Voltammetric Detection of Ethinylestradiol in Water and Synthetic Urine Samples using a Ni(II) Phthalocyanine/Iron Oxide Nanocomposite Electrode

A novel nickel phthalocyanine/iron oxide nanoparticle (NiTsPc/ION) nanocomposite electrode is proposed for the voltammetric detection of ethinyl estradiol. The method shows a wide linear range (0.07–30 μmol L⁻¹, R² >0.99), sensitivity of 0.308 μA cm⁻²/μmol L⁻¹ and limit of detection of 7.8 nmol L⁻¹ (3.3 Sb/b). Recoveries are above 95 % for quantification in tap and treatment plant water samples and synthetic urine. A single electrode can be used in seven consecutive runs (RSD=2.85 %) and responses of different electrodes vary only 7–9 %. The excellent sensing performance of the proposed sensor is ascribed to its porous morphology and efficient charge-transfer between ION and NiTsPc.     

Construction of a N-Acetyl-L-methionine Electrode and Determination of Acylase with an Ammonia Gas Sensor

Abstract

The N-acetyl-L-methionine electrode is based on a coupled enzymatic system consisting of acylase and L-amino acid oxidase with an ammonia gas sensor; conditions of imobilization are optimized. N-acetyl-L-methionine in the range 4×10^?5–2×10^?3M gives a linear potential vs. log(concentration) plot with a response time of 2–5 min over the range specified. This electrode combined with an L-methionine electrode, based only on L-amino acid oxidase and an ammonia gas sensor, can be used for the determination of both substrates in mixtures, thus extending the feasibility of the method. Acylase (0.1–2.00) is determined in aqueous solutions by adding N-acetyl-L-methionine to the sample, and measuring the ammonia evolved with the gas-sensing electrode.     

Potentiometric determination of diclofenac in pharmaceutical formulation by membrane electrode based on ion associate with base dye

The characteristics,performance and application of membrane electrode based on ion associate of diclofenac with base dye Safranine T are described.The electrode response to diclofenac has the sensitivity of 47±1.0 mV decade~(-1)over the range of 5×10~(-5)to 5×10~(-2)mol/L at pH 6-12,and the detection limit of 3.2×10~(-5)mol/L.The electrode is easy assembled at a relatively low cost has fast response time(2-4 s)and can be used for a period up to 3.5 months without any considerable divergence in potential.The proposed sensor displayed good selectivity for diclofenac in the presence of different substances.It was used to determine diclofenac in pharmaceuticals by means of the standard addition method.     

Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Formaldehyde on Copper Oxide Nano-crystalline Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

This research found a cheap and efficient catalyst for electrooxidation of formaldehyde (HCHO). A CuO nano‐crystalline modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was fabricated and had an excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of HCHO. Both the effect of potential scan rate and the effect of HCHO concentration on the electrocatalytic oxidation performance of the electrode were investigated. The amperometric current response of the electrode was proportional to HCHO concentration in the range of 1.0 µmol·L^?1–10.0 mmol·L^?1 with a detection limit (s/n=3) of 0.25 µmol·L^?1. The electrode was stable, showing the CuO nano‐crystlline is promising for applications in fuel cells and electrochemical sensors.     

Construction of a novel electrochemical sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymers for the selective determination of chlorpyrifos in real samples

We present a novel electrochemical sensor based on an electrode modified with molecularly imprinted polymers for the detection of chlorpyrifos. The modified electrode was constructed by the synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers by a precipitation method then coated on a glassy carbon electrode. The surface morphology of the modified electrode was characterized by using field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The performance of the imprinted sensor was thoroughly investigated by using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. The imprinted electrochemical sensor displayed high repeatability, stability, and selectivity towards the template molecules. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the peak current response of the imprinted electrochemical sensor was linearly related to the concentration of chlorpyrifos over the range 1 × 10⁻¹⁰–1 × 10⁻⁵ mol/L with a limit of detection of 4.08 × 10⁻⁹ mol/L (signal‐to‐noise ratio = 3). Furthermore, the proposed molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor was applied to the determination of chlorpyrifos in the complicated matrixes of real samples with satisfactory results. Therefore, the molecularly imprinted polymers based electrochemical sensor might provide a highly selective, rapid, and cost‐effective method for chlorpyrifos determination and related analysis.     

