Conducting polymer-based hybrid assemblies for electrochemical sensing: a materials science perspective

In this topical review, progress achieved in amperometric sensing of different analytes over conducting polymer-based hybrid electrocatalysts is summarized. We report a variety of synthetic methods and the resulting hybrid assemblies, with the effectiveness of such strategies, for designing conjugated polymer-based hybrids as robust sensors for amperometric detection. Beyond incorporation of metal nanoparticles, metal-oxide and non-oxide semiconductors, carbon-based nanomaterials (nanotubes, graphene, and graphene oxide), and special dopant ions are also discussed. Moreover, some particularly interesting miscellaneous approaches, for example photo-amperometric sensing or use of overoxidized polymers, are also emphasized. Determination of dissolved gases (for example O₂, NO, and NO₂), ions (sulfite, nitrite, nitrate, chlorate, bromate, and iodate) and smaller and larger molecules (for example H₂O₂, ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA), urea (UA), amino acids, hydrazine, NADH, serotonin, and epinephrine) is discussed. These achievements are reviewed from the materials perspective, addressing both synthetic and electrocatalytic aspects of the polymer-based modified electrodes. Beyond simple or more sophisticated mixing, a wide range of methods of preparation is presented, including chemical (one-pot polymerization, impregnation), electrochemical (co-deposition, doping type inclusion, etc.) and combined strategies. Classification of such synthetic routes is also included. However, it is important to note that we omit studies in which conducting polymers alone were used for determination of different species. Furthermore, because excellent reviews—cited in this work also—are available on immobilization of biomolecules (for example enzymes) for biosensing purposes, this topic, also, is excluded.     

Glycoform Heterogeneity of Human Serum α1-Acid Glycoprotein Determined by CZE in Malignant Diseases

A novel capillary zone electrophoresis method was developed to investigate the glycoform heterogeneity of human serum α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP). The simultaneous application of a dimethyl polysiloxane coated capillary and oligoamine additives, particularly spermidine resulted in a more detailed separation of AGP glycoforms than reported previously. The relative distribution of AGP glycoforms in CZE was determined by baseline integration of peak areas and verified by peak-fitting analysis. Providing high purity of AGP samples suitable for CZE a schedule of isolation and purification steps including sample preparation and an improved technique of ion exchange chromatography was applied. Based on data obtained by CZE and on the serum AGP levels measured the serum concentrations of AGP glycoforms were calculated in cancer patients with Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, ovary carcinoma and melanoma compared to healthy donors. Results presented here demonstrated a significant increase in the serum concentration of the more acidic AGP fractions also indicating the overproduction of these glycoforms in cancer. In conclusion, our observations may raise the clinical diagnostic relevance of changes in the molecular heterogeneity of AGP detected by CZE in the various forms of malignant diseases.

     

Stereoselective Reduction of `Capsanthol‐3′‐ones' (=3,6′‐Dihydroxy‐β,κ‐caroten‐3′‐ones) by Complex Hydrides

The (3R,5′R,6′R)‐ and (3R,5′R,6′S)‐capsanthol‐3′‐one (=3,6′‐dihydroxy‐β,κ‐caroten‐3′‐one; 4 and 5 , resp.) were reduced by different complex metal hydrides containing organic ligands. The ratio of the thus obtained diastereoisomeric (3′S)‐capsanthols 2 and 3 or (3′R)‐capsanthols 6 and 7 , respectively, was investigated. Four complex hydrides showed remarkable stereoselectivity and produced the (3′R,6′S)‐capsanthol ( 6 ) in 80 – 100% (see Table 1). The starting materials and the products were characterized by UV/VIS, CD, ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR, and mass spectra.     

Synthesis and characterization of polypyrrole–magnetite–vitamin B12 hybrid composite electrodes

In this study vitamin B12 covered magnetite nanoparticles have been incorporated into a conducting polypyrrole. This polymer was electrochemically synthesized in the presence of the B12-coated magnetite. The adsorption of B12 was demonstrated by the decrease in absorbance of the vitamin in the supernatant liquid after B12 has been in contact with magnetite sol overnight. The composition of the layers was studied by the electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance technique during the polymerization. The slope of the mass change–charge curves indicate the incorporation of 27 m/m% magnetite and 15 m/m% B12. The redox transformation of the film in monomer- and nanoparticle-free solutions was also investigated by this method and the difference in the virtual molar masses of the moving species was evidenced. The morphology and the composition of the layers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis measurements, which latter proved the successful incorporation of the magnetic and bio-active components. The electrochemical behavior of the films unambiguously showed the complex redox activity of the composites and the current surplus were quantified by the redox capacity of the layers. These data show the doubling of the redox capacity in case of the hybrid material compared to the neat polymer. The successful enrichment of B12 can be exploited in the recently evidenced redox mediation process performed by a PPy/B12 film.     

Bromide ion oxidation of various Pt surfaces

At variance with the absence of an orientation effect in the hydrogen evolution reaction, aclear difference in the electrocatalytic effect of various parts of the surface on bromide ion oxidation is observed.

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Chloride ion oxidation on various Pt surfaces in the presence of adsorbing organic substance

While chlorine evolution in the low overpotential region takes place preferentially on the weakly adsorbing surface sites, in the presence of cyclohexene the strongly adsorbing region is involved. This change in the reaction zone is the result of the occurrence of a new reaction which dominates the recombination of chlorine atoms.

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Study on the electrodeposition of organic and inorganic thermoelectric materials for composite preparation

We report on the cathodic synthesis of bismuth telluride. X-ray diffraction results proved successful preparation, while elementary analysis indicated a tellurium rich compound. Cyclic voltammetric measurements outlined the kinetic pattern. The organic thermoelectric materials (thiophene-type conducting polymers) were characterized by in situ spectral and conductance techniques.