Boron-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes as sensing material for analysis of dopamine and epinephrine in presence of uric acid

In Situ Generation of Nanoparticles on and within Polymeric Materials

It is well-established that the structural, morphological and performance characteristics of nanoscale materials critically depend upon the dispersion state of the nanofillers that is, in turn, largely determined by the preparation protocol. In this report, we review synthetic strategies that capitalise on the in situ generation of nanoparticles on and within polymeric materials, an approach that relies on the chemical transformation of suitable precursors to functional nanoparticles synchronous with the build-up of the nanohybrid systems. This approach is distinctively different compared to standard preparation methods that exploit the dispersion of preformed nanoparticles within the macromolecular host and presents advantages in terms of time and cost effectiveness, environmental friendliness and the uniformity of the resulting composites. Notably, the in situ-generated nanoparticles tend to nucleate and grow on the active sites of the macromolecular chains, showing strong adhesion on the polymeric host. So far, this strategy has been explored in fabrics and membranes comprising metallic nanoparticles (silver, gold, platinum, copper, etc.) in relation to their antimicrobial and antifouling applications, while proof-of-concept demonstrations for carbon- and silica-based nanoparticles as well as titanium oxide-, layered double hydroxide-, hectorite-, lignin- and hydroxyapatite-based nanocomposites have been reported. The nanocomposites thus prepared are ideal candidates for a broad spectrum of applications such as water purification, environmental remediation, antimicrobial treatment, mechanical reinforcement, optical devices, etc.

Electrochemical sensor for the detection of adrenaline at poly(crystal violet) modified electrode: optimization and voltammetric studies

Herein, we report the electropolymerization of crystal violet (CRV) on a bare glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for the detection of adrenaline (AD). Electropolymerization parameters such as electrolyte pH, scan rate and monomer concentrations were optimized using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The characterization of CRV and poly(crystal violet) (PCV) was done using FT-IR, UV-visible spectroscopy and EIS. More importantly, the charge transfer resistance (R_ct) and other EIS data recorded from the EIS of various forms of the poly(crystal violet) (PCV) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) in AD were used for identifying the best PCV modified electrode. Subsequent application of the electrode prepared at optimum conditions (PGCE) for AD detection using the square wave voltammetry (SWV) gave a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.86 μM over a linear range of 10.3-102.7 μM. This sensor also showed considerable stability, good AD recovery from the real sample (98.9%), and excellent reproducibility, making it a suitable analytical tool for AD detection at the micromolar level.

Electrochemical Detection of Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are important chemical messengers in the nervous system that play a crucial role in physiological and physical health. Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters have been correlated with physical, psychotic, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, dementia, addiction, depression, and schizophrenia. Although multiple neurotechnological approaches have been reported in the literature, the detection and monitoring of neurotransmitters in the brain remains a challenge and continues to garner significant attention. Neurotechnology that provides high-throughput, as well as fast and specific quantification of target analytes in the brain, without negatively impacting the implanted region is highly desired for the monitoring of the complex intercommunication of neurotransmitters. Therefore, it is crucial to develop clinical assessment techniques that are sensitive and reliable to monitor and modulate these chemical messengers and screen diseases. This review focuses on summarizing the current electrochemical measurement techniques that are capable of sensing neurotransmitters with high temporal resolution in real time. Advanced neurotransmitter sensing platforms that integrate nanomaterials and biorecognition elements are explored.

Carbon Dots for Forensic Applications: A Critical Review

Owing to their superior fluorescence performance, inexpensive synthesis and nontoxic nature, carbon dots (C-dots) are systematically explored in a variety of applications; in this review, we outline and critically discuss recent trends with respect to their potential exploitation in criminal investigation, forensic toxicology and anti-counterfeit interventions. Capitalising on their colour-tuneable behaviour (in the sense that they adopt different colours with respect to the incident radiation), C-dot-based compositions are ideal for the visual enhancement of latent fingerprints, affording improved contrast against multicoloured and patterned backgrounds. As highly sensitive and highly selective optical nanoprobes, C-dots show excellent analytical performance in detecting biological compounds, drugs, explosives, heavy metals and poisonous reactants. In addition, benefiting from their versatile structural and chemical composition, C-dots can be incorporated into ink and polymeric formulations capable of functioning as a new generation of cost-effective barcodes and security nanotags for object authentication and anti-counterfeit applications. Translating these encouraging research outcomes into real-life innovations with significant social and economic impact requires an open, multidisciplinary approach and a close synergy between materials scientists, biologists, forensic investigators and digital engineers.

