Dendrimer modified graphite sensors for detection of anticancer drug Daunorubicin by voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

The development of amino-terminated G4 PAMAM dendrimer (PDR) modified disposable electrodes were developed as the first time in our study by using the dendrimer modified disposable graphite (PDR-PGE) and multiwalled carbon nanotube based screen-printed graphite (PDR-MWCNT-SPE) electrodes. Firstly, the microscopic characterization of bare PGEs and PDR modified PGEs was performed. These sensors were then applied for electrochemical monitoring of an anticancer drug, Daunorubicin (DNR). The enhanced oxidation signal of DNR was measured at +0.50 V by using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) in combination with the PDR-PGEs. The detection limit, estimated from S/N = 3, corresponds accordingly to 317 nM and 128 nM for DNR respectively at the PGE and PDR-PGE. The voltammetric results were consistent with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) that was used to characterize the successful modification of PDR onto the surface of PGE and MWCNT-SPE.     

Carbon Nanotubes Modified Graphite Electrodes for Monitoring of Biointeraction Between 6‐Thioguanine and DNA

In this present study, single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) modified disposable pencil graphite electrodes (SWCNT‐PGEs) were developed for the electrochemical monitoring of anticancer drug, and its interaction with double stranded DNA (dsDNA). Under this aim, SWCNT‐PGEs were applied for the first time in the literature to analyse of 6‐Thioguanine (6‐TG), and also to investigate its interaction with DNA by voltammetric and impedimetric methods. The surface morphologies of PGE and SWCNT‐PGE were explored using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical characterization of unmodified/modified electrodes was performed by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Experimental parameters; such as, the concentration of 6‐TG and its interaction time with dsDNA were optimized by using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Additionally, the interaction of 6‐TG with dsDNA was studied in case of different interaction times by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in contrast to voltammetric results. The detection limit of 6‐TG was found to be 0.25 μM by SWCNT‐PGE.     

Interaction of Mitomycin C with DNA Immobilized onto Single‐walled Carbon Nanotube/Polymer Modified Pencil Graphite Electrode

The electrochemical investigation of the interaction between the anticancer drug mitomycin C (MC) and DNA was described using a single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/poly(vinylferrocenium) (PVF⁺) modified pencil graphite electrode (PGE). The electrochemical oxidation signals of guanine were monitored before and after the interaction between MC and DNA by using differential pulse voltammetry. The effects of DNA and MC concentration and MC interaction time were examined based on the electrode response. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used for the characterization of SWCNT/PVF⁺ modified and PVF⁺ modified PGEs. The detection limit corresponded to 625 ng/mL for MC using calf thymus double‐stranded DNA immobilized SWCNT/PVF⁺ modified PGE.     

Click‐Conjugation of Nanogold‐Functionalized PAMAM Dendrimer: Toward a Novel Electrochemical Detection Platform

This work reports a new electrochemical monitoring platform for sensitive detection of Cu²⁺ coupling click chemistry with nanogold‐functionalized PAMAM dendrimer (AuNP‐PAMAM). The system involved an alkyne‐modified carbon electrode and an azide‐functionalized AuNP‐PAMAM. Initially, the added Cu²⁺ was reduced to Cu⁺ by the ascorbate, and then the azide‐modified AuNP‐PAMAM was covalently conjugated to the electrode via Cu⁺‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne click reaction. The carried AuNPs accompanying PAMAM dendrimer could be directly monitored by stripping voltammetry after acidic pretreatment. By introduction of high‐loading PAMAM dendrimer with gold nanoparticles, as low as 2.8 pM Cu²⁺ (ppt) could be detected, which was 125‐fold lower than that of gold nanoparticle‐based labeling strategy. The method exhibited high specificity toward target Cu²⁺ against other potentially interfering ions, and was applicable for monitoring Cu²⁺ in drinking water with satisfactory results.     