Long‐Lived Charge Carriers in Mn‐Doped CdS Quantum Dots for Photoelectrochemical Cytosensing

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensing with semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) has received great attention because it integrates the advantages of both photo‐excitation and electrochemical detection. During the photon‐to‐electricity conversion in PEC processes, electron–hole (charge) separation competes with electron–hole recombination, and the net effect essentially determines the performance of PEC biosensors. Herein, we propose a new approach for slowing down electron–hole recombination to increase charge separation efficiency for PEC biosensor development. Through doping with Mn²⁺, a pair of d bands (⁴T₁ and ⁶A₁) is inserted between the conduction and valence bands of CdS QDs, which alters the electron–hole separation and recombination dynamics, allowing the generation of long‐lived charge carriers with ms‐scale lifetime that decay about 10⁴–10⁵‐fold more slowly than in the case of undoped QDs. Photocurrent tests indicated that Mn²⁺ doping resulted in an approximately 80 % increase in photocurrent generation compared with undoped CdS QDs. For application, the Mn‐doped CdS QDs were coated on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode and functionalized with a cell surface carbohydrate‐specific ligand (3‐aminophenylboronic acid). In this way, a sensitive cytosensor for K562 leukemia cells was constructed. Moreover, the sugar‐specific binding property of 3‐aminophenylboronic acid allowed the electrode to serve as a switch for the capture and release of cells. This has been further explored with a view to developing a reusable PEC cytosensing platform.     

Reversible Solid Oxide Fuel Cell for Power Accumulation and Generation

The anodic and cathodic polarization dependences for the oxygen electrode based on lanthanum-strontium manganite and the fuel Ni-cermet electrode are studied in the temperature range of 700–900°С in gas media that correspond to working conditions of a reversible fuel cell. The temporal behavior of these electrodes is studied in the course of periodic polarity changes of current with the density of 0.5 A/cm². The electrode overvoltage is shown to be about 0.1 V in modes of power generation and water electrolysis at 900°С and the current density of 0.5 A/cm². A single electrolyte supported tubular solid-oxide fuel cell was fabricated and tested in the fuel-cell and hydrogen-generation modes. It is found that at 900°С and overvoltage of 0.7 V, the cell generates the specific electric power of 0.4 W/cm² when the 50% H2 + 50% H₂O gas mixture is used as the fuel and air is used as the oxidizer. At the water electrolysis with the current density of 0.5 A/cm², which under normal conditions corresponds to generation of about 0.2 and 0.1 L/h of hydrogen and oxygen, respectively, the consumed power is about 0.55 W/cm². The efficiency of the conversion cycle electric power–hydrogen–electric power is 70–75%.     

Ion-Selective Microchemical Sensors with Reduced Preconditioning Time. Membrane Biostability Studies and Applications in Blood Analysis

Abstract

Progress on solution of two general problems regarding the use of in vivo planar microchemical sensors is reported. These are issues of short term and long term response stability. Reduction of preconditioning time (hydration period), i.e., the time needed by the planar microchemical sensors based on Kapton® substrate to achieve the optimal analytical performances, has been achieved. By storing the electrodes in containers with humid atmospheres (100% humidity) their short time responses, e.g. measured potential, when placed in samples to be analyzed, are practically constant after one minute of immersion. The electrode sensitivity, potential reproducibility and membrane resistance of both pH and K⁺ sensors were evaluated and compared before and after placing them in whole blood samples for specified periods of time. Blood serum samples were successfully assayed and the results compared with those obtained with a pH glass electrode and a blood gas analyzer, respectively. The long term stability of the membranes for in vivo use was investigated by determination of cell adhesion and membrane biostability (at 14 days of subcutaneous implantation in rats) using scanning electron microscopy.     

Fabrication of metallic nanoparticles by electrochemical discharges

A method for the fabrication of metallic nanoparticles in large quantities by electrochemical discharges is presented. In an aqueous electrolyte, large current density (∼1 A/mm² at ∼20 V) leads to the formation of a ‘gas film’ around the electrode through which discharges occur. When metal ions are additionally present in the electrolyte and when the applied potential is cathodic, metal nanoparticles (typically 10–150 nm) are produced. The nanoparticles are formed in the solution and the gas film prevents them from depositing on the electrode. To control the size of the particles a method based on ‘rotating electrode’ is developed. Rotating the cathode rotates the fluid around it, which provides centrifugal force to the particles to move away from the electrode where they cannot grow. This method has been successfully used for fabrication of nanoparticles from several metal salts.     

