochemistry of other proteins.     

A Non‐Enzymatic Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor Based on Gold Nanoparticles/Carbon Nanotube/Self‐Doped Polyaniline Hollow Spheres

In this study, a novel non‐enzymatic hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) sensor was fabricated based on gold nanoparticles/carbon nanotube/self‐doped polyaniline (AuNPs/CNTs/SPAN) hollow spheres modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). SPAN was in‐site polymerized on the surface of SiO₂ template, then AuNPs and CNTs were decorated by electrostatic absorption via poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride). After the SiO₂ cores were removed, hollow AuNPs/CNTs/SPAN spheres were obtained and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The electrochemical catalytic performance of the hollow AuNPs/CNTs/SPAN/GCE for H₂O₂ detection was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry. Using chronoamperometric method at a constant potential of ?0.1 V (vs. SCE), the H₂O₂ sensor displays two linear ranges: one from 5 µM to 0.225 mM with a sensitivity of 499.82 µA mM^?1 cm^?2; another from 0.225 mM to 8.825 mM with a sensitivity of 152.29 µA mM^?1 cm^?2. The detection limit was estimated as 0.4 µM (signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3). The hollow AuNPs/CNTs/SPAN/GCE also demonstrated excellent stability and selectivity against interferences from other electroactive species. The sensor was further applied to determine H₂O₂ in disinfectant real samples.     

An electrochemical sensor for sensitive determination of nitrites based on Ag-Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>-graphene oxide magnetic nanocomposites

A functional Ag-Fe₃O₄-grapheme oxide magnetic nanocomposite was synthesized and used to prepare a nitrite sensor. Morphology and composition of the nanocomposites were characterized by a transmission electron microscope, UV-VIS spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectra. Electrochemical investigation indicated that the nanocomposites possess excellent electrochemical oxidation ability towards nitrites. The sensor exhibited two linear ranges: one from 0.5 µM to 0.72 mM with a correlation coefficient of 0.996 and sensitivity of 1996 µA mM^?1 cm^?2; the other from 0.72 mM to 8.15 mM with a correlation coefficient of 0.998 and sensitivity of 426 µAmM^?1 cm^?2. The limit of detection of this sensing system was 0.17 µM at the signal-to-noise ratio of 3. Additionally, the sensor exhibited long-term stability, good reproducibility, and anti-interference.     

Facile and Simultaneous Stripping Determination of Zinc,Cadmium and Lead on Disposable Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Modified Screen‐Printed Electrode

Screen‐printed electrodes (SPEs) are cheap and disposable. But their application for heavy metal detection is limited due to the low sensitivity and poor selectivity. Here we report the ultrasensitive and simultaneous determination of Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ on a multiwalled carbon nanotubes and Nafion composite modified SPE with in situ plated bismuth film (MWCNTs/NA/Bi/SPE). The linear curves range from 0.5–100 µg L^?1 for Zn²⁺ and 0.5–80 µg L^?1 for Cd²⁺. Uniquely, the linear curve for Pb²⁺ ranges from 0.05–100 µg L^?1 with a detection limit of 0.01 µg L^?1. The practical application was verified in real samples with satisfactory results.     

Construction of an Amperometric Glucose Biosensor by Immobilization of Glucose Oxidase on Nanocomposite at the Surface of FTO Electrode

Fluorine? tin oxide (FTO) nanostructure was developed on the surface of a glass plate using spray payroliziz method. A new electrochemical biosensor was fabricated based on a layer by layer process. In this process chitosan? Fe₃O₄ (CH? Fe₃O₄) nanocomposite film was prepared at the surface of FTO electrode by dip? coating method. In the next step, the glucose oxidase (GOx) was immobilized on the CH? Fe₃O₄/FTO nanocomposite electrode. The GOx/CH? Fe₃O₄/FTO bioelectrode has a linear range of 10–270 µM and a detection limit of 5 µM. The highest sensitivity was obtained at 1.2 µA mM^?1 cm^?2.     

Glucose Biosensor Based on Silicon Nitride Nanoparticles

For the first time silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) nanoparticles was used for preparation electrochemical biosensor. GOx immobilized on the Si₃N₄ nanoparticles exhibits facile and direct electrochemistry. The surface coverage and heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (k_s) of immobilized GOx were 6.3×10^?13 mol cm^?2 and 47.4±0.3 s^?1. The sensitivity, linear concentration range and detection limit of the biosensor for glucose detection were 38.57 µA mM^?1 cm^?2, 25 µM to 8 mM and 6.5 µM, respectively. This biosensor also exhibits good stability, reproducibility and long life time. These indicate Si₃N₄ nanoparticles is good candidate material for construction of third generation biosensor and bioelectronics devices.     

Nonenzymatic Hydrogen Peroxide Electrochemical Sensor Based on Au‐HS/SO3H‐PMO (Et) Nanocomposite

A newly nonenzymatic sensor for hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) based on the (Au‐HS/SO₃H‐PMO (Et)) nanocomposite is demonstrated. The electrochemical properties of the as‐prepared nanocomposite were studied. It displayed an excellent performance towards H₂O₂ sensing in the linear response range from 0.20 µM to 4.30 mM (R=0.9999) with a sensitivity of 6.35×10² µA µM^?1 cm^?2 and a low detection limit of 0.0499 µM. Furthermore, it was not affected by electroactive interference species. These features proved that the modified electrode was suitable for determination of H₂O₂.