Graphene Oxide Modified Chemically Activated Graphite Electrodes for Detection of microRNA

In our study, graphene oxide (GO) modified graphite electrodes were used for sensitive and selective impedimetric detection of miRNA. After chemical activation of pencil graphite electrode (PGE) surface using covalent agents (CA), GO modification was performed at the surface of chemically activated PGE. Then, CA‐GO‐PGEs were applied for impedimetric miRNA detection. The microscopic and electrochemical characterization of CA‐GO‐PGEs was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The optimization of experimental conditions; such as GO concentration, DNA probe concentration and miRNA target concentration was performed by using EIS technique. After the hybridization occurred between miRNA‐34a RNA target and its complementary DNA probe, the hybrid was immobilized onto the surface of CA‐GO‐PGEs. Then, the impedimetric detection of miRNA‐DNA hybridization was performed by EIS. The selectivity of our assay was also tested under the optimum experimental conditions.     

Tin oxide nanoparticles-polymer modified single-use sensors for electrochemical monitoring of label-free DNA hybridization

In this study, SnO₂ nanoparticles (SNPs)-poly(vinylferrocenium) (PVF⁺) modified single-use graphite electrodes were developed for electrochemical monitoring of DNA hybridization. The surfaces of polymer modified and polymer-SNP modified pencil graphite electrodes (PGEs) were firstly characterized by using SEM analysis. The electrochemical behaviours of these electrodes were also investigated using the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The polymer-SNP modified PGEs were then tested for the electrochemical sensing of DNA based on the changes at the guanine oxidation signals. Experimental parameters, such as; different modifications in DNA oligonucleotides, DNA probe concentrations were examined to obtain more sensitive and selective electrochemical signals for nucleic acid hybridization. After optimization studies, DNA hybridization was investigated in the case of complementary of hepatitis B virus (HBV) probe, mismatch (MM), and noncomplementary (NC) sequences.     

A Penicillamine Biosensor Based on Tyrosinase Immobilized on Nano‐Au/ PAMAM Dendrimer Modified Gold Electrode

Gold electrodes were modified with submonolayers of 3‐mercaptopropionic acid and further reacted with poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers to obtain thin films. The high affinity of PAMAM dendrimer for nano‐Au with its amine groups was used to realize the role of nano‐Au as an intermediator to immobilize the enzyme of tyrosinase. The characterization of the modified electrode was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Tyrosinase can catalyze the oxidation of catechol to o‐benzoquinone. When penicillamine was added to the solution, it reacted with o‐benzoquinone to form the corresponding thioquinone derivatives, which resulted in decrease of the reduction current of o‐benzoquinone. Based on this, a new electrochemical sensor for determination of penicillamine has been developed.     

Ionic Liquid Modified Single‐use Electrode Developed for Voltammetric Detection of miRNA‐34a and its Application to Real Samples

The ionic liquid (IL) modified chemically activated (CA) pencil graphite electrodes (PGEs) were developed for label‐free voltammetric detection of miRNA‐34a, and implemented to the real samples. Firstly, the electrochemical characterization of unmodified PGE, CA‐PGE, IL‐PGE and IL‐CA‐PGE was performed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) as well as their DNA binding capacity was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique. The microscopic characterization of the surface of each electrodes was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique was used for measuring the oxidation signal of guanine in order to perform a label‐free voltammetric monitoring of a full‐match hybridization specific to miRNA‐34a. The selectivity of biosensor was tested against to miRNA‐155, miRNA‐660 as well as to the mismatch sequence of miRNA‐34a. The further selectivity of this proposed biosensor was studied in the mixture of samples containing miRNA‐34a with other miRNAs (1 : 1). The voltammetric detection of miRNA‐34a was also explored in the artificial serum medium as fetal bovine serum (FBS) and also in total RNA samples isolated from HUH‐7 human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line.     

