Potentiometric pH sensors based on chemically modified electrodes with electropolymerized metal-tetraaminophthalocyanine

Potentiometric pH sensors based on polymer film were prepared by electropolymerization of the monomer nickel(II)-4,4',4',4'-tetraaminophthalocyanine (NiTAPc) or copper(II)-4,4',4',4'-tetraaminophthalocyanine (CuTAPc) on glassy carbon (GC) electrodes. The polymer of metal tetraaminophthalocyanine (p-MTAPc) film coated electrodes show a slope of 55 +/- 1 mV/pH (at 20 degrees C) and nearly Nernstain potentiometric response to pH over the range of pH 1-13. The electrodes possess good potential reproducibility and high selectivity, and are useful sensing devices in pH determination and end-point indication of acid-base potentiometric titration.     

Voltammetric determination of copper at chemically modified electrodes based on crown ethers

The feasibility of fabricating copper-sensitive chemically modified electrodes (CMEs) for trace analysis in aqueous and in 40% (v/v) ethanol-water media was investigated. Carbon paste electrodes modified with crown ethers were constructed by mixing the crown ethers into a graphite powder-paraffin oil matrix. The electrodes so formed were able to bind Cu(II) ions chemically and gave better voltammetric responses than the unmodified ones. The crown ethers studied and compared were 15-crown-5, benzo-15-crown-5 and dibenzo-18-crown-6. With a 3% benzo-15-crown-5 CME, Cu(II) could be quantified at sub-ppm levels by differential pulse voltammetry with a detection limit of 0.05 ppm. By differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry Cu(II) could be quantified over the range I to 100 ppb. Interference from metal ions like Ni(II), Co(II), Mn(II), Fe(II), etc. have also been studied. The method was successfully applied to artificial as well as commercial samples of alcoholic beverages.     

Voltammetric determination of copper at chemically modified electrodes based on crown ethers

The feasibility of fabricating copper-sensitive chemically modified electrodes (CMEs) for trace analysis in aqueous and in 40% (v/v) ethanol-water media was investigated. Carbon paste electrodes modified with crown ethers were constructed by mixing the crown ethers into a graphite powder-paraffin oil matrix. The electrodes so formed were able to bind Cu(II) ions chemically and gave better voltammetric responses than the unmodified ones. The crown ethers studied and compared were 15-crown-5, benzo-15-crown-5 and dibenzo-18-crown-6. With a 3% benzo-15-crown-5 CME, Cu(II) could be quantified at sub-ppm levels by differential pulse voltammetry with a detection limit of 0.05 ppm. By differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry Cu(II) could be quantified over the range 1 to 100 ppb. Interference from metal ions like Ni(II), Co(II), Mn(II), Fe(II), etc. have also been studied. The method was successfully applied to artificial as well as commercial samples of alcoholic beverages. Received: 12 January 2000 / Revised: 14 March 2000 / Accepted: 16 March 2000     

Voltammetric determination of lead at chemically modified electrodes based on crown ethers.

The feasibility of fabricating lead-sensitive chemically modified electrodes (CMEs) for trace analysis in aqueous and 40% (v/v) ethanol-water media was investigated. Carbon paste electrodes modified with crown ethers were constructed by mixing the crown ethers into a graphite powder-paraffin oil matrix. The thus-formed electrodes were able to bind Pb(II) ions chemically, and gave better voltammetric responses than unmodified ones. The crown ethers studied and compared were 18-crown-6 and dibenzo-18-crown-6. With a 5% 18-crown-6 CME, Pb(II) could be quantified at sub-ppm levels by differential pulse voltammetry with a detection limit of 0.02 ppm. It was possible to selectively pick up Pb(II) from a solution of several other ions at an open circuit through complexation. A simultaneous analysis of Cu(II) and Pb(II) was also attempted. By differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry Pb(II) could be quantified over the range of 1 to 100 ppb. Interference from metal ions like Ni(II), Co(II), Mn(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Ag(I), Fe(III), Ca(II) and Mg(II) was also studied. The method was successfully applied to artificial as well as commercial samples of alcoholic beverages.     

Selective detection in flow analysis based on the combination of immobilized enzymes and chemically modified electrodes

The combination of immobilized enzymes and amperometry to build selective detection devices in flow-injection analysis and liquid chromatography is described. The pros and cons of enzyme electrodes and of immobilized enzyme reactors are discussed. The paper concentrates on the use of immobilized dehydrogenases, oxidases, peroxidases, and on electrodes on which these enzyme reactions can be selectively followed. The work in the field by the authors is reviewed.     

