Arthrobacter sp. JS443‐Based Whole Cell Amperometric Biosensor for p‐Nitrophenol

An amperometric microbial biosensor for highly sensitive and selective determination of p‐nitrophenol (PNP) is reported. The biosensor consisted of PNP‐degrader Arthrobacter sp. JS443 immobilized by entrapment in Nafion polymer deposited on the top of the carbon paste electrode transducer. The biosensor was based on the measurement of the oxidation current of the intermediates 4‐nitrocatechol and 1,2,4‐benzenetriol formed by the highly selective oxidation of PNP by Arthrobacter sp. The sensor signal and response time were optimized with applied potential of +0.4 V (vs. Ag/AgCl reference electrode) and 0.03 mg of cells and operating in pH 7.5, 50 mM citrate‐phosphate buffer at room temperature. When operated at optimized conditions, the Arthrobacter sp.‐based biosensor measured as low as 5 nM (0.7 ppb) of PNP. The biosensor demonstrated excellent selectivity with no interference from phenolic compounds such as 2‐nitrophenol, phenol and 3‐chlorophenol but was interfered by 3‐nitrophenol and 3‐methyl‐4‐nitrophenol. It had good precision and intra‐ and inter‐day reproducibility, accuracy and was stable up to 3 days when stored in buffer at 4 °C. When applied for measurement in water from Lake Elsinore, CA, the results obtained were in excellent agreement with the amounts determined spectrophotometrically.     

A Novel High Efficient Catalyst AgBr/CaMoO4 for the Reduction of p‐Nitrophenol

A new composite catalyst AgBr/CaMoO₄ was successfully fabricated by loading AgBr nanoparticles on CaMoO₄ support via a convenient precipitation/deposition method, without any controlling agent and template. The microstructure, chemical composition, and morphologies of the AgBr/CaMoO₄ were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. A series of comparative experiments showed that the composite AgBr/CaMoO₄ exhibits higher catalytic activity than pure AgBr or CaMoO₄ for the reduction of p‐nitrophenol (4‐NP). Moreover, the AgBr content greatly impacted the catalytic activity of composite AgBr/CaMoO₄ . The conversion rate of 4‐NP with AgBr/CaMoO₄ ‐5% as catalyst could reach 100% within only 4 min, which might be attributed to more number of available active sites from the highly dispersed AgBr nanoparticles on the surface of CaMoO₄ microspheres. In addition, the composite catalyst AgBr/CaMoO₄ displayed a good structural and cycling stability. The present study might provide a new strategy to design composite materials with excellent catalytic performance.     

Real‐Time Nitrophenol Detection Using Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Based Devices

Single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) based devices have been developed for the real‐time detection of nitrophenols in aqueous solution. SWNTs are assembled to electrodes using AC dielectrophoresis technique. The SWNT devices exhibit not only high sensitivity to nitrophenol compounds, but also good reusability. Charge transfer between nitro group and SWNTs, and the metal‐nanotube interface modification are hypothesized to be the possible origins of conductance change. These results indicated that the SWNT devices can be utilized as a simple, low cost, sensitive, and reusable platform for real‐time detection of nitrophenol compounds.     

Alternating Layers of Iron(III) Tetra(N‐methyl‐4‐pyridyl)‐porphyrin and Copper Tetrasulfonated Phthalocyanine for Amperometric Detection of 4‐Nitrophenol in Nanomolar Levels

The present work describes the development of a highly sensitive amperometric sensor for 4‐NP in nanomolar levels using a glassy carbon electrode modified with alternating layers of CuTSPc and FeT4MPyP. After optimizing the operational conditions, the sensor provided a linear response range for 4‐NP from 5 up to 100 nmol L^?1 with sensitivity, detection, and quantification limits of 14 nA L nmol^?1, 1.9 nmol L^?1, and 5.4 nmol L^?1, respectively. The proposed sensor showed a stable response for at least 200 successive determinations. This modified electrode can be used to the determination of 4‐NP in water samples.     

Voltammetric Determination of 4‐Nitrophenol Using a Novel Type of Silver Amalgam Paste Electrode

A differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) method was developed for the determination of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) at a newly developed silver amalgam paste electrode (AgA‐PE) in Britton–Robinson buffer pH 3.0. The electrode is based on a disposable plastic pipette tip filled with paste amalgam based on a mixture of mercury and fine silver powder (9 : 1, w/w). The experimental parameters, such as pH of Britton–Robinson buffer and activation and regeneration potential of the electrode surface were optimized. The reduction peak current dependences were linear for the concentration of 4‐NP from 0.2 to 100 μM. The method showed reproducible results with RSD (n=45) of 1.7%. The limit of determination (LOD) was 0.3 μM. The method was successfully applied for the direct determination of 4‐NP in drinking water.     

