Electrochemical performance of angstrom level flat sputtered carbon film consisting of sp2 and sp3 mixed bonds

We have developed ultra-flat carbon film electrodes with a wide potential window and a low capacitive current by the electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) sputtering method. The film consists of sp2 and sp3 bonds (sp3/sp2 ratio = 0.702) and is sufficiently conductive for electrochemical measurements without doping. The film has average roughness of 0.7 A, which is much flatter than that of nanocrystalline diamond film. The potential limit of ECR sputtered carbon (current limit < +/-500 muA/cm2) in the positive direction is 2.0 V vs Ag/AgCl, which is slightly lower than that of boron-doped diamond (2.1 V) and much wider than that of a glassy carbon (GC) electrode (1.7 V). In contrast, a much wider potential window can be obtained in the negative direction. The capacitive current is also much lower than that of a GC electrode due to the ultra-flat surface and the low number of oxygen-containing groups at the film surface. ECR sputtered carbon film can be used to measure each base of oligonucleotides by electrochemical oxidation without any pretreatment. The ultra-flat surface and low surface oxygen concentration suppress fouling with electroactive species, such as oligonucleotides, NADH, and bisphenol A.     

Electrochemical Detection of Tryptophan Metabolites via Kynurenine Pathway by Using Nanocarbon Films

We studied nanocarbon film electrodes with the aim of detecting tryptophan metabolites via the kynurenine pathway. The nanocarbon films were formed by using unbalanced magnetron sputtering, and they exhibited superior electrode properties including a wide potential window and a low background current as a result of the sp³-containing structure and ultraflat surface. These properties allowed us to detect certain tryptophan metabolites such as kynurenic acid (KYNA), which has a relatively high oxidation potential. We also investigated the effect of the sp²/sp³ ratio of the nanocarbon film as regards the electrode activity in relation to target molecules. We found that the sp²/sp³ ratio played important roles in both widening the potential window and obtaining superior electrode performance for the metabolites. The nanocarbon film with a high sp³ content was beneficial as regards the electrode performance with respect to the detection limit and sensitivity. Compared with conventional carbon-based electrodes, the nanocarbon film electrode with a high sp³ content exhibited higher electrode activity against KYNA while maintaining a low background current. Computational experiments revealed that the theoretical oxidation potential (E_ox) value for some targets coincided with that obtained in electrochemical experiments using our nanocarbon film electrode.     

An sp2 and sp3 hybrid nanocrystalline carbon film electrode for anodic stripping voltammetry and its application for electrochemical immunoassay

A hybridized nanocrystalline carbon film electrode consisting of sp(2) and sp(3) bonds was investigated to reveal the reduction properties of Cd(2+) and for application as a highly sensitive and reliable electrochemical immunoassay. Conductive nanocrystalline carbon film consisting of about 60% sp(2) and 40% sp(3) bonds was fabricated using electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) sputtering equipment, and then the Cd(2+) concentrations were measured with an ECR sputtered carbon (ECR nano-carbon) electrode by employing an anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) technique. The preconcentrated Cd was analyzed with Kelvin probe force microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy while observing the morphology change with an atomic force microscope and a scanning electron microscope. The preconcentrated Cd on the ECR nano-carbon electrode was revealed to be a thin sheet structure, which was significantly different from the Cd on a conventional carbon material that grows with a coralloid structure. The background current during an ASV measurement maintains a low level equivalent to that found with boron-doped diamond because the surface of the ECR nano-carbon is robust and angstrom-level flat. The carbon-electrode performance for ASV was improved by controlling its structure at a nanometer scale without any metal doping or coating. Finally, the ECR nano-carbon was used for biomolecular determination by electrochemical immunoassay with a CdSe nanoparticle label. Electrochemical immunoassay results were successfully obtained with the ECR nano-carbon, and they correlated well with fluorescence results obtained for CdSe nanoparticles.     

Photocurrent response after enzymatic treatment of DNA duplexes immobilized on gold electrodes: electrochemical discrimination of 5-methylcytosine modification in DNA

We demonstrate a photoelectrochemical approach to the detection of the methylation status of cytosine bases in DNA. We prepared anthraquinone (AQ) photosensitizer-tethered oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) duplexes bearing 5-methylcytosine (mC) or the corresponding cytosine (C) at a restriction site of the ODN strand immobilized on gold electrodes, and measured their photocurrent responses arising from hole transport after enzymatic digestion. Treatment with HapII or HhaI of the duplexes bearing normal C led to strand cleavage, and the photosensitizer unit was eliminated from the ODN strand immobilized on the gold electrode, exclusively reducing the photocurrent density. With a similar treatment, the duplexes bearing mC showed higher photocurrent responses arising from hole transport through the duplex. This significant difference in the photocurrent response between mC and normal C residues in DNA on the gold electrodes is potentially applicable to the detection of mC modification in DNA.     