Studying the process of ionization of hydrogen in conditions of its forced delivery to a porous nickel oxide electrode

The hydrogen ionization process is studied experimentally on an industrial sintered nickel oxide electrode in models of sealed nickel-metal hydride batteries. It is shown that the hydrogen ionization rates that are reached during overcharge by high current densities in conditions of forced gas delivery into the electrode pores (up to 40 mA cm^?2) exceed the self-discharge rate of a nickel-hydrogen battery by two orders of magnitude. Up to 70% of hydrogen delivered into the compact assembly block undergoes ionization during forced charge of models of sealed nickel-metal hydride batteries with a closed hydrogen cycle. Two independent methods (potentiostatic and manometric) are used to determine the relationship between rates of hydrogen ionization with the degree of the electrode filling with gas and perform estimation of the process intensity at a unit reaction surface. It is established that, in conditions of forced gas delivery, practically all the hydrogen oxidation current is generated at the surface of the nickel oxide electrode beneath thin films of an electrolyte solution at the rate of 4–5 mA cm^?2. It is shown that the hydrogen oxidation rate on a nickel oxide electrode filled in part by gas is independent of the electrode potential, probably because of a tangible contribution made by diffusion limitations to the overall hampering of the process.     

An enzyme reactor electrode for urea determinations.

An enzyme reactor electrode system for the determination of urea is described. A buffer is pumped through an enzyme reactor (0.4 ml) containing urease immobilized with glutaraldehyde to glass. The effluent is mixed with sodium hydroxide pumped through a second channel and fed through an ammonia gas electrode. Samples are introduced via a third flow channel and mixed with the buffer. The conversion of urea to ammonia is quantitative for sample concentrations of less than 0.03 M for a flow rate of 40 ml h^-1. The reactor electrode shows a Nernstian slope of 57 mV/decade for 5·10^-5–3·10^-2 M urea. The response is independent of variations in the flow rate, enzyme activity or temperature of the reactor.     

Construction of Strontium PVC-Membrane Sensor Based on Salicylaldehyde Thiosemicarbazone

Abstract

This work introduces a unique ionophore for the selective determination of Sr²⁺ ions. The ionophore, salicylaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (ST), presented a high affinity toward the strontium cations. The demonstrated characteristics of the sensor included a linear dynamic range between 1.0 × 10^?6 and 1.0 × 10^?2 M with a near Nernstian slope of 29.4±0.5 mV per decade, a detection limit of 4.8 × 10^?7 M, and a very good selectivity for Sr²⁺ over other cations in a wide pH range (2.8–10.4). The sensor possessed the advantages of short conditioning time, fast response time (< 10 s), and, especially, good selectivity toward the transition and heavy metal ions as well as some mono, di, and trivalent cations. Concerning the electrode lifetime, no considerable potential divergence was noticed for at least 10 weeks. The developed sensor was successfully used as an indicator electrode in the Sr²⁺ titration with EDTA from binary mixtures, and the Sr²⁺ monitoring in mixtures of three and five different ions.     

Application of Novel Praseodymium (III) PVC‐Membrane Electrode for Determination of Pr(III) Ions in Soil and Sediment Samples

Abstract

A novel Pr(III) ion‐selective polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane sensor, based on N,N‐bis(α‐methylsalicylidene)diethylenetriamine (BMT) as a new ionophore, has been prepared and studied. The electrode showed good selectivity for Pr(III) ion with respect to most common cations, including alkali, alkaline earth, transition, and heavy metal ions. This electrode has a wide linear dynamic range from 1.0×10^?6 to 1.0×10^?2 M with a Nernstian slope of 19.8±0.2 mV per decade and a low detection limit of 6.5×10^?7 M, in the pH range of 3.0–8.4, while response time was rapid (<15 s). As far as applications of the recommended sensor are concerned, first it was employed as an indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration of Pr(III) ions with EDTA. Second, it was effectively applied to the determination of concentration of Pr(III) ions in soil and sediment samples, and validation with CRMs.     

