Detection of Neurotransmitters by Three-Dimensional Laser-Scribed Graphene Grass Electrodes

A surface modified laser-induced graphene based flexible biosensor for multiplexed sweat analysis

The growing popularity of electrochemical sensors featuring non-invasive biosensing technologies has generated significant enthusiasm for continuous monitoring of bodily fluid biomarkers, potentially aiding in the early detection of health issues in individuals. However, detection of multiple biomarkers in complex biofluids often necessitates a high-density array which creates a challenge in achieving cost-effective fabrication methods. To overcome this constraint, this work reports the fabrication of an electrochemical sensor utilizing a NiO-Ti3C2Tx MXene-modified flexible laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrode for the separate and concurrent analysis of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA), and uric acid (UA) in human sweat and also addresses the deficiencies in the existing state of the art by offering a cost-efficient and high-performance sensor that mitigates the degrading constraints of conventional LIG electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry measurements reveals that the electrochemical properties of the modified electrode, attain a low detection limit and great sensitivity for the target biomarkers. The NiO-Ti3C2Tx/LIG sensor demonstrated enhanced electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of ascorbic acid, dopamine, and uric acid, and proved useful for analysing these biomarkers in synthetic sweat samples. Under the optimized conditions, the LOD values were estimated to be 16, 1.97 and 0.78 μM for AA, DA and UA, respectively. The developed high-efficiency sensor holds significant promise for applications in flexible and wearable electronics for health monitoring.

Toward Integrated Multifunctional Laser-Induced Graphene-Based Skin-Like Flexible Sensor Systems

The burgeoning demands for health care and human-machine interfaces call for the next generation of multifunctional integrated sensor systems with facile fabrication processes and reliable performances. Laser-induced graphene (LIG) with highly tunable physical and chemical characteristics plays vital roles in developing versatile skin-like flexible or stretchable sensor systems. This Progress Report presents an in-depth overview of the latest advances in LIG-based techniques in the applications of flexible sensors. First, the merits of the LIG technique are highlighted especially as the building blocks for flexible sensors, followed by the description of various fabrication methods of LIG and its variants. Then, the focus is moved to diverse LIG-based flexible sensors, including physical sensors, chemical sensors, and electrophysiological sensors. Mechanisms and advantages of LIG in these scenarios are described in detail. Furthermore, various representative paradigms of integrated LIG-based sensor systems are presented to show the capabilities of LIG technique for multipurpose applications. The signal cross-talk issues are discussed with possible strategies. The LIG technology with versatile functionalities coupled with other fabrication strategies will enable high-performance integrated sensor systems for next-generation skin electronics.

Size-Dependent Electrochemistry of Laser-Induced Graphene Electrodes

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes have become popular for electrochemical sensor fabrication due to their simplicity for batch production without the use of reagents. The high surface area and favorable electrocatalytic properties also enable the design of small electrochemical devices while retaining the desired electrochemical performance. In this work, we systematically investigated the effect of LIG working electrode size, from 0.8 mm to 4.0 mm diameter, on their electrochemical properties, since it has been widely assumed that the electrochemistry of LIG electrodes is independent of size above the microelectrode size regime. The background and faradaic current from cyclic voltammetry (CV) of an outer-sphere redox probe [Ru(NH3)6]3+ showed that smaller LIG electrodes had a higher electrode roughness factor and electroactive surface ratio than those of the larger electrodes. Moreover, CV of the surface-sensitive redox probes [Fe(CN)6]3- and dopamine revealed that smaller electrodes exhibited better electrocatalytic properties, with enhanced electron transfer kinetics. Scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the physical and chemical surface structure were different at the electrode center versus the edges, so the electrochemical properties of the smaller electrodes were improved by having rougher surface and more density of the graphitic edge planes, and more oxide-containing groups, leading to better electrochemistry. The difference could be explained by the different photothermal reaction time from the laser scribing process that causes different stable carbon morphology to form on the polymer surface. Our results give a new insight on relationships between surface structure and electrochemistry of LIG electrodes and are useful for designing miniaturized electrochemical devices.

Simultaneous detection of norepinephrine and 5-hydroxytryptophan using poly-alizarin/multi-walled carbon nanotubes-graphene modified carbon fiber microelectrode array sensor

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes, graphene and alizarin polymer composites coated carbon fiber microelectrode array sensor (p-AZ/MWCNT-GR/CFMEA) was constructed and used for the simultaneous detection of norepinephrine (NE) and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HT). The morphology and structural characteristics of sensor are characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Its electrochemical behavior has been studied with cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The sensor exhibits excellent electrochemical activity for the oxidation of NE and 5-HT, two well separated oxidation peaks with the peak potential difference of 220 mV are observed on the cyclic voltammogram. NE and 5-HT both show two electrons and two protons electrochemical reaction on the p-AZ/MWCNT-GR/CFMEA. Under the optimized experiment conditions, the linear ranges of the sensor for NE and 5-HT are 0. 08- 8 μM and 0. 1-20 μM with detection limits of 4. 22 nM and 14. 2 nM (S/N = 3), respectively. In addition, the microsensor array show good reproducibility, stability and selectivity for the determination of NE and 5-HT. Finally, the p-AZ/MWCNT-GR/CFMEA is applied to the simultaneous detection of NE and 5-HT in human serum samples and macrophages.