The detection of DNA deamination by electrocatalysis at DNA-modified electrodes

The method of electrocatalysis based on using a methylene blue (MB) as an electrochemical indicator and ferricyanide ions [Fe(CN)6]3- as an electron acceptor was applied in screening DNA for lesions caused by deamination of nucleobases. The damaged DNA was modeled by short 18-mer oligonucleotides containing the different number of mismatched target bases (uracil instead of cytosine residues). The hybridization capacity of these oligomers with complementary probes (immobilized on gold electrodes or free) was investigated by both electrochemical methods and UV spectroscopy. We have shown that the amplitude of the reduction signal corresponding to ferricyanide ions considerably increases in the presence of MB. This electrocatalytic effect allowed us to detect the changes in electrochemical properties of DNA caused by dU.dG mismatches. Using differential pulse voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry, we showed that the electron transport from the electrode through the double-stranded DNA to MB and then to ferricyanide ions is suppressed by the mismatches in duplex structure. According to UV-monitored melting data, single or multiple wobble dU.dG base pairs destabilize 18-mer DNA duplex by 9-27 degrees C.     

用稀土(镱)杂多酸盐/多壁碳纳米管修饰的玻碳电极测定亚硝酸根

将多壁碳纳米管分散在镱(Ⅲ)杂多酸盐溶液中,将上述获得的悬浊液滴涂在玻碳电极表面,制备了镱(Ⅲ)杂多酸盐/多壁碳纳米管修饰的玻碳电极(YbHS-MWCNT′s/GCE)。采用交流阻抗法对电极表面的性能进行了表征,采用循环伏安法对其电化学性能进行研究。研究发现,亚硝酸根在该修饰电极上出现一个氧化峰,氧化峰电位在-0.45V处,提出了用循环伏安法测定亚硝酸根的方法。亚硝酸根的浓度在5.0×10-6～1.0×10-4mol.L-1范围内,氧化峰电流与其浓度呈线性关系。修饰电极用于环境水样中亚硝酸根离子的测定,回收率在97.2%～98.0%之间。     

Electrochemical detection of cytosine and 5-methylcytosine on Au(111) surfaces

In this communication we report a voltammetric study of the adsorption–desorption of cytosine (C) and methylcytosine (mC) on well-defined gold (Au) electrodes. The voltammetric measurements clearly indicate that these processes are extremely sensitive to the Au surface structure and in particular to the presence of (111) surface domains. Interestingly, on Au(111) surfaces, a linear correlation between the C and mC concentrations (logarithm scale) and the peak potential of the main voltammetric feature is found. In addition, in the simultaneous presence of both molecules, mC governs the electrochemical response, which has allowed its accurate quantification in C-mC mixtures. In situ FTIR spectroscopic measurements have been carried out to deepen on this mC electrochemical sensitivity. This research may contribute to the future development of an electrochemical sensor for the determination of the degree of methylation in DNA.     

Stacked graphene nanofibers doped polypyrrole nanocomposites for electrochemical sensing

This publication shows a single-step electropolymerization which has been carried out by the incorporation of an anionic stacked graphene nanofiber (SGNF) dopant into a polypyrrole (PPy) film, at a disposable screen-printed electrode. The incorporation of the SGNFs into the polymer does not affect their electrochemical properties, shown through cyclic voltammetry by the earlier oxidation of guanine, when compared with that at the graphite doped PPy electrode. The SGNF/PPy composite shows a high selectivity when used in the oxidation of guanine and hydrogen peroxide, both of which are important biomarkers used for biosensing. Disposable screen-printed electrodes provide an inexpensive, sensitive and portable substitute to glassy carbon electrodes, while giving a reproducible surface; qualities essential for effective bionsensing. The production of this single-step disposable SGNF/PPy composite electrode allows for further applications in the detection of biomedically important compounds and DNA sensing.     

Carbon nanotube-enhanced electrochemical DNA biosensor for DNA hybridization detection

A novel and sensitive electrochemical DNA biosensor based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with a carboxylic acid group (MWNTs-COOH) for covalent DNA immobilization and enhanced hybridization detection is described. The MWNTs-COOH-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was fabricated and oligonucleotides with the 5'-amino group were covalently bonded to the carboxyl group of carbon nanotubes. The hybridization reaction on the electrode was monitored by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) analysis using an electroactive intercalator daunomycin as an indicator. Compared with previous DNA sensors with oligonucleotides directly incorporated on carbon electrodes, this carbon nanotube-based assay with its large surface area and good charge-transport characteristics dramatically increased DNA attachment quantity and complementary DNA detection sensitivity. This is the first application of carbon nanotubes to the fabrication of an electrochemical DNA biosensor with a favorable performance for the rapid detection of specific hybridization.     

