Gold nanoparticle based optical and electrochemical sensing of dopamine

This review (with 110 refs.) gives an overview on the progress that has been made in the past few years on the use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for use in sensors and analytical tools for the determination of dopamine (DA). Both AuNPs and their composites with other organic and inorganic materials including noble metals are treated. Following an overview on the clinical significance of DA, we discuss the various analytical methods that are (a) electrochemiluminescence (ECL); (b) surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS); (c) colorimetric probing and visual detection; and (d) the large class of electrochemical sensors. Subsections cover sensors based on plain AuNPs, bimetallic NPs, AuNP-metal@metal oxide nanocomposites, AuNP nanocomposites with organic polymers, AuNP nanocomposites with carbon nanotubes or with graphene, and finally sensors based on ternary materials containing AuNPs. The review ends with a conclusion on current challenges of sensors for DA and an outlook on future trends.

We review the recent progress in sensing dopamine based on AuNPs and its nanocomposites including bimetallic nanoparticles, AuNPs-/metal oxide, AuNPs-polymer, AuNPs-carbon nanotubes, AuNPs-graphene and ternary materials using different types of sensing techniques such as electrochemiluminescence (ECL), colorimetric, surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and electrochemical techniques.

     

Gold nanoparticle dimers for plasmon sensing

In this study, gold nanoparticles (GNP) were stabilized for the first time as dimers by a conducting polymer (CP). The morphology of kissing particles was examined by high-resolution transmission electronic microscopy (HRTEM). The broad-band localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) tunable by solvent variation and molecular binding was demonstrated by UV-vis measurement. The sensitivity of the longitudinal LSPR to the surrounding media or the binding of a biomolecule was 6 times higher than that of the transversal LSPR. A homogeneous bioassay was directly developed from the highly stable GNP-CP dimers with LSPR as prober, and protein sensing with detection limit well below 100 ng/mL was achieved.     

New trends in the electrochemical sensing of dopamine

Since the early 70s electrochemistry has been used as a powerful analytical technique for monitoring electroactive species in living organisms. In particular, after extremely rapid evolution of new micro and nanotechnology it has been established as an invaluable technique ranging from experiments in vivo to measurement of exocytosis during communication between cells under in vitro conditions. This review highlights recent advances in the development of electrochemical sensors for selective sensing of one of the most important neurotransmitters—dopamine. Dopamine is an electroactive catecholamine neurotransmitter, abundant in the mammalian central nervous system, affecting both cognitive and behavioral functions of living organisms. We have not attempted to cover a large time-span nor to be comprehensive in presenting the vast literature devoted to electrochemical dopamine sensing. Instead, we have focused on the last five years, describing recent progress as well as showing some problems and directions for future development.     

Gold nanorod-based electrochemical sensing of small biomolecules: A review

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) show high potential in electrochemical sensing owing to their excellent conductivity, electrocatalytic activity, selectivity and sensitivity. This review (with 99 refs.) summarizes the performance of AuNR-based electrochemical sensors based on the use of advanced nanocomposites. Following an introduction into the fields of biosensors and nanomaterials, the article summarizes the advantages and limitations of conventional analytical methods. A third section overviews the methods for preparation and characterization of AuNRs and nanocomposites including bimetallic nanorods, gold-metal oxide, gold-carbon nanotubes, gold-polymer, gold-graphene, gold-CNT and gold-enzymes conjugates. Their electrochemistry is treated next, with aspects related to the effects of rod size and shape, of thiol coatings on voltammetric signals, and on the behavior of 1-D AuNRs and respective arrays. Section 5 gives examples for non-enzymatic sensors for simple biomolecules, with subsections on sensors for hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, glucose, dopamine, NAD/NADH, cysteine, and some drugs. Section 6 covers enzyme-based sensors, with examples on sensors using peroxidases, oxidases and the like. The next sections cover DNA biosensors (such as for DNA biomarkers) and immunosensors, mainly for tumor markers. Possibilities for improving sensor performance are presented at the end of the review.

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Graphical abstract Pictorial representation of gold nanorods synthesis and electrochemical sensor applications

     

Selective recognition and electrochemical sensing of dopamine using a ferrocene-based heteroditopic receptor

A redox-active ferrocene-based heteroditopic receptor bearing a boronic acid (as a catechol recognition site) and a benzo-18-crown-6-ether unit (as an ammonium ion recognition site) was synthesized. A 1:1 ditopic complex with dopamine was evidenced by mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry measurements on the receptor in the presence of a series of organic guest species demonstrated the successful electrochemical sensing of dopamine through a distinct change in the ferrocene-centred redox-couple upon complex formation.     