Electrochemical and Electrical Biosensors for Wearable and Implantable Electronics Based on Conducting Polymers and Carbon-Based Materials

Bioelectronic devices are designed to translate biological information into electrical signals and vice versa, thereby bridging the gap between the living biological world and electronic systems. Among different types of bioelectronics devices, wearable and implantable biosensors are particularly important as they offer access to the physiological and biochemical activities of tissues and organs, which is significant in diagnosing and researching various medical conditions. Organic conducting and semiconducting materials, including conducting polymers (CPs) and graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), are some of the most promising candidates for wearable and implantable biosensors. Their unique electrical, electrochemical, and mechanical properties bring new possibilities to bioelectronics that could not be realized by utilizing metals- or silicon-based analogues. The use of organic- and carbon-based conductors in the development of wearable and implantable biosensors has emerged as a rapidly growing research field, with remarkable progress being made in recent years. The use of such materials addresses the issue of mismatched properties between biological tissues and electronic devices, as well as the improvement in the accuracy and fidelity of the transferred information. In this review, we highlight the most recent advances in this field and provide insights into organic and carbon-based (semi)conducting materials' properties and relate these to their applications in wearable/implantable biosensors. We also provide a perspective on the promising potential and exciting future developments of wearable/implantable biosensors.

High performance boron doped peroxidase-like nanozyme Cu/B-NC for detection of epinephrine and catalase

Herein, a novel peroxidase-like (POD-like) nanozyme Cu/B-NC was synthesized. The Cu and B co-doped nanozyme Cu/B-NC has competitive POD-like activity but negligible oxidase-like (OXD-like) activity, which is proved to partly benefit from the doping of boron atom. The catalytic activity of Cu/B-NC is high with great affinity for TMB and H2O2 and high reaction velocity. Cu/B-NC was utilized to catalyze the condensation of phenolic substance epinephrine (EP) and 4-aminoantipyrine (4-AAP) to form colored quinone imine in the presence of H2O2. UV-vis absorbance of quinone imine at 492 nm was used for EP determination. Catalase (CAT) could decompose H2O2, so CAT could also be quantified through absorbance variation. The linear ranges of colorimetric detection for EP and CAT were 2-100 μM and 1-30 U mL-1, respectively. The limits of detection (LODs) for EP and CAT were 0.97 μM and 0.57 U mL-1, respectively. The practicability of this sensing platform was further validated by successful application in actual samples.

Fabricating process-electrochemical property correlation of laser-scribed graphene and smartphone-based electrochemical platform for portable and sensitive biosensing

Laser-scribed graphene (LSG), a promising electrode material has attracted special research interest in recent years. Here, the fabricating process-electrochemical property correlation of laser-scribed graphene (LSG) devices was discussed emphatically and a pertinent optimization was performed to achieve better electroanalytical performance. Experiment results indicated that the laser scribing technique possessed great process latitude and reducing laser power and scribing speed facilitated fabricating high-quality graphene electrodes. Benefiting from its binder-free 3D porous network structure and high active/geometric area ratio, the optimized LSG electrode was superior to the screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) on electrochemical performance in the [Fe(CN)6]3-/4- redox system. Integrating the LSG electrode with a homemade hand-held detector, a portable electrochemical sensing platform with smartphone readout was developed. It realized a specific detection of H2O2 (linear range: 0.02-3.4 mM, sensitivity: 24.56 μA mM-1 cm-2), glucose (linear range: 0.04-4.0 mM, sensitivity: 16.35 μA mM-1 cm-2) by directly decorating biological enzymes without artificial redox mediator and featured a satisfactory comprehensive performance. The constructed immunosensor for tumor necrosis factor-α exhibited a wide linear range (2-500 pg mL-1) and a 4.3-fold enhancement in sensitivity compared with that of SPCE. With satisfactory selectivity, reproducibility, and sensitivity, the developed smartphone-based electrochemical sensing platform held great promise in accurate detection on the spot. This work also provided a significant reference for tailoring binder-free carbonaceous electrode materials toward the desired application.

Direct Laser Writing of the Porous Graphene Foam for Multiplexed Electrochemical Sweat Sensors

Wearable electrochemical sensors provide means to detect molecular-level information from the biochemical markers in biofluids for physiological health evaluation. However, a high-density array is often required for multiplexed detection of multiple markers in complex biofluids, which is challenging with low-cost fabrication methods. This work reports the low-cost direct laser writing of porous graphene foam as a flexible electrochemical sensor to detect biomarkers and electrolytes in sweat. The resulting electrochemical sensor exhibits high sensitivity and low limit of detection for various biomarkers (e.g., the sensitivity of 6.49/6.87/0.94/0.16 μA μM^-1 cm^-2 and detection limit of 0.28/0.26/1.43/11.3 μM to uric acid/dopamine/tyrosine/ascorbic acid) in sweat. The results from this work open up opportunities for noninvasive continuous monitoring of gout, hydration status, and drug intake/overdose.