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.     

Electrochemical oxidation of underivatized-nucleic acids at highly boron-doped diamond electrodes

Boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes have been examined for the electrochemical oxidation of underivatized-nucleic acids in terms of single stranded and double stranded DNA. Cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry have been used to study the oxidation reactions and to detect DNA without derivatization or hydrolysis steps. At the diamond electrode, at least two well-defined voltammetric peaks were observed for both single stranded and double stranded DNA. Diamond electrode is the first material to show a well-defined voltammetric peaks for adenine group oxidation directly in the helix structure of nucleic acid due to its wide potential window. For single stranded DNA, a third peak, related to the pyrimidine group oxidation was also observed. As-deposited diamond film with predominantly hydrogen-terminated surface exhibited superior performance over oxygen-terminated diamond in terms of sensitivity. However, by optimizing the ionic strength, sensitivity of O-terminated films could be improved. Linear calibration results have shown linearity of current with concentration in the range 0.1-8 microg mL(-1) for both guanine and adenine residues at as-deposited BDD. Detection limits (S/N = 3) of 3.7 and 10 ng mL(-1) for adenine and guanine residue in single stranded DNA, respectively, and 5.2 and 10 ng mL(-1) for adenine and guanine residue in double stranded DNA, respectively, were observed. This work shows the promising use of diamond as an electrochemical detector for direct detection of nucleic acids. The results also show the possibility of using the oxidation peak current of adenine group that is more sensitive for the direct detection of nucleicacids.     

甲酸在钯微粒修饰聚苯胺电极上氧化的协同效应研究

Electrochemical oxidation of formic acid on PAN(Pd) electrode has been studied using conventional electrochemical techniques and the electrochemical in-situ FTIR. The process of electrochemical oxidation of PAN(Pd) electorde has been put forward. The kinetic parameters of different thickness of PAN film such as diffusion coefficient (D0) and reaction rate constant(k0) have been calculated. Furthermore, the causes of the difference between PAN(Pd) and pure Pd(or Pt) electrodes as well as the high electrocatalytic activation of PAN(Pd) electrode for oxidation of fomic acid have also been discussed. The high catalytic activation of PAN(Pd) electrode for oxidation of formic acid probably comes from the synergistic effect of the subcatalytic interaction of PAN and the catalytic interaction of the palladium microparticles.     

聚苯胺薄膜修饰电极对抗坏血酸的电催化氧化

本文表明聚苯胺(PAn)薄膜修饰电极对水溶液中的抗坏血酸(AH_2)在较宽的pH范围和较宽的浓度范围内均有良好的电催化氧化作用, 为EC平行催化过程。利用旋转圆盘电极(RDE)进行了催化过程动力学分析, 求出了催化反应动力学参数。在抗坏血酸浓度10~(-2)～10~(-6) mol·L~(-1)范围内, 催化峰电流与AH_2浓度均成良好的线性关系, 且PAn薄膜修饰电极具有很好的稳定性, 有应用分析抗坏血酸的意义。     

Direct Electrocatalytic Oxidation and Simultaneous Determination of 5‐Methylcytosine and Cytosine at Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

Direct electrocatalytic oxidation and simultaneous determination of 5‐methylcytosine (5‐mC) and cytosine(C) were realized in alkaline solutions by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) based on an electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (er‐GO) modified glassy carbon electrode (er‐GO/GCE). The as‐prepared er‐GO/GCE exhibited good electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of 5‐mC and C. Under optimum conditions, the er‐GO/GCE was applied to the simultaneous determination of 5‐mC and C with a significantly improved peak potential resolution (about 150 mV), and a linear relationship can be obtained in the range of 6–200.0 µmol/L and 8–250.0 µmol/L, respectively. In addition, the proposed method was further successfully applied to the analysis of methylation status in short CpG oligonucleotides with satisfactory results.     

Solid composite electrodes for DNA enrichment and detection

New plastic composite electrodes with appliance in medical diagnostic are described. The new electrode material offers the possibility of specific electrical enrichment and electrochemical analysis of nucleic acid sequences. To facilitate selective enrichment of target nucleic acids, specific probe oligonucleotides were attached covalently to free carboxyl groups of conducting polycarbonate/carbon fiber electrodes. Complementary oligonucleotides were enriched from analyte solutions by electric field supported methods. The analysis of the PCR product shows the efficiency and selectivity of the electrical enrichment. We have also shown that inexpensive and robust solid electrodes made of polycarbonate and conductive carbon powder are suitable for electrochemical examination of nucleic acids. The combination of electrochemical enrichment of DNA and subsequent electrochemical detection is a promising approach towards an inexpensive molecular diagnosis kit.     