Metalloporphyrin chemically modified glassy carbon electrodes as catalytic voltammetric sensors

Metalloporphyrin-coated glassy carbon electrodes are used as electrocatalytic voltammetric sensors for numerous clinically important solutes. For such compounds, heterogeneous charge- transfer rates are often very slow at carbon electrodes, leading to poorly defined voltammetric responses. The metalloporphyrin-modified electrodes are shown to decrease by several hundred millivolts the potential required for the oxidation of ascorbic acid, penicillamine, acetaminophen, dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, hydralazine, epinephrine, cysteine and oxalic acid. The faster rates of electron transfer result in a well defined voltammetric response and increased sensitivity. The differential pulse peaks for caffeic acid, ascorbic acid, acetaminophen and dopamine are enhanced by 18, 10.5, 9.4 and 8.4, respectively. When used for amperometric monitoring of flowing streams, the coated electrode permitted detection at lower potentials than at the naked surface and greatly facilitated assays of urine samples.     

Two-dimensional nanocomposites based on chemically modified graphene

The multiple functional groups and unique two-dimensional (2D) morphology make chemically modified graphene (CMG) an ideal template for the construction of 2D nanocomposites with various organic/inorganic components. Additionally, the recovered electrical conductivity of CMG may provide a fast-electron-transport channel and can thus promote the application of the resultant nanocomposites in optoelectronic and electrochemical devices. This Concept article summarizes the different strategies for the bottom-up fabrication of CMG-based 2D nanocomposites with small organic molecules, polymers, and inorganic nanoparticles, which represent the new directions in the development of graphene-based materials.     

Fluorometric determination of heparin based on self-quenching of fluorescein-labeled protamine

A new signaling technique for a fluorometric heparin assay has been developed using the self-quenching of fluoresceinisothiocyanate-labeled protamine (F-protamine). The binding between F-protamine and heparin led to a significant fluorescence quenching due to enhancing the proximity of the F-protamine molecules. The fluorescence of F-protamine (5.9 μg/mL) decreased to 13% in the presence of 2.0 μg/mL heparin. An advantage of this self-quenching system is that the detection can be carried out without using other indicators. With the present system, we could monitor the therapeutic level of heparin in bovine plasma, and the response was quick. These properties of the self-quenching system are suitable for practical use.     

Reference field effect transistors based on chemically modified ISFETs

Different hydrophobic polymers were used for chemical modification of ion-sensitive field effect transistors (ISFETs) in order to prepare a reference FET (REFET). Chemical attachment of the polymer to the ISFET gate results in a long lifetime of the device. Properties of polyacrylate (polyACE) REFETs are described in detail. The polyACE-REFET is superior to other polymer modified REFETs, showing an excellent pH insensitivity (?1 mV pH^?1), a long lifetime and an electrically identical behaviour as an unmodified pH ISFET or a cation-selective PVC-MEMFET (membrane FET). The cation permeselectivity of the polymer can be significantly reduced by addition of immobile cations. The applicability of a polyACE-REFET in differential measurements with a pH ISFET and a K⁺ MEMFET is demonstrated.     

Determination of glucose in fermentation processes by means of an on-line coupled flow-injection system using enzyme sensors based on chemically modified electrodes

The application of an inexpensive, easy-to-make and disposable biosensor, based on a chemically modified graphite electrode with an adsorbed and cross-linked layer of glucose dehydrogenase, as a detector in a flow-injection system for on-line monitoring of glucose in fermenters is described. The performance of the sensor as a function of time is investigated, and used for assaying glucose in a wine fermentation process. It is concluded that the sensor operates satisfactorily during at least 3 days of continuous use. No interference from ethanol is encountered. With regard to practical applications, special emphasis is placed on the interfacing of the fermenter and the analytical system.     

Simultaneous determination of Ponceau-4R and Allura Red in soft drinks based on the ionic liquid modified expanded graphite paste electrode

A convenient and sensitive method was developed for the simultaneous determination of Ponceau-4R and Allura Red using an ionic liquid modified expanded graphite paste electrode (IL-EGPE). The IL-EGPE was prepared by mixing ionic liquid-expanded graphite (IL-EG) composites with solid paraffin. Based on the advantageous functions of IL and EG, IL-EGPE showed enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards the simultaneous oxidation of Ponceau-4R and Allura Red. Under optimal experimental conditions, the IL-EGPE exhibited wide linear responses to Ponceau-4R and Allura Red ranging from 6.0 to 7.5 mg L^?1 and 5.0 to 0.5 mg L^?1, respectively. The detection limits for Ponceau-4R and Allura Red were 1.15 and 0.89 μg L^?1 at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3, respectively. The designed electrode showed good reproducibility, stability and reusability. The proposed method was successfully applied in the simultaneous determination of Ponceau-4R and Allura Red in soft drinks. This method presented a simple, rapid and sensitive platform for simultaneous determination of Ponceau-4R and Allura Red and would become a versatile and powerful tool for food safety.     