Electrochemical Aptasensor for Detection of Dopamine

This work presents a proof of concept of a novel, simple, and sensitive method of detection of dopamine, a neurotransmitter within the human brain. We propose a simple electrochemical method for the detection of dopamine using a dopamine-specific aptamer labeled with an electrochemically active ferrocene tag. Aptamers immobilized on the surface of gold screen-printed gold electrodes via thiol groups can change their secondary structure by wrapping around the target molecule. As a result, the ferrocene labels move closer to the electrode surface and subsequently increase the electron transfer. The cyclic voltammograms and impedance spectra recorded on electrodes in buffer solutions containing different concentration of dopamine showed, respectively, the increase in both the anodic and cathodic currents and decrease in the double layer resistance upon increasing the concentration of dopamine from 0.1 to 10 nM L−1. The high affinity of aptamer-dopamine binding (KD ≈ 5 nM) was found by the analysis of the binding kinetics. The occurrence of aptamer-dopamine binding was directly confirmed with spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements.

Electrochemical Nanocomposite Single-Use Sensor for Dopamine Detection

In this work, we report the development of a simple and sensitive sensor based on graphite screen-printed electrodes (GSPEs) modified by a nanocomposite film for dopamine (DA) detection. The sensor was realized by electrodepositing polyaniline (PANI) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) onto the graphite working electrode. The sensor surface was fully characterized by means of the cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique using [Fe(CN)6]4-/3- and [Ru(NH3)6]2+/3+ as redox probes. The electrochemical behavior of the nanocomposite sensor towards DA oxidation was assessed by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) in phosphate buffer saline at physiological pH. The sensor response was found to be linearly related to DA concentration in the range 1-100 μM DA, with a limit of detection of 0.86 μM. The performance of the sensor in terms of reproducibility and selectivity was also studied. Finally, the sensor was successfully applied for a preliminary DA determination in human serum samples.

Latest Trends in Electrochemical Sensors for Neurotransmitters: A Review

Neurotransmitters are endogenous chemical messengers which play an important role in many of the brain functions, abnormal levels being correlated with physical, psychotic and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease. Therefore, their sensitive and robust detection is of great clinical significance. Electrochemical methods have been intensively used in the last decades for neurotransmitter detection, outclassing more complicated analytical techniques such as conventional spectrophotometry, chromatography, fluorescence, flow injection, and capillary electrophoresis. In this manuscript, the most successful and promising electrochemical enzyme-free and enzymatic sensors for neurotransmitter detection are reviewed. Focusing on the activity of worldwide researchers mainly during the last ten years (2010-2019), without pretending to be exhaustive, we present an overview of the progress made in sensing strategies during this time. Particular emphasis is placed on nanostructured-based sensors, which show a substantial improvement of the analytical performances. This review also examines the progress made in biosensors for neurotransmitter measurements in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo.

Advanced biomedical applications of carbon nanotube

With advances in nanotechnology, the applications of nanomaterial are developing widely and greatly. The characteristic properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) make them the most selective candidate for various multi-functional applications. The greater surface area of the CNTs in addition to the capability to manipulate the surfaces and dimensions has provided greater potential for this nanomaterial. The CNTs possess greater potential for applications in biomedicine due to their vital electrical, chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties. The unique properties of CNT are exploited for numerous applications in the biomedical field. They are useful in both therapeutic and diagnostic applications. They form novel carrier systems which are also capable of site-specific delivery of therapeutic agents. In addition, CNTs are of potential application in biosensing. Many recently reported advanced systems of CNT could be exploited for their immense potential in biomedicine in the future.