Electrochemical Determination of 2‐Nitrophenol in Water Samples Using Mg‐Al‐SDS Hydrotalcite‐Like Clay Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with Mg‐Al‐SDS hydrotalcite‐like clay (SDS‐HTLC) was used for the sensitive voltammetric determination of 2‐nitrophenol (2‐NP) utilizing the oxidation process. The results indicate the prepared modified electrode has an excellent electrocatalytic activity toward 2‐NP oxidation, lowering the oxidation overpotential and increasing the oxidation current. Under optimal conditions, the oxidation current was proportional to 2‐NP concentration in the range from 1.0×10^?6 to 6.0×10^?4 M with the detection limit of 5.0×10^?7 M by DPV (S/N=3). The fabricated electrode was applied for 2‐NP determination in water samples and the recovery for these samples was from 95.6 to 103.5%.     

Sensitive and Selective Electrochemical Analysis of Methyl‐parathion (MPT) and 4‐Nitrophenol (PNP) by a New Type p‐NiTSPc/p‐PPD Coated Carbon Fiber Microelectrode (CFME)

A novel modified carbon fiber microelectrode (CFME) was obtained by combination of tetrasulfonated nickel phtalocyanine (p‐NiTSPc) electroformed film associated to para‐phenylenediamine (p‐PPD) electropolymerized outer‐coating. The modified CFMEs where denoted C/p‐NiTSPc and C/p‐NiTSPc/p‐PPD, respectively. These electrodes are dedicated to the organophosphates compounds (OPs) methyl‐parathion (MPT) and para‐nitrophenol (PNP). Our contribution shows that both OPs can be determined simultaneously on the unmodified and modified C/p‐NiTSPc CFMEs. A clear electrocatalytic activity towards both MPT and PNP redox process was observed, for the first time, in presence of p‐NiTSPc. The obtained sensitivity for the C/p‐NiTSPc CFME was 80 nA L mg^?1 in the concentration range 0.01 to 10 mg/L with a detection limit of 40 μg/L. Also the combination of p‐NiTSPc and p‐PPD electrodeposited films show, for the first time, the possibility to discriminate on the C/p‐NiTSPc/p‐PPD CFME between MPT and PNP. Stability experiments were also conducted for 3 weeks in acetate buffer showing a good reproductibility of the sensitivity to PNP vs. time in presence of MPT with a little loss of sensitivity (5%) after 3 weeks.     

A Self‐Sampling‐and‐Flow Biosensor for Continuous Monitoring

A self‐sampling‐and‐flow biosensor was fabricated by sandwiching a nitrocellulose strip on the working electrode side of the double‐sided microporous gold electrodes and a wicking pad on the counter electrode side. The double‐sided microporous electrodes were formed by plasma sputtering of gold on a porous nylon substrate. Sample was taken up to the enzyme‐immobilized working electrode by the capillary action of the front nitrocellulose strip dipped into the sample solution, analyzed electrochemically at the enzyme‐immobilized electrode, and diffuses out to the backside wicking pad through the micropores of the electrodes, constituting a complete flow cell device with no mechanical liquid‐transporting device. Biosensor was formed by co‐immobilizing the glucose oxidase and electron transfer mediator (ferrocene acetic acid) on the thioctic acid self‐assembled monolayer‐modified working electrode. A typical response time of the biosensor was about 5 min with the sensitivity of 2.98 nA/mM glucose, providing linear response up to 22.5 mM. To demonstrate the use of self‐sampling‐and‐flow biosensor, the consumption rate of glucose in the presence of yeast was monitored for five days.     

Direct Electroanalysis of p‐Nitrophenol (PNP) in Estuarine and Surface Waters by a High Sensitive Type C/p‐NiTSPc Coating Carbon Fiber Microelectrode (CFME)

We report for the first time on the elaboration of a remarkable sensitivity type C/p‐NiTSPc carbon fiber microelectrode (CFME) for p‐nitrophenol (PNP) pollutant. We observed the best performances using square wave voltammetry (SWV) technique in the place of differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Also the combination of p‐NiTSPc optimized cycles of electrodeposition and accumulation time, helped us to increase remarkably the sensor slope (320 times) and the limit of detection (LOD) (1000 times), with a final LOD of 0.1 µg/L, the current regulatory limit for drinkable waters. Furthermore the recoveries of the standards added are close to 100 % indicating that the method has some suitability. The proposed voltammetric procedure might be applied for organophosphorus pesticides and their by‐products with a remarkable sensing in natural polluted waters.     

