Development of a New Label‐free,Indicator‐free Strategy toward Ultrasensitive Electrochemical DNA Biosensing Based on Fe3O4 Nanoparticles/Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite

Electrochemistry offers sensitivity, selectivity and low cost for fabrication of sensors capable of detection of selected DNA targets or mutated genes associated with human disease. In this work, we have developed a novel label‐free, indicator‐free strategy of electrochemical DNA sensor based on Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles/reduced graphene oxide (Fe₃O₄/r‐GO) nanocomposite modified electrode. By using Fe₃O₄/r‐GO nanocomposite as a substrate to immobilize probe DNA and subsequent hybridization with target sequence to form dsDNA, a great signal amplification was achieved through measuring changes in DPV peak current of underlying Fe(II)/Fe(III) redox system. With the remarkable attomolar sensitivity and high specificity and at the same time, great simplicity, the proposed strategy may find great applications in different DNA assay fields.     

Indicator-free electrochemical genosensing originated from the self-signal of poly-xanthurenic acid enhanced by Fe3O4/reduced graphene oxide

In this paper, an indicator-free electrochemical genosensing platform based on the self-signal changes of poly-xanthurenic acid (PXa) enhanced by Fe₃O₄/reduced graphene oxide (Fe₃O₄/RGO) was constructed. The resulting nanocomposite (PXa-Fe₃O₄/RGO) was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The π–π* stacking and hydrogen bonding between the conjugated Fe₃O₄/GO and aromatic ring of xanthurenic acid monomer promoted the electropolymerization efficiency accompanied with an increased electrochemical response of PXa. The immobilization of the specific probe DNA was successfully realized via the noncovalent method due to the π–π* interaction between the conjugated nanostructure of PXa-Fe₃O₄/RGO and DNA bases. The hybridization between the probe DNA and target DNA induced the resulted double-stranded (ds)DNA to be released from the conjugated nanocomposite, accompanied with the self-signal regeneration of nanocomposite (“signal-on”). The self-signal changes could serve as a powerful tool for indicator-free and freely switchable detection of different target genes, and the synergistic effect of the integrated graphene-based nanocomposite effectively improved the sensitivity for the target DNA detection via EIS.     

A lead(II) sensor based on a glassy carbon electrode modified with Fe3O4 nanospheres and carbon nanotubes

We have developed a highly sensitive and selective sensor for lead(II) ions. A glassy carbon electrode was modified with Fe₃O₄ nanospheres and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and this material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The electrode displays good electrochemical activity toward Pb(II) and gives anodic and cathodic peaks with potentials at ?496 mV and ?638 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl) in pH?6.0 solution. The sensor exhibits a sensitive and fairly selective response to Pb(II) ion, with a linear range between 20 pM and 1.6 nM, and a detection limit as low as 6.0 pM (at a signal-to noise ratio of 3). The sensor was successfully applied to monitor Pb(II) in spiked water samples.

A Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor Based on Graphene Oxide Nanosheets Decorated by Fe3O4@Au Nanostructure Stabilized on Polypyrrole for Efficient Triclosan Sensing

Triclosan is broadly utilized as preservative or antiseptic in various cosmetic and personal care products. It becomes hazardous for environmental safety and human health more than a certain concentration. In this research, graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were prepared by composing Fe₃O₄@Au nanostructure decorated GO together with polypyrrole (PPy) (Fe₃O₄@Au‐PPy/GO nanocomposite) in a facile way. The composite excellent increased the electrochemical response, presenting a high sensitive electrochemical method for triclosan detection. The synthesized Fe₃O₄@Au‐PPy/GO nanocomposite was characterized for its morphological, magnetically and structural properties by FESEM‐mapping, TEM, and XRD. The Fe₃O₄@Au‐PPy/GO nanocomposites modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCE), Fe₃O₄@Au‐PPy/GO GCE, showed a higher sensitivity good stability, reproducibility, lower LOD (2.5×10^?9 M) and potential practical application in electrochemical detection of triclosan under optimized experimental conditions.     