Simultaneous Determination of Isoproterenol,Acetaminophen and Folic Acid Using a Novel Nanostructure‐Based Electrochemical Sensor

In this study, a carbon paste electrode modified with (E)‐2‐((2‐chlorophenylimino)methyl)benzene‐1,4‐diol (CD) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂) was used to prepare a novel electrochemical sensor. The objective of this novel electrode modification was to seek new electrochemical performances for the detection of isoproterenol (IP) in the presence of acetaminophen (AC) and folic acid (FA). Initially, cyclic voltammetry (CV) was used to investigate the redox properties of this modified electrode at various scan rates. In the following, the mediated oxidation of IP at the modified electrode was described. The results showed an efficient catalytic activity of the electrode for the electrooxidation of IP, which leads to a reduction in its overpotential by more than 235 mV. The value of the electron transfer coefficient (α), catalytic rate constant (k_h) and diffusion coefficient (D) were calculated for IP, using electrochemical approaches. Based on differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), the oxidation of IP exhibited a dynamic range between 0.5 and 1000 µM and a detection limit (3σ) of 0.47 µM. DPV was used for simultaneous determination of IP, AC and FA at the modified electrode. Finally, this method was used for the determination of IP in real samples, using standard addition method.     

Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes‐Chitosan Modified Single‐Use Biosensors for Electrochemical Monitoring of Drug‐DNA Interactions

A multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT)‐chitosan (CHIT) modified pencil graphite electrode (CNT‐CHIT/PGE) was developed for the first time herein for electrochemical monitoring of the interaction of an anticancer drug, mitomycin C (MC) and DNA. The characterization of unmodified PGE, CHIT/PGE, CNT/PGE and CHIT‐CNT/PGE were performed by scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry techniques. The oxidation signals of MC and guanine were measured before and after interaction at the surface of CNT‐CHIT/PGEs using differential pulse voltammetry. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique was also successfully utilized for monitoring of the interaction process at the surface of CNT‐CHIT/PGEs in different interaction times.     

Graphene Functionalized Graphite Electrode with Diphenylacetylene for Sensitive Electrochemical Determination of Adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate

In this paper a molecular wire modified carbon paste electrode (MW‐CPE) was firstly prepared by mixing graphite powder with diphenylacetylene (DPA). Then a graphene (GR) and chitosan (CTS) composite film was further modified on the surface of MW‐CPE to receive the graphene functionalized electrode (CTS‐GR/MW‐CPE), which was used for the sensitive electrochemical detection of adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate (ATP). The CTS‐GR/MW‐CPE exhibited excellent electrochemical performance and the electrochemical behavior of ATP on the CTS‐GR/MW‐CPE was carefully studied by cyclic voltammetry with an irreversible oxidation peak appearing at 1.369 V (vs. SCE). The electrochemical parameters such as charge transfer coefficient (α) and electrode reaction standard rate constant (k_s) were calculated with the results of 0.53 and 5.28×10^?6 s^?1, respectively. By using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) as detection technique, the oxidation peak current showed good linear relationship with ATP concentration in the range from 1.0 nM to 700.0 µM with a detection limit of 0.342 nM (3σ). The common coexisting substances, such as uric acid, ascorbic acid and guanosine‐5′‐triphosphate (GTP), showed no interferences and the modified electrode was successfully applied to injection sample detection.     

Detection of p53 Gene by Using Genomagnetic Assay Combined with Carbon Nanotube Modified Disposable Sensor Technology

Electrochemical monitoring of DNA hybridization related to p53 gene sequence was investigated using genomagnetic assay combined with single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) modified pencil graphite electrodes (PGEs). The hybridization was performed either at magnetic beads (MB) surface or in solution. The enhanced guanine signal was obtained using SWCNT‐PGEs compared to one obtained by unmodified PGEs. The selectivity of genomagnetic assay was tested under optimum conditions. The DLs were calculated as 0.88 µM and 0.11 µM for hybridization performed at MB surface and solution, respectively. This selective, practical and cost effective genomagnetic assay combined with SWCNT‐PGEs is reported herein for the first time.     