Construction of a New Uranyl‐Selective Electrode Based on a New Ionophore: Comparison of the Effect Additive on Electrode Responses

A new plasticized PVC uranyl‐selective electrode based on a bis(2‐hydroxyacetophenone)ethylenediimine (BHAED) carrier by the direct coating of the membrane ingredients on the surface of a graphite disk electrode is reported. The electrode displayed high selectivity for uranyl ion toward a number of inorganic ions. The influence of the membrane compositions and pH, the effect of lipophilic cationic and anionic additives and plasticizer on the response properties of the electrode were investigated. The electrode exhibited a Nernstian slope of + 29.3 ± 1.2 for the uranyl ion concentration in the range of 5.0 × 10^?6 ?0.05 M with detection limits of approx. 2.0 μM. The potentiometric responses of the electrode are independent of pH over the range of 3.0–4.5 with satisfactory reproducibility. The sensor has response times of <5 s and can be used for at least 2 months without considerable divergence in potential.     

An Iron Impurity in Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Complexes with Chitosan that Biomimics the Heme‐Peroxidase Function

A new biomimetic functional system having an impure multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT‐Fe)–chitosan biopolymer (H₂N–CHIT) chemically modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE/[MWCNT‐Fe:H₂N‐CHIT]) has been developed and demonstrated efficient hydrogen peroxide electrocatalytic and electrochemical sensing applications in pH 7 phosphate buffer solution (PBS). The hybrid system showed a stable and well‐defined surface confined redox peak at an apparent electrode potential, E°′=?0.22 V versus Ag/AgCl with surface excess value 13.63 nmol cm^?2. Physicochemical characterizations of the hybrid by using FESEM, TEM, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, and various control electrochemical experiments revealed that the iron impurity in the MWCNT interacted with the amino functional group of the chitosan polymer and thereby formed an unique complex‐like structure ([MWCNT‐Fe^III/II:NH₂‐CHIT]), similar to heme peroxidase with a central Fe^III/II‐redox‐active site. The biomimetic system followed Michaelis–Menten‐type reaction kinetics for the H₂O₂ reduction reaction with a K_M value of 0.23 mM . At pH 7, amperometric i–t sensing and flow‐injection analysis of H₂O₂ on the biomimetic system showed calibration plots in windows 5–500 and 50–2500 μM , with detection‐limit values of 2.3 and 9.7 μM , respectively. Unlike most of the previously reported systems that undergo serious interferences in physiological pH, the biomimetic system displayed a remarkable tolerance to other co‐existing interferants (such as cysteine, ascorbic acid, uric acid, nitrate, and nitrite), at a H₂O₂ detection potential similar to the peroxidase enzyme. The ability of the biosensor system to perform routine analyses was demonstrated by the detection of H₂O₂ present in simulated milk and clinical and cosmetic samples with appreciable recovery values.     

Dye adsorbed few-layer thick Ti3C2Tx-MXenes for direct electrochemical detection of CD44 proteins

The direct electrochemical detection of cancer biomarkers using single single-component platforms is challenging. Herein, we propose constructing an efficient screen-printed electrode (SPE) based platform for selective detection of CD44 proteins, a non-kinase transmembrane glycoprotein. A sensing platform, MB-MX/HA/SPE, was developed by incorporating few-layered Ti₃C₂T_x nanosheets pre-loaded with methylene blue (MB) dye. The nanosheets were subsequently immobilized with hyaluronic acid (HA), which served as a ligand for the specific recognition of CD44. The simple electrode configuration and the highly conductive Ti₃C₂T_x facilitated the electrochemical oxidation of MB, generating a reference SWV signal that declined proportionally with the increasing concentration of CD44 owing to ligand (HA)-protein interaction. The sensor could register a sensitive inhibition response in the concentration range of 0.1 to 7.25 ng.mL⁻¹ with a detection limit of 1.2×10⁻² ng.mL⁻¹ for CD44 proteins. Moreover, the synergistic combination of the highly conductive/adsorptive Ti₃C₂T_x nanosheets and hyaluronic acid (HA) led to strong antifouling characteristics even in the presence of other common proteins, such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), haemoglobin (Ig), immunoglobulin G (IgG), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). The proposed strategy eliminates the need for additional components in the electrode modification procedure. In addition, incorporating MXenes as electrode material paves the way for developing sensitive biosensors with prospective applications in cancer diagnosis.     