Electrochemical sensor using graphene/Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanosheets functionalized with garlic extract for the detection of lead ion

Based on the modulated electronic properties of Fe₃O₄-graphene (Fe₃O₄/GN composite) as well as the outstanding complexation between Pb²⁺ and natural substances garlic extract (GE), a novel electrochemical sensor for the determination of Pb²⁺ in wastewater was prepared by immobilization of Fe₃O₄/GN composite integrated with GE onto the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Fe₃O₄/GN composite was employed as an electrochemical active probe for enhancing electrical response by facilitating charge transfer while GE was used to improve the selectivity and sensitivity of the proposed sensor to Pb²⁺ assay. The electrochemical sensing performance toward Pb²⁺ was appraised by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and square wave voltammetry (SWV). Under the optimized condition, the sensor exhibited two dynamic linear ranges (LDR) including 0.001 to 0.5 nM and 0.5 to 1000 nM with excellent low detection limit (LOD) of 0.0123 pM (S/N =?3) and quantification limit (LOQ) of 0.41 pM (S/N =?10). Meanwhile, it displayed remarkable stability, reproducibility (RSD of 3.61%, n =?3), and selectivity toward the assay for the 100-fold higher concentration of other heavy metal ions. Furthermore, the novel sensor has been successfully employed to detect Pb²⁺ from real water samples with satisfactory results.     

Designing and fabrication of a novel gold nanocomposite structure: application in electrochemical sensing of bisphenol A

In this article, a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor is introduced for direct electro-oxidation of bisphenol A (BPA). The novel nanocomposite was prepared based on multi-walled carbon nanotube/thiol functionalised magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄-SH) as an immobilisation platform and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as an amplifying electrochemical signal. The chemisorbed AuNPs exhibited excellent electrochemical activity for the detection of BPA. Some analysing techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray diffraction exposed the formation of nanocomposite. Under optimum conditions (pH 9), the sensor showed a linear range between 0.002–240 μM, with high sensitivity (0.25 μA μM^?1) along with low detection limit (6.73 × 10^?10 M). Moreover, nanocomposites could efficiently decrease the effect of interfering agents and remarkably enhance the utility of sensor at detection of BPA in some real samples.     

Voltammetric determination of vitamin B<Subscript>6</Subscript> (pyridoxine) at a graphite screen-printed electrode modified with graphene oxide/Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>@SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanocomposite

The preparation and study of electrochemical properties of a graphite screen-printed electrode (SPE) modified with the GO/Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ (GO is graphene oxide) nanocomposites are described. The morphologies of the GO/Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanocomposites were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical oxidation of vitamin B₆ (pyridoxine) on SPE modified with the GO/Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanocomposite was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and chronoamperometry. Under optimum conditions (pH 7.0), the vitamin B₆ oxidation at the surface of the modified SPE occurs at a potential about 190 mV less positive than that at the unmodified SPE. A linear voltammetric response for vitamin B₆ was obtained in the concentration range 1.0?10 ⁶—9.0?10 ⁴ mol L^–1 with a detection limit of 5.2?10 ⁷ mol L^–1 using differential pulse voltammetry. The developed sensor was also successfully applied for determination of trace level of vitamin B₆ in both the standard vitamin B₆ sample and biological samples (urine).     

Magnetic loading of carbon nanotube/nano-Fe3O4 composite for electrochemical sensing

An electrochemical sensing platform was developed based on the magnetic loading of carbon nanotube (CNT)/nano-Fe₃O₄ composite on electrodes. To demonstrate the concept, nano-Fe₃O₄ was deposited by the chemical coprecipitation of Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ in the presence of CNTs in an alkaline solution. The resulting magnetic nanocomposite brings new capabilities for electrochemical devices by combining the advantages of CNT and nano-Fe₃O₄ and provides an alternative way for loading CNT on electrodes. The fabrication and the performances of the magnetic nanocomposite modified electrodes have been described. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and constant potential measurement indicated that the incorporated CNT exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity toward the redox processes of hydrogen peroxide. In addition, chitosan (CTS) has also been introduced into the bulk of the CNT/nano-Fe₃O₄ composite by coprecipitation to immobilize glucose oxidase (GOx) for sensing glucose. The marked electrocatalytic activity toward hydrogen peroxide permits effective low-potential amperometric biosensing of glucose, in connection with the incorporation of GOx into CNT/Fe₃O₄/CTS composite. The accelerated electron transfer is coupled with surface renewability. TEM images and XRDs offer insights into the nature of the magnetic composites. The concept of the magnetic loading of CNT nanocomposites indicates great promise for creating CNT-based biosensing devices and expands the scope of CNT-based electrochemical devices.     