Nanostructured Base Electrochemical Sensor for Simultaneous Quantification and Voltammetric Studies of Levodopa and Carbidopa in Pharmaceutical Products and Biological Samples

A novel carbon paste electrode modified with carbon nanotubes and 5‐amino‐2′‐ethyl‐biphenyl‐2‐ol (5AEB) was fabricated. The electrochemical study of the modified electrode, as well as its efficiency for electrocatalytic oxidation of levodopa (LD) and carbidopa (CD), is described. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was used to investigate the redox properties of this modified electrode at various scan rates. The apparent charge transfer rate constant, k_s, and transfer coefficient, a, for electron transfer between 5AEB and CPE were calculated as 17.3 s^?1 and 0.5, respectively. Square wave voltammetry (SWV) exhibits a linear dynamic range from 2.5×10^?7 to 2.0×10^?4 M and a detection limit of 9.0×10^?8 M for LD.     

Chitosan/Ionic Liquid Composite Electrode for Electrochemical Monitoring of the Surface‐Confined Interaction Between Mitomycin C and DNA

In the present study a chitosan/ionic liquid modified pencil graphite electrode (CHIT‐IL‐PGEs) was developed for the first time for enhanced electrochemical monitoring of nucleic acid, and the interaction of the anticancer drug Mitomycin C (MC) and calf thymus double stranded DNA (dsDNA) by measuring the oxidation signals of MC and guanine in the same voltammetric scale. Differential pulse voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques were used to evaluate the performance of the CHIT‐IL based biosensor on electrochemical monitoring of DNA, and drug‐DNA interaction. The experimental parameters, IL, dsDNA and MC concentration and the interaction time were then optimized.     

Electrocatalytic Determination of Hydrazine and Phenol Using a Carbon Paste Electrode Modified with Ionic Liquids and Magnetic Core‐shell Fe3O4@SiO2/MWCNT Nanocomposite

A carbon paste electrode was modified with 2‐(4‐Oxo‐3‐phenyl‐3,4‐dihydroquinazolinyl)‐N′‐phenyl‐hydrazinecarbothioamide, magnetic core? shell Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/MWCNT nanocomposite and ionic liquid (n‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluoro phosphate). The electro‐oxidation of hydrazine at the surface of the modified electrode was studied using electrochemical approaches. This modified electrode offers a considerable improvement in voltammetric sensitivity toward hydrazine, compared to the bare electrode. Square wave voltammetry (SWV) exhibits a linear dynamic range from 7.0×10^?8 to 5.0×10^?4 M and a detection limit of 40.0 nM for hydrazine. The diffusion coefficient and kinetic parameters (such as electron transfer coefficient and the heterogeneous rate constant) for hydrazine oxidation were also determined. The prepared modified electrode exhibits a very good resolution between the voltammetric peaks of hydrazine and phenol that makes it suitable for the detection of hydrazine in the presence of phenol in real samples.     

Reduced Graphene Oxide/Carbon Nanotube/Gold Nanoparticles Nanocomposite Functionalized Screen‐Printed Electrode for Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Endocrine Disruptor Bisphenol A

We fabricated a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for the determination of bisphenol A (BPA) in aqueous solution by using reduced graphene oxide (RGO), carbon nanotubes (CNT), and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)‐modified screen‐printed electrode (SPE). GO/CNT nanocomposite was directly reduced to RGO/CNT on SPE at room temperature. AuNPs were then electrochemically deposited in situ on RGO/CNT‐modified SPE. Under optimized conditions, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) produced linear current responses for BPA concentrations of 1.45 to 20 and 20 to 1,490 nM, with a calculated detection limit of an ultralow 800 pM. The sensor response was unaffected by the presence of interferents such as phenol, p‐nitrophenol, pyrocatechol, 2,4‐dinitrophenol, and hydroquinone.     

Electrochemical Detection of Metals Using Thick Nanofibrous Nafion Web Modified Electrodes

In this work, GC electrodes modified with thick electrospun nanofibrous Nafion webs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) and used for the extraction and electrochemical detection of cadmium by differential pulse voltammetry. Cadmium was detected after 10 min incubation at open circuit followed by anodic stripping using 60 s reduction at ?1.4 V. The electrode yielded well‐defined, undistorted and reproducible (RSD of 7.0 % based on 10 measurements) voltammetric response with two linear ranges from 0.1 to 3 µM (R²=0.994 ) and from 3 to 10 µM (R²=0.977) and a detection limit and sensitivity of 0.01 µM and 32 and 7.725 µA/µM for both linear portions of the curve respectively.     