Graphite/Nanocrystalline Zeolite Platform for Selective Electrochemical Determination of Hepatitis C Inhibitor Ledipasvir

A simple and efficient procedure is described for the electrochemical determination of ledipasvir (LDP) in presence of co‐formulated drug sofosbuvir (SOF). Herein, a highly sensitive, low‐cost electrochemical protocol was utilized to fabricate a zeolite modified carbon paste electrode (ZY/CPE) through mixing of zeolite nanostructures with graphite powder. The fabricated sensor displayed high sensitivity, allowing optimal charge transfer/electrode kinetics. Different experimental and chemical factors, including electrode composition, effect of pH, scan rate and amount of ZY were evaluated carefully to obtain the highest electrochemical response. Under optimized conditions and using square wave voltammetry (SWV), the current response of the ZY/CPE electrochemical sensing platform exhibited a detection limit of 7.5×10^?9 M and a large linear range from 5.0×10^?8 to 1.0×10^?4 M. The practical applicability of the suggested electrochemical platform was verified in the assessment of LDP in pharmaceutical formulations with excellent recoveries in the range of 99.50–98.87 %. Moreover, a biological relevance of the developed sensor was established by the analysis of LDP in human urine and plasma samples with satisfactory recoveries of 99.00 and 99.68 %, respectively. Due to the simplicity and ease of preparation of the proposed sensor, it can be used in quality control laboratories and for clinical analysis.     

Graphene Paper Decorated with a 2D Array of Dendritic Platinum Nanoparticles for Ultrasensitive Electrochemical Detection of Dopamine Secreted by Live Cells

To circumvent the bottlenecks of non‐flexibility, low sensitivity, and narrow workable detection range of conventional biosensors for biological molecule detection (e.g., dopamine (DA) secreted by living cells), a new hybrid flexible electrochemical biosensor has been created by decorating closely packed dendritic Pt nanoparticles (NPs) on freestanding graphene paper. This innovative structural integration of ultrathin graphene paper and uniform 2D arrays of dendritic NPs by tailored wet chemical synthesis has been achieved by a modular strategy through a facile and delicately controlled oil–water interfacial assembly method, whereby the uniform distribution of catalytic dendritic NPs on the graphene paper is maximized. In this way, the performance is improved by several orders of magnitude. The developed hybrid electrode shows a high sensitivity of 2 μA cm^?2 μm ^?1, up to about 33 times higher than those of conventional sensors, a low detection limit of 5 nm, and a wide linear range of 87 nm to 100 μm . These combined features enable the ultrasensitive detection of DA released from pheochromocytoma (PC 12) cells. The unique features of this flexible sensor can be attributed to the well‐tailored uniform 2D array of dendritic Pt NPs and the modular electrode assembly at the oil–water interface. Its excellent performance holds much promise for the future development of optimized flexible electrochemical sensors for a diverse range of electroactive molecules to better serve society.     

A Potentiometric Sensor for Cd2+ Based on Carbon Nanotube Paste Electrode Constructed from Room Temperature Ionic Liquid,Ionophore and Silica Nanoparticles

A novel and effective potentiometric sensor for the rapid determination of Cd²⁺ based on carbon paste electrode consisting of the room temperature ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, silica nanoparticles and ionophore was constructed. The prepared composite has a low potential drift, high selectivity and fast response time, which leads to a more stable potential signal. A linear dynamic range of 4.50×10^?9–1.00×10^?1 mol L^?1 with a detection limit of 2.00×10^?9 mol L^?1 was obtained. The modified electrode was successfully applied to the accurate determination of trace amounts of Cd²⁺ in environmental and biological samples.     

Electrochemical Magnetoimmunosensing Approach for the Sensitive Detection of H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus Particles

A novel electrochemical magnetoimmunosensor for fast and ultrasensitive detection of H9N2 avian influenza virus particles (H9N2 AIV) was designed based on the combination of high‐efficiency immunomagnetic separation, enzyme catalytic amplification, and the biotin–streptavidin system. The reusable, homemade magneto Au electrode (M‐AuE) was designed and used for the direct sensing. Immunocomplex‐coated magnetic beads (IMBs) were easily accumulated on the surface of the M‐AuE to obtain the catalytically reduced electrochemical signal of H₂O₂ after the immunoreaction. The transducer was regenerated through a simple washing procedure, which made it possible to detect all the samples on a single electrode with higher reproducibility. The magnetic‐bead‐based electrochemical immunosensor showed better analytical performance than the planar‐electrode‐based immunosensor with the same sandwich construction. Amounts as low as 10 pg mL^?1 H9N2 AIV could be detected even in samples of chicken dung. This electrochemical magnetoimmunosensor not only provides a simple platform for the detection of the virus with high sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility but also shows great potential in the early diagnosis of diseases.