Electrochemical sensitive determination of acetaminophen in pharmaceutical formulations at iron oxide/graphene composite modified electrode

Acetaminophen (AC) is one of the most commonly prescribed analgesic and antipyretic drug, which is considered to be safe as well as effective. Rational use of AC does not pose any toxicity or adverse effects, however, an overdose or prolonged use could lead to nephrotoxicity and severe hepatoxicity. Thus, monitoring of AC is essential for drug safety. In this work, a facile Fe₂O₃/reduced graphene oxide (Fe₂O₃/RGO) nanocomposite was synthesized for improved electrochemical detection of AC. The material was synthesized through a simple one-step process. For characterization of synthesized Fe₂O₃/RGO composite, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed. To verify the electrochemical performance of Fe₂O₃/RGO nanocomposite, GCE was modified with this nanocomposite and utilized for quantification of AC. The detection limit of AC was 21 nM in a linear range from 1.0 × 10⁻⁷ to 74 × 10⁻⁶ M. Furthermore, the sensor also unveiled good stability, promising sensitivity and selectivity. Hence, Fe₂O₃/RGO could be applied as a sensing material for electrochemical detection of AC. Finally, the analytical utility of the method was also verified in human urine and drug samples with some preliminary treatments.     

Iodide-induced adsorption of lead(II) ion on a glassy carbon electrode modified with ferroferric oxide nanoparticles

Spherical Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. A glassy carbon electrode was modified with such NPs to result in a sensor for Pb(II) that is based on the strong inducing adsorption ability of iodide. The electrode gives a pair of well-defined redox peaks for Pb(II) in pH 5.0 buffer containing 10 mM concentrations of potassium iodide, with anodic and cathodic peak potentials at ?487 mV and ?622 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl), respectively. The amperometric response to Pb(II) is linear in the range from 0.10 to 44 nM, and the detection limit is 40 pM at an SNR of 3. The sensor exhibits high selectivity and reproducibility.

A novel electrochemical sensor based on magnetic core@shell molecularly imprinted nanocomposite (Fe3O4@graphene oxide@MIP) for sensitive and selective determination of anticancer drug capecitabine

Capecitabine, known as an anti-cancer drug, despite clinical evidence in the general society of patients, the absence of specific data from the perception of increased toxic effects in older people and randomized trials, can be harmful to the body. So, its measurement is essential. A novel electrochemical sensor was fabricated based on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) decorated by molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-coated magnetic nanocomposite of iron (II, III) oxide @graphene oxide (Fe₃O₄@GO) for the detection of capecitabine. The MIP was deposited on the surface of core@shell nanocomposite by non-covalent imprinting process. Fe₃O₄@GO@MIP composite was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques. The electrochemical performance of proposed sensor was investigated by cyclic and square wave voltammetry techniques. Several parameters such as the electrochemical behavior of the modified electrodes, the type and pH value of supporting electrolyte and scan rates were studied. Under the optimized conditions, the linear range and detection limit were obtained 1.0–100.0 nM and 0.324 nM, respectively. The proposed electrode was successfully applied to the quantification of capecitabine in health human plasma and pharmaceutical samples.     

Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor Based on Iron Oxide‐Reduced Graphene Oxide‐Chitosan Modified with DNA‐Celestine Blue

The present study describes a novel and very sensitive electrochemical assay for determination of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) based on synergistic effects of reduced graphene oxide‐ magnetic iron oxide nanocomposite (rGO‐Fe₃O₄) and celestine blue (CB) for electrochemical reduction of H₂O₂. rGO‐Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite was synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Chitosan (Chit) was used for immobilization of amino‐terminated single‐stranded DNA (ss‐DNA) molecules via a glutaraldehyde (GA) to the surface of rGO‐Fe₃O₄. The MTT (3‐(4,5‐Dim ethylt hiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenylt etrazolium bromide) results confirmed the biocompatibility of nanocomposite. Experimental parameters affecting the ss‐DNA molecules immobilization were optimized. Finally, by accumulation of the CB on the surface of the rGO‐Fe₃O₄‐Chit/ssDNA, very sensitive amperometric H₂O₂ sensor was fabricated. The electrocatalytic activity of the rGO‐Fe₃O₄‐Chit/DNA‐CB electrode toward H₂O₂ reduction was found to be very efficient, yielding very low detection limit (DL) of 42 nM and a sensitivity of 8.51 μA/μM. Result shows that complex matrices of the human serum samples did not interfere with the fabricated sensor. The developed sensor provided significant advantages in terms of low detection limit, high stability and good reproducibility for detection of H₂O₂ in comparison with recently reported electrochemical H₂O₂ sensors.     