Solid-phase luminescence determination of tetracycline in bottled water using chemically modified silica

Possibility of using chemically modified silica (CMS) with covalently immobilized sulfonic and ethylenediaminetriacetate (ED3A) groups for the adsorption preconcentration and extraction of tetracycline (TC) from aqueous solutions is studied. The conditions of complex formation by europium(III) ions on the surface of these adsorbents are optimized. The effect of citrate and Eu³⁺ ions on the luminescence intensity of the Eu–TC complex is shown. The luminescence properties of SiO₂ED3AEu and SiO₂SO₃HEu systems with tetracyclines are studied depending on the acidity of the medium, time of phase contact, the ratio of the volume of the solution to the weighed portion of the adsorbent, and concentrations of the adsorbed substances. It is found that tetracycline is quantitatively extracted by CMS as a complex with europium(III) ions in pH range 6.5–8.0; adsorption capacity to tetracycline in the Henry region is as high as 0.07–0.09 mmol/g and partition coefficients are 10³–10⁴ mL/g. A procedure is developed for the solid-phase luminescence determination of tetracycline using SiO₂SO₃HEu and SiO₂ED3AEu systems with limits of detection of 0.8 and 2.0 nM, respectively; linearity range is 1 × 10^–9–1 × 10^–5 M. The procedure is tested in the analysis of model mixtures and samples of bottled water.     

Fluorometric determination of serine in blood

A simple and rapid technique for the quantitative determination of serine in blood is presented. The method involves the removal of glucose in the protein-free filtrate and the oxidation of serine by periodate to formaldehyde. The latter is determined fluorometrically. Recovery studies of serine added to blood or plasma samples have been satisfactory.     

Fluorometric determination of microRNA based on strand displacement amplification and rolling circle amplification

The authors describe a fluorometric assay for microRNA. It is based on two-step amplification involving (a) strand displacement replication and (b) rolling circle amplification. The strand displacement amplification system is making use of template DNA (containing a sequence that is complementary to microRNA-21) and nicking enzyme sites. After hybridization, the microRNA strand becomes extended by DNA polymerase chain reaction and then cleaved by the nicking enzyme. The DNA thus produced acts as a primer in rolling circle amplification. Then, the DNA probe SYBR Green II is added to bind to ssDNA to generate a fluorescent signal which increases with increasing concentration of microRNA. The method has a wide detection range that covers the10 f. to 0.1 nM microRNA concentration range and has a detection limit as low as 1.0 fM. The method was successfully applied to the determination of microRNA-21 in the serum of healthy and breast cancer patients.

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Graphical abstract Schematic of a fluorometric microRNA assay based on two-step amplification involving strand displacement replication and rolling circle amplification. DNA probe SYBR Green II is then bound to ssDNA to generate a fluorescent signal which increases with increasing concentration of microRNA.

     

Glucose sensors based on enzyme immobilization onto biocompatible membranes obtained by radiation-induced polymerization

Amperometric glucose biosensors based on glucose oxidase immobilized onto poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) membranes obtained by γ radiation-induced polymerization were constructed. In a threeelectrode configuration, smooth or platinized platinum electrodes with different shapes were used, in order to detect the amount of hydrogen peroxide produced in the glucose oxidation. A saturated calomel electrode and a platinum foil were used as a reference and counterelectrode, respectively. The biocompatible obtained sensors were characterized as regards the temperature effect, the response, and lifetime. The determination of glucose in standard solutions was carried out, and linear calibration curves were obtained. Depending on the electrode configuration, the sensor had a response time of 1–4 min, and the measuring range extended from 5 × 10^?5 to 4 × 10^?3M.     

Fluorometric determination of carbaryl in micellar Media

A new method is proposed for the fluorometric determination of carbaryl, based on the basic hydrolysis of the pesticide to 1-naphtholate at pH 12 and enhancement of the relative quantum yield of this latter compound by the presence of non-ionic surfactants. The procedure is quick and easy and presents a limit of detection of 1.4 ng/ml. The interaction of carbaryl with non-ionic surfactants has been studied both spectrophotometrically and fluorometrically, in different media. To determine carbaryl in real samples prior extraction into xylene and back-extraction with 1 M sodium hydroxide is necessary to avoid the strong quenching effect of the matrix.     

Fluorometric determination of reserpine in dosage forms

A rapid and highly sensitive fluorometric procedure has been developed for the routine determination of reserpine, in bulk and in dosage forms. The method is based on the fluorescence induced by oxidation of reserpine with hexa-amminecobalt(III) tricarbonatocobaltate in aqueous acetic acid. The oxidation product exhibits a greenish yellow fluorescence with its emission maximum at around 420 nm. The fluorescence intensity is a linear function of reserpine concentration over the range 0.01-0.24 mug/ml in the solution finally measured. The advantages and disadvantages of the proposed method are discussed, and its applicability to different formulations is demonstrated.