New electrochemical and optical sensing techniques for the liquid phase

Three topics are summarized: advances in potentiometric sensors, in optical sensors, and in enzyme-based and enzyme-sensing biosensors. Received: 30 September 1998 / Accepted: 9 January 1999     

甲基功能化Cd基金属有机骨架高灵敏电化学传感多巴胺

设计并合成了Cd基金属有机骨架(MOF)[Cd (BDC)(BPZ)(H₂O)]_n(1),其中BPZ=3,3′,5,5′-四甲基-1H,1′H-4,4′-联吡唑,H₂BDC=对苯二甲酸)。化合物1具有三维孔道,其孔壁内有多个—CH₃基团和自由的羧基氧原子,甲基基团的存在显著提高了MOF的疏水性和稳定性。另外,甲基和未配位的羧基氧原子可通过氢键或范德瓦耳斯作用力增强与多巴胺(DA)分子作用。1对DA具有灵敏的电化学传感性能。制备的1/GCE电极的差分脉冲伏安(DPV)测试结果显示其检测DA的线性范围为0.4~764.7 μmol·L^-1,检出限为56.8 nmol·L^-1。在常见干扰物的存在下,电极的DPV响应电流无明显变化。电极用于实际样品检测时的回收率在95.23%~100.90%之间。     

甲基功能化Cd基金属有机骨架高灵敏电化学传感多巴胺

设计并合成了 Cd 基金属有机骨架(MOF)[Cd(BDC)(BPZ)(H₂O)]_n (1),其中 BPZ=3,3'',5,5''-四甲基-1H,1''H-4,4''-联吡唑,H₂BDC=对苯二甲酸)。化合物1具有三维孔道,其孔壁内有多个-CH₃基团和自由的羧基氧原子,甲基基团的存在显著提高了MOF的疏水性和稳定性。另外,甲基和未配位的羧基氧原子可通过氢键或范德瓦耳斯作用力增强与多巴胺(DA)分子作用。1对 DA 具有灵敏的电化学传感性能。制备的 1/GCE 电极的差分脉冲伏安(DPV)测试结果显示其检测 DA 的线性范围为 0.4~764.7 μmol·L^-1,检出限为56.8 nmol·L^-1。在常见干扰物的存在下,电极的DPV响应电流无明显变化。电极用于实际样品检测时的回收率在95.23%~100.90%之间。     

Electrochemical DNA sensing based on gold nanoparticle amplification

A hybridization signal-amplified method based on a gold nanoparticle-supported DNA sequence for electrochemical DNA sensing has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry, differential-pulse voltammetry, and atomic-force microscopy (AFM). Quantitative analysis showed that the peak current increment (Ip) is linearly dependant on the concentration of the gold nanoparticle-supported DNA sequence Au2 over the range 0.51–8.58 pmol L^–1. AFM results indicated that the extent of surface hybridization was dependent on the concentration of the gold-nanoparticle-supported DNA sequence. Moreover, a new pair of peaks, which might arise from the special configuration of the gold-nanoparticle-supported DNA sequence, appeared in the cyclic voltammogram after hybridization. Although quite sensitive, this DNA sensing surface was not easily regenerated, so this kind of amplified method was suitable for disposable DNA sensors and chip-based gene diagnosis sensors.     

Gold nanoparticle superlattices

Ordered metal nanoparticle assemblies-superlattices-have captivated and stirred the imagination of scientists and engineers alike and promise great prospect for future technologies. This potential though will greatly be determined by the understanding and control that can be exerted on the assembling processes. This tutorial review presents a brief account of the factors that govern the formation of superlattices and then presents several examples of gold nanoparticle superlattices that are distinguished by the size of participating particles, chain length/functional group of the capping agent, the substrates on which they form etc.     

Gold electrodes modified with gold nanoparticles and thio compounds for electrochemical sensing of dopamine alone and in presence of potential interferents. A comparative study

Gold electrodes were modified with self assembled layers (SAMs) composed of mercaptopropionic acid, thiodipropionic acid, dithiodipropionic acid, cysteamine and gold nanoparticles and used to study the electrooxidation of dopamine (DA) in solution at pH 7. SAMs endowed with gold nanoparticles gave the highest catalytic effect. The results showed that such electrodes are capable of resolving the oxidation peaks of DA, ascorbic acid, and uric acid which is most favourable with respect to the detection of DA in physiological matrices.

Highly effective electrochemical anion sensing based on oxoporphyrinogen

The effect of anion binding on the oxidation potential of an anion receptor, N₂₁,N₂₃-dibenzyl-5,10,15,20-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-oxo-cyclohexa-2,5-dienylidene)porphyrinogen, 1 in o-dichlorobenzene is reported. The anion binding site of 1, at its inner pyrrolic amine hydrogens, is an integral part of the highly conjugated macrocycle, thus predicting larger potential shifts upon anion binding. Accordingly, cathodic shifts up to 600 mV are observed upon anion binding and such potential shifts correlate well with the anion binding constants.     