Electrochemical immunoassay of benzo[a]pyrene based on dual amplification strategy of electron-accelerated Fe3O4/polyaniline platform and multi-enzyme-functionalized carbon sphere label

An electrochemical immunosensor, basing on a dual amplification strategy by employing a biocompatible Fe₃O₄/polyaniline/Nafion (Fe₃O₄/PANI/Nafion) layer as sensor platform and multi-enzyme-antibody functionalized highly-carbonized spheres (multi-HRP-HCS-Ab₂) as label, was constructed for sensitive detection of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). The stable film, Fe₃O₄/PANI/Nafion, can not only immobilize biomolecules, but also catalyze the reduction of hydrogen peroxide, indicating an accelerated electron transfer pathway of the platform. The experimental conditions, including the concentration of Nafion, concentration of Fe₃O₄/polyaniline (Fe₃O₄/PANI), pH of the detection solution and concentrations of biomolecules, were studied in detail. Basing on a competitive immunoassay, the current change was proportional to the logarithm of BaP concentration in the range of 8 pM and 2 nM with the detection limit of 4 pM. The proposed immunosensor exhibited acceptable reproducibility and stability. This new type of dual amplification strategy may provide potential applications for the detection of environmental pollutants.     

Design and characterization of Fe3O4/GO/Au-Ag nanocomposite as an efficient catalyst for the green synthesis of spirooxindole-dihydropyridines

A novel magnetic nanocomposite of Au-Ag nanoparticles anchored on Fe₃O₄/graphene oxide spheres (Fe₃O₄/GO/Au-Ag) was successfully fabricated by the layer-by-layer assembly technique. The prepared Fe₃O₄/GO/Au-Ag was fully characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy. This nanocomposite showed unique catalytic performance for the synthesis of Spiro[indoline-3,5′-pyrido[2,3-d:6,5-d’]dipyrimidine]-pentaone derivatives by the three-component condensation reaction of isatins, barbituric acids and 6-amino uracil at room temperature and in aqueous media. The significant advantages of this protocol include highly stable, easily separable and reusable catalyst, simple operation, environmental friendliness and excellent yields.     

Electrochemical sensor based on super-magnetic metal–organic framework@molecularly imprinted polymer for Sarcosine detection in urine

Accurate determination of Sarcosine (SAR) in urine with high sensitivity and selectivity is important, because it was recently recommended as a prospective biomarker for prostate cancer (PCa) and significant for the early identification of PCa. In this study, an electrochemical sensor based on Fe₃O₄ incorporated metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) @molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was constructed for SAR detection. Magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles embedded zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) was used as the support of MIP. MIP provides specific recognition sites for template molecules SAR and MOFs increase the rate of mass transfer and adsorption capacity due to the porous structure. The synthesized super-magnetic Fe₃O₄@ZIF-8@MIP was self-assembled onto an Au electrode in magnetic field and used as the sensing unit of electrochemical sensor. Cyclic voltammetry was used to monitor the electrochemical behavior, and the binding of SAR resulted in a reduction in the measured current. The results revealed a wide linear range from 1 to 100 pM towards trace SAR determination, with extremely low limit of detection down to 0.4 pM. In conclusion, the Fe₃O₄@ZIF-8@MIP based sensor provides a selective, sensitive, and convenient method for SAR diagnosis and other cancer marker detection.     

The hemoglobin-modified electrode with chitosan/Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanocomposite for the detection of trichloroacetic acid

A hemoglobin (Hb)-modified electrode based on chitosan/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite coated glassy carbon has been constructed for trichloroacetic acid (TCA) detection. The structure of chitosan/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite was investigated using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. The electron transfer rate constant (k _s) of Hb was estimated for as high as 3.12 s^?1. The immobilized Hb exhibited excellent electro-catalytic activity toward the reduction of TCA. The response current regressed to the concentration of TCA within the range of 5.70 μM to 205 μM with a detection limit of 1.9 μM (S/N = 3).     