Voltammetric Determination of 4‐Nitrophenol and 5‐Nitrobenzimidazole Using Different Types of Silver Solid Amalgam Electrodes – A Comparative Study

The voltammetric behavior of two genotoxic nitro compounds (4‐nitrophenol and 5‐nitrobenzimidazole) has been investigated using direct current voltammetry (DCV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) at a polished silver solid amalgam electrode (p‐AgSAE), a mercury meniscus modified silver solid amalgam electrode (m‐AgSAE), and a mercury film modified silver solid amalgam electrode (MF‐AgSAE). The optimum conditions have been evaluated for their determination in Britton‐Robinson buffer solutions. The limit of quantification (L_Q) for 5‐nitrobenzimidazole at p‐AgSAE was 0.77 µmol L^?1 (DCV) and 0.47 µmol L^?1 (DPV), at m‐AgSAE it was 0.32 µmol L^?1 (DCV) and 0.16 µmol L^?1 (DPV), and at MF‐AgSAE it was 0.97 µmol L^?1 (DCV) and 0.70 µmol L^?1 (DPV). For 4‐nitrophenol at p‐AgSAE, L_Q was 0.37 µmol L^?1 (DCV) and 0.32 µmol L^?1 (DPV), at m‐AgSAE it was 0.14 µmol L^?1 (DCV) and 0.1 µmol L^?1 (DPV), and at MF‐AgSAE, it was 0.87 µmol L^?1 (DCV) and 0.37 µmol L^?1 (DPV). Thorough comparative studies have shown that m‐AgSAE is the best sensor for voltammetric determination of the two model genotoxic compounds because it gives the lowest L_Q, is easier to prepare, and its surface can be easily renewed both chemically (by new amalgamation) and/or electrochemically (by imposition of cleaning pulses). The practical applicability of the newly developed methods was verified on model samples of drinking water.     

One‐Step Synthesis of β‐Cyclodextrin Functionalized Graphene/Ag Nanocomposite and Its Application in Sensitive Determination of 4‐Nitrophenol

β‐Cyclodextrin functionalized graphene/Ag nanocomposite (β‐CD/GN/Ag) was prepared via a one‐step microwave treatment of a mixture of graphene oxide and AgNO₃. β‐CD/GN/Ag was employed as an enhanced element for the sensitive determination of 4‐nitrophenol. A wide linear response to 4‐nitrophenol in the concentration ranges of 1.0×10^?8–1.0×10^?7 mol/L, and 1.0×10^?7–1.5×10^?3 mol/L was achieved, with a low detection limit of 8.9×10^?10 mol/L (S/N=3). The mechanism and the heterogeneous electron transfer kinetics of the 4‐nitrophenol reduction were discussed according to the rotating disk electrode experiments. Furthermore, the sensing platform has been applied to the determination of 4‐nitrophenol in real samples.     

A Microbial Sensor Based on Direct Electron Transfer at Shewanella Sp. Drop‐Coated Screen‐Printed Carbon Electrodes

Aerobically grown Shewanella sp. bacterial suspension drop‐coated on a disposable screen‐printed carbon electrode was found to possess electroactivity without the aid of redox mediator. Cyclic voltammetric studies revealed the characteristics of a mixed diffusion adsorption‐controlled electrochemical process for direct electron transfer at the bacteria‐modified electrode. Both FE‐SEM and ATR FT‐IR experiments were carried out to investigate the surface characteristics. The electroanalytical applicability was further demonstrated for electrocatalytic reduction of arsenite, hydrogen peroxide and nitrite. Low cost and very simple manufacturing procedure allow for the proposed bacterial sensor to be applied as disposable devices.     

Synthesis of Au/Al2O3 Nanocatalyst and its Application in the Reduction of p‐Nitrophenol

Gold (Au) nanoparticles supported on alumina (Al₂O₃) were prepared at several pH levels via the deposition‐precipitation (DP) method. The effects of pH at below and above the isoelectric point (IEP) of Al₂O₃ as well as the pH adjustment before and after the addition of the support into the gold chloride solution were investigated. The results revealed the formation of cationic, clusters and metallic Au on alumina. The catalytic activity of these species was tested in the reduction of p‐nitrophenol (p‐NP) using hydrazine as a reductant. The catalytic reaction was monitored spectrophotometerically and the highest rate constant (k‐) achieved based on pseudo first order kinetic model was 12.7 × 10^‐3 s^‐1. Structural and elemental characterizations of the supported gold nanoparticles were carried out using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐rays (EDX), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), and ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy (UV‐Vis).     