Electrochemical Biosensing of DNA Immobilized Poly(Vinylferrocenium) Modified Electrode

The polymer, poly(vinylferrocenium) (PVF⁺) modified electrode was developed as the first time herein for the improved electrochemical sensing of DNA based on the oxidation signals of polymer and guanine. The morphologies of polymer film and DNA immobilized polymer film were examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The electrochemical behavior of polymer modified electrode was investigated by using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) in the absence/presence of DNA. Experimental parameters, such as the polymeric film thickness, the DNA immobilization time, the concentration of buffer solution, pH and DNA concentration were examined in order to obtain more sensitive and selective electrochemical signals. After optimization studies, DNA hybridization was also investigated.     

丹皮酚的电化学氧化及其反应机理研究

研究了在碱性磷酸盐缓冲溶液体系中,丹皮酚在固体电极上的电化学吸附氧化行为。与苯酚的电化学性质比较表明,碱性溶液中丹皮酚在电极表面上发生类似的不可逆的氧化。氧化产物发生随后化学反应,在电极表面生成致密的不导电聚合物膜。利用超微电极技术研究了丹皮酚电化学氧化的动力学过程,并用时间分辨快速扫描现场红外光谱电化学证明了电极表面的聚合物膜是芳醚类聚合物。     

Exploring Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes for Naproxen Detection

The electrochemical oxidation of naproxen was investigated at a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐modified electrode. A decrease (200 mV) in the overpotential of the naproxen oxidation reaction and considerable (4‐fold) current increase (compared to the bare glassy‐carbon electrode) was observed. Two one‐electron transfers were verified at both bare and MWCNT‐modified electrodes and thus a new mechanism for the electrochemical oxidation of naproxen is proposed. Indicative of a mass transport regime that includes a thin‐layer diffusional process (entrapment of naproxen species within the MWCNT film) is presented as a possible explanation for the lowered oxidation potential and substantial current increase. The anti‐fouling properties of MWCNTs on the amperometric detection of naproxen using a batch‐injection analysis (BIA) system is demonstrated.     

Detection of short oligonucleotide sequences using an electrochemical DNA hybridization biosensor

An electrochemical DNA hybridization biosensor was developed for the detection of DNA hybridization using MDB and proflavine as electrochemical labels. The biosensor was based on the interaction of 7-dimethyl-amino-1,2-benzophenoxazi-nium Meldola’s Blue (MDB) and proflavine with double stranded DNA (dsDNA) The electrochemical behaviour of MDB and proflavine as well as its interaction with double stranded (dsDNA) were investigated by cyclic (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) and screen printed electrodes (ScPE). Furthermore, DNA-hybridization biosensors were developed for the detection of hybridization between oligonucleotides, which was detected by studying changes in the voltammetric peaks of MDB (reduction peak at −0.251 V) and proflavine (reduction peak at 0.075 V). MDB and proflavine were found to intercalate between the base pairs of dsDNA and oligonucleotides. Several factors affecting the dsDNA or oligonucleotides immobilization, hybridization and indicator preconcentration and interaction time, were investigated. As a result of the interaction of MDB with dsDNA and hybridized oligonucleotides, the voltammetric signals of MDB increased. Furthermore, guanine’s oxidation peak (at 0.901 V) was decreased as MDB’s concentration was increased. As a result of the interaction of proflavine with dsDNA and hybridized oligonucleotides, the voltammetric signals of proflavine decreased. These results were similar for carbon paste and screen printed electrodes. A comparison of the performance between CPE and ScPE was done. Our results showed that lower concentrations of MDB and proflavine were detected using screen printed electrodes. Moreover, reproducibility was better using screen printed electrodes and the detection was faster (regarding the experimental steps), but they are more cost effective.      

Preparation,Characterization, and Electrocatalytic Properties of Cobalt Oxide and Cobalt Hexacyanoferrate Hybrid Films

Polynuclear mixed‐valent films of cobalt oxide and cobalt hexacyanoferrate (CoOCoHCF) have been deposited on electrode surfaces from a solution of Co²⁺ and Fe(CN)₆^3? ions by repetitive potential cycling method. Simultaneous cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance measurements demonstrate the steady growth of modified film. The effect of type of monovalent cations as well as acidity of the supporting electrolyte on film growth and redox behavior of resulting film was investigated. In pure supporting electrolyte, electrochemical responses of modified electrode resemble with that of a surface immobilized redox couple. The hybrid film electrodes showed electrocatalytic activity toward oxidation of NADH, hydrazine and hydroxylamine. The feasibility of using our modified electrodes for analytical application was also explored.