Peptide Nucleic Acid Immobilized Biocompatible Silane Nanocomposite Platform for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Detection

We have prepared nanocomposite films comprising of 3‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GOPS) and iron‐oxide (Fe₃O₄) onto indium‐tin‐oxide (ITO) glass plate for covalent immobilization of 21‐mer peptide nucleic acid (PNA). These films have been characterized using contact angle, atomic force microscopy (AFM), electrochemical techniques. The electrochemical response of the GOPS/ITO and Fe₃O₄‐GOPS/ITO electrodes has been investigated by hybridization with complementary, non‐complementary and one‐base mismatch using methylene blue as electrochemical indicator. The PNA/Fe₃O₄‐GOPS/ITO bioelectrode exhibits improved specificity and detection limit (0.1 fM) as compared to that of the PNA‐GOPS/ITO bioelectrode (0.1 pM). This PNA/Fe₃O₄‐GOPS/ITO electrode can be utilized for detection of hybridization with the complementary sequence in sonicated M. tuberculosis genomic DNA within 90 s of hybridization time.     

A highly selective and sensitive cocaine aptasensor based on covalent attachment of the aptamer-functionalized AuNPs onto nanocomposite as the support platform

Based on the conformational changes of the aptamer-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) onto MWCNTs/IL/Chit nanocomposite as the support platform, we have developed a sensitive and selective electrochemical aptasensor for the detection of cocaine. The 5′-amine-3′-AuNP terminated aptamer is covalently attached to a MWCNTs/IL/Chit nanocomposite. The interaction of cocaine with the aptamer functionalized AuNP caused the aptamer to be folded and the AuNPs with negative charge at the end of the aptamer came to the near of electrode surface therefore, the electron transfer between ferricyanide (K₃Fe(CN)₆) as redox probe and electrode surface was inhibited. A decreased current of (K₃Fe(CN)₆) was monitored by differential pulse voltammetry technique. In an optimized condition the calibration curve for cocaine concentration was linear up to 11 μM with detection limit (signal-to-noise ratio of 3) of 100 pM. To test the selectivity of the prepared aptasensor sensing platform applicability, some analgesic drugs as the interferes were examined. The potential of the aptasensor was successfully applied for measuring cocaine concentration in human blood serum. Based on our experiments it can be said that the present method is absolutely beneficial in developing other electrochemical aptasensor.     

静电自组装方法合成的具有多孔三维网络结构的Fe3O4/石墨烯复合材料作为高性能锂离子电池负极材料

采用静电自组装方法,分两步合成Fe（OH）₃/GO前驱体（GO：氧化石墨烯）,再通过水热反应和600 ℃高纯氮气气氛下煅烧,获得了Fe₃O₄/石墨烯复合材料. 通过X射线衍射（XRD）、扫描电镜（SEM）、高分辨透射电镜（HRTEM）、拉曼（Raman）光谱等多种分析,发现该复合材料具有三维多孔石墨烯网络结构. 把合成的这种Fe₃O₄/石墨烯复合材料作为锂离子电池负极材料,电化学测试结果表明其具有优良的电化学性能：首次放电容量为1390 mAh·g^-1,50次循环后容量为819 mAh·g^-1. 通过对比实验表明,三维石墨烯网络结构的形成对复合材料的电化学循环稳定性起着关键作用.     

Synthesis of Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>—Ag nanocomposites and their application to enzymeless hydrogen peroxide detection

To achieve highly sensitive nonenzymatic detection of H₂O₂, a novel electrochemical sensor based on Fe₃O₄-Ag nanocomposites was developed. Nanocomposites were synthesized by reducing [Ag(NH₃)₂]⁺ at the gas/liquid interface in the presence of silver seeds and confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry. Electrochemical investigations indicate that the sensor is able to detect H₂O₂ within a wide linear range of 0.5 μM to 4.0 mM, sensitivity of 135.4 μA mM^?1 cm^?2 and low detection limit of 0.2 μM (S/N = 3). Additionally, the sensor exhibits good anti-interference ability, stability and repeatability. These results show that the Fe₃O₄-Ag nanocomposite is a promising electrocatalytic material for sensors construction.