Double‐Layer Nanogold and Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimer‐ Functionalized PVC Membrane Electrode for Enhanced Electrochemical Immunoassay of Total Prostate Specific Antigen

A simple and portable electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of total prostate specific antigen (t‐PSA) in human serum was developed using a double‐layer nanogold particles and dendrimer‐functionalized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane as immunosensing interface. To fabricate such a multifunctional PVC electrode, an o‐phenylenediamine‐doped PVC membrane was initially constructed, then nanogold particles and poly(amidoamine) G4‐dendrimer with a sandwich‐type format were assembled onto the PVC membrane surface, and then t‐PSA antibodies (anti‐PSA) were adsorbed on the nanogold surface. The detection principle of the immunosensor is based on the change in the electric potential before and after the antigen‐antibody interaction. The experimental conditions and the factors influencing the performance of the immunosensor were investigated. Under optimal conditions, the proposed immunosensor exhibits good electrochemical behavior in the dynamic range of 0.5–18 ng/mL relative to t‐PSA concentration with a relative low detection limit of 0.1 ng/mL (S/N=3). The precision, reproducibility, and stability of the immunosensor are acceptable. In addition, 43 serum specimens were assayed by the as‐prepared immunosensor, and consistent results were obtained in comparison with those obtained by the standard enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Compared with the conventional ELISAs, the developed immunoassay system was simple and rapid without labeling and separation steps. Importantly, the immobilization and detection methodologies could be extended for the immobilization and detection of other biomarkers.     

Selective and Simultaneous Voltammetric Determination of Glutathione,Uric Acid and Penicillamine by a Modified Carbon Nanotube Paste Electrode

In this paper, the use of a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified by (E)‐3‐((2‐(2,4‐dinitrophenyl)hydrazono)methyl)benzene‐1,2‐diol (DHB) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for the determination of glutathione (GSH), uric acid (UA) and penicillamine (PA) is described. Initially, cyclic voltammetry was used to investigate the redox properties of the modified electrode in phosphate buffer. Next, the electrocatalytic oxidation of GSH via EC′ mechanism at the modified electrode was described. At the optimum pH of 7.0, the oxidation of GSH occurs at a potential that is 530 mV less positive than that of an unmodified carbon paste electrode. The values of the diffusion coefficient (D=2.5×10^?6 cm² s^?1) and the catalytic rate constant (k=1.7×10³ M^?1 s^?1) were calculated for GSH, using chronoamperometry. Based on differential pulse voltammetry, the oxidation of GSH exhibited a dynamic range between 0.4 and 700.0 µM and a detection limit (3σ) of 70.0 nM. Also, simultaneous determination of GSH, UA and PA was described at the modified electrode. Finally, this method was used for the determination of these substances in synthetic solutions and blood serum samples.     

Plasma‐functionalized Highly Aligned CNT‐based Biosensor for Point of Care Determination of Glucose in Human Blood Plasma

In this study, a new method for modification of vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays (VACNTs) for selective detection of glucose was developed. VACNTs were grown by chemical vapor deposition method on a silicon substrate deposited with alumina as a buffer layer and iron as a catalyst using radio frequency (RF) sputtering and electron beam evaporation, respectively. The surface of the electrode was modified with electrodeposition of polyaniline (PANI) followed by covalent attachment of glucose oxidase (GOx). The electrode was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), micro‐Raman spectroscopy, and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (ATR‐FTIR) techniques. Cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry were used to investigate the electrochemical behavior of the electrode. The fabricated electrode was successfully employed as a point‐of‐care (POC) biosensor for the detection of glucose in human blood plasma. The detection limit was 1.1 μM, and the sensitivity was 620 μA mM^?1 cm^?2 at the linear range of 2–426 μM.