Gold nanoparticle based FRET assay for the detection of DNA cleavage

We report gold nanoparticle based FRET assay to monitor the cleavage of DNA by nucleases. Fluorescence signal enhancement is observed by a factor of 120 after the cleavage reaction in the presence of S1 nuclease. The mechanism of distant dependent fluorescence quenching has been discussed. Our experimental results on distance dependent fluorescence quenching match quite well with theoretical findings obtained from the fluorescence quenching model by Gersten and Nitzan (Surf. Sci. 1985, 158, 165). Our experimental observation paradigm for the design of optical based molecular ruler strategies at distances more than double the distances achievable using traditional dipole-dipole Columbic energy transfer based methods.     

Gold nanoparticle modified screen-printed carbon arrays for the simultaneous electrochemical analysis of lead and copper in tap water

Disposable screen-printed carbon arrays modified with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are described. The AuNP-modified screen-printed carbon arrays, designated as AuNP-SPCE arrays, were characterized by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The AuNP-SPCE arrays display excellent electrocatalytic activity towards lead and copper. Two well-defined and fully resolved anodic stripping peaks, at 20 mV for Pb(II) and at 370 mV for Cu(II), both vs. Ag/AgCl, can be seen. Square wave anodic stripping voltammetry was used to simultaneously analyze Pb(II) and Cu(II) in their binary mixtures in tap water. The linear working range for Pb(II) extends from 10 μg.L^?1 to 100 μg.L^?1 with a sensitivity of 5.94 μA.μg^?1.L.cm^?2. The respective data for Cu(II) are a working range from 10 μg.L^?1 to 150 μg.L^?1 with a sensitivity of 3.52 μA.μg^?1.L.cm^?2. The limits of detection (based on 3× the baseline noise) are 2.1 ng.L^?1 and 1.4 ng.L^?1, respectively. In our perception, this array is particularly attractive because Pb(II) and Cu(II) can be determined at rather low working potentials which makes the method fairly selective in that it is not significantly interfered by other electroactive species that require higher reduction potentials.

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Graphical abstract Fabrication, characterization and electrochemical behavior of gold nanoparticles modified screen-printed carbon arrays towards lead and copper in tap water.

     

Novel tuneable optical elements based on nanoparticle suspensions in microfluidics

This work demonstrates the application of dielectrophoretic (DEP) control of silica nanoparticles to form tuneable optical elements within a microfluidic system. The implementation consisted of a microfluidic channel with an array of curved microelectrodes along its base. Various DEP conditions were investigated at alternating current voltage amplitudes, flow rates and frequencies from 5 to 15 V, 2 to 10 μL/min and 0 to 20 MHz, respectively. The fluid channel was filled with deionized water suspending silica particles with diameters of 230 and 450 nm. Experiments were conducted to demonstrate DEP concentration and deflection of the particles and the impact of these particles distributions on the optical transmission through the fluid channel. Both confinement and scattering of the light were observed depending on the particle dimensions and the parameters of the DEP excitation. The results of this investigation illustrate the feasibility of DEP control in an optofluidic system and represent a significant step toward the dynamic formation of electrically controlled liquid optical waveguides.     

Non-enzyme electrochemical sensing fabrics and wearable applications based on bimetallic NiCo-MOFs

Portable sweat analysis devices for real-time monitoring of health-related biomarkers with great detection accuracy and high sensitivity are attracting public interest. Here, we report a flexible fabric sweat analysis devices bimetallic Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for detection of glucose in sweat without any biological enzymes. The synergy between Ni²⁺ and Co²⁺ and the large surface area (424.41 m² g⁻¹) and high porosity (0.0542 cm³ g⁻¹) of NiCo-MOF make NiCo-MOF an interesting electrode modification material in the working electrode. Furthermore, the ultra-high porosity and huge surface area of the MOFs structure are required for electrocatalysts in alkaline media. On the basis of the above, we have developed a fabric-based analytical patch, which is sufficient for simultaneous real-time detection of glucose in sweat.     

Gold nanoparticle based NSET for monitoring Mg2+ dependent RNA folding

Understanding the mechanism of how RNA molecules fold into their native structures are vital to their functional properties. Here we report for the first time that gold nanoparticle based NSET can be used for probing the transition states of an RNA unfolding reaction. Our result shows that time-dependent NSET can clearly distinguish structural transitions between unfolded to folded states. Our experimental observation point out that NSET can be used for the design of an optical based molecular ruler to track RNA folding transition states at distances more than double the distances achievable using traditional dipole-dipole Coulombic energy transfer based methods.     

Gold nanoparticle based signal enhancement liquid crystal biosensors for DNA hybridization assays

A novel signal enhanced liquid crystal biosensor based on using AuNPs for highly sensitive DNA detection has been developed. This biosensor not only significantly decreases the detection limit, but also offers a simple detection process and shows a good selectivity to distinguish perfectly matched target DNA from two-base mismatched DNA.