A Micromechanical Cantilever‐Based Liposome Biosensor for Characterization of Protein‐Membrane Interaction

We have newly evaluated the interaction of lipid membrane with two different proteins of lysozyme and carbonic anhydrase from bovine (CAB) using a micro cantilever‐based liposome biosensor with a new droplet‐sealing structure. Herein 1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DPPC) liposomes are used as model lipid membrane and are immobilized on the surface of cantilever. The interaction of DPPC liposome with the target protein causes deflection of the micro‐cantilever, which can stably be detected by measuring the resistance change of the strain gauge. The resistance change dependent on time is used to evaluate the characteristic of liposome‐protein interaction. The resistance of the cantilever‐based biosensor increases monotonously with time in both of the two protein solutions. Especially, chronological resistance change depends markedly on both the concentration and species of target proteins. Finally, these results lead us to conclude that the cantilever‐based liposome biosensor with the droplet‐sealing structure facilitates the characterization of protein‐membrane interaction. It also means that this biosensor is a promising candidate device for label‐free detection of concentration and species of different target proteins.     

Electrodeposition of Cobalt Oxide Nanostructure on the Glassy Carbon Electrode for Electrocatalytic Determination of para‐Nitrophenol

Cobalt oxide nanostructure (CoO_xNS) deposited on the glassy carbon (GC) electrode surface is proposed as a novel electrocatalytic system for the reduction of para‐Nitrophenol. Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used for characterization of deposited CoO_xNS. CoO_xNS deposited by cycling at positive potentials (0 to +1.3 V) show less charge‐transfer resistance (Rct) and more catalytic activity for the electroreduction of p‐nitrophenol compared to those CoO_xNS obtained by scanning the applied potential throughout a negative V range. The GC/CoO_xNS electrode showed good electrocatalytic activity toward the reduction of p‐nitrophenol at different pH values.     

Cationic Surfactants as Regulators in Paper Separation of 2‐Nitrophenol and 2,4,6‐Trinitrophenol in Water

The chemical pollutants 2‐nitrophenol (2‐NP) and 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol (2,4,6‐TNP) were studied for their separation from water by the paper capillary permeation adsorption technique by the use of the four cationic surfactants dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC), tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) as regulators. The effect of pH and the concentration of surfactant on the separatability have been investigated. A nearly 100% separatability was obtained for each pollutant at its optimum pH and surfactant concentration. It was shown that the separation was accomplished via surface adsorption onto the fibers of paper. The change in separatability at basic pH 11 with surfactant variety was analyzed. The result shows that the surfactant with a longer chain alkyl group is more effective for the separation of 2‐NP and the surfactants with 16 carbons in the long chain alkyl group are most effective. The surfactants with 12 carbons or more in the long alkyl group but containing no aromatic group such as pyridyl group are equally effective for accomplishing an efficient separation of 2,4,6‐TNP. Selective separation of 2‐NP from an admixture of 2‐NP plus 2,4,6‐TNP was attempted. The optimum surfactant for each pollutant was tested with seawater for removing the pollutant. The goal of this study is to search for an optimum cationic surfactant and optimum separation conditions for nitrophenols.     

Electrochemical Behavior of o‐Nitrophenol at Hexagonal Mesoporous Silica Modified Carbon Paste Electrodes

A hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS) modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) was fabricated and characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods (ferrocene as a probe). The electrochemical behavior of nitrophenol (o‐NP) at the HMS modified electrode (HMSCPE) was investigated. Compared with CPE, a well‐defined reduction peak and a remarkably peak current response was observed. It is indicated that mesoporous HMS exhibited remarkable enhancement effects on the electrochemical reduction of o‐NP. The electrochemical reduction mechanism was also discussed. Consequently, a simple and sensitive electrochemical method was proposed for the determination of o‐NP, which was used to determine o‐NP in waste water samples.     

Development of Electrochemical Paper‐based Glucose Sensor Using Cellulose‐4‐aminophenylboronic Acid‐modified Screen‐printed Carbon Electrode

The present work describes the fabrication of paper‐based analytical devices (μPADs) by immobilization of glucose oxidase onto the screen printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) for the electrochemical glucose detection. The sensitivity towards glucose was improved by using a SPCE prepared from homemade carbon ink mixed with cellulose acetate. In addition, 4‐aminophenylboronic acid (4‐APBA) was used as a redox mediator giving a lower detection potential for improvement selectivity. Under optimized condition, the detection limit was 0.86 mM. The proposed device was applied in real samples. This μPAD has many advantages including low sample consumption, rapid analysis method, and low device cost.     

Fabricating of Acetylcholine Biosensor by a Layer‐by‐layer Deposition Technique for Determining Trichlorfon

An acetylcholine (ACh) biosensor has been fabricated with bienzymes/poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) multilayer film‐modified platinum (Pt) electrodes by a layer‐by‐layer technique (LBL). The ACh biosensor was optimized and the properties are described. This ACh biosensor was used for the detection of organophosphate pesticide trichlorfon. The detection limits (found 0.001 μg/mL for trichlorfon) make it possible to detect the pollutants. This simple protocol of biosensor preparation, high sensitivity and stability are very promising for the determination of environmental pollutants in field conditions.