Advanced Nanomaterials-Based Electrochemical Biosensors for Catecholamines Detection: Challenges and Trends

Catecholamines, including dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, are considered one of the most crucial subgroups of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS), in which they act at the brain's highest levels of mental function and play key roles in neurological disorders. Accordingly, the analysis of such catecholamines in biological samples has shown a great interest in clinical and pharmaceutical importance toward the early diagnosis of neurological diseases such as Epilepsy, Parkinson, and Alzheimer diseases. As promising routes for the real-time monitoring of catecholamine neurotransmitters, optical and electrochemical biosensors have been widely adopted and perceived as a dramatically accelerating development in the last decade. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview on the recent advances and main challenges in catecholamines biosensors. Particular emphasis is given to electrochemical biosensors, reviewing their sensing mechanism and the unique characteristics brought by the emergence of nanotechnology. Based on specific biosensors' performance metrics, multiple perspectives on the therapeutic use of nanomaterial for catecholamines analysis and future development trends are also summarized.

Graphene-Based Sensor for the Detection of Cortisol for Stress Level Monitoring and Diagnostics

In this work, we study the sensing properties of multi-layer graphene combined with pyrrole in order to elaborate low-cost, high-sensitive material for cortisol detection. Graphene nanoplatelets and pyrrole were dispersed in a solution containing 1M HNO3 by using a powerful ultrasound probe for 10 min, then centrifuged for 30 min at 4000 rpm; polymerization was performed by cyclic voltammetry. The graphene-pyrrole composite was tested to ultra-low levels of cortisol in artificial saliva, consistent to the levels excreted in human salivary samples. The composite was further investigated by Raman spectroscopy and we modeled the interaction between the sensitive layer and cortisol using MarvinBeans software. It shows a good sensitivity for salivary values of cortisol cyclic voltammetry being able to detect a level down to 0.5 ng/mL cortisol.

Carbon microelectrodes with customized shapes for neurotransmitter detection: A review

Carbon is a popular electrode material for neurotransmitter detection due to its good electrochemical properties, high biocompatibility, and inert chemistry. Traditional carbon electrodes, such as carbon fibers, have smooth surfaces and fixed shapes. However, newer studies customize the shape and nanostructure the surface to enhance electrochemistry for different applications. In this review, we show how changing the structure of carbon electrodes with methods such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), wet-etching, direct laser writing (DLW), and 3D printing leads to different electrochemical properties. The customized shapes include nanotips, complex 3D structures, porous structures, arrays, and flexible sensors with patterns. Nanostructuring enhances sensitivity and selectivity, depending on the carbon nanomaterial used. Carbon nanoparticle modifications enhance electron transfer kinetics and prevent fouling for neurochemicals that are easily polymerized. Porous electrodes trap analyte momentarily on the scale of an electrochemistry experiment, leading to thin layer electrochemical behavior that enhances secondary peaks from chemical reactions. Similar thin layer cell behavior is observed at cavity carbon nanopipette electrodes. Nanotip electrodes facilitate implantation closer to the synapse with reduced tissue damage. Carbon electrode arrays are used to measure from multiple neurotransmitter release sites simultaneously. Custom-shaped carbon electrodes are enabling new applications in neuroscience, such as distinguishing different catecholamines by secondary peaks, detection of vesicular release in single cells, and multi-region measurements in vivo.

Review—Recent Progress in Graphene Based Modified Electrodes for Electrochemical Detection of Dopamine

Graphene and its derivatives have been widely used for the electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA) neurotransmitter, thanks to its high surface area and excellent conductivity. Modified graphene and graphene-based nanocomposites have shown improved catalytic activity towards DA detection. Various modification approaches have been taken, including heteroatom doping and association with other nanomaterials. This review summarizes and highlights the recent advances in graphene-based electrodes for the electrochemical detection of DA. It also aims to provide an overview of the advantages of using polymer as a linker platform to form graphene-based nanocomposites applied to electrochemical DA sensors.

Porous carbon-based robust, durable, and flexible electrochemical device for K+ detection in sweat

Ion sensors are attracting attention for real-time ion monitoring in biological fluids, which requires the development of sensitive, stable, flexible, robust and durable ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) and reference electrodes (REs). In this paper, a highly robust and durable ion sensor was prepared by coating polymer membranes on porous carbon electrodes. A high sensitivity of 58.6 mV per decade with a rapid response time of 0.8 s, and a negligible potential drift less than 1.4 mV h^-1 were obtained simultaneously. In addition, after six washing cycles, the K⁺ ion sensors still have an average sensitivity of 53.2 mV per decade. Importantly, the polymer membrane permeated and packed the porous structure tightly, and thus the ion sensors presented outstanding robustness and durability. The Nernst slope of the K⁺ ion response fluctuated from 60.2 to 57.9 mV per decade between 0° and 60° bending angles. Repeated bending for 8000 cycles did not result in the delamination of the sensing and reference membranes or reduction of the sensitivity (57.4 mV per decade). Furthermore, five kinds of flexible reference electrodes (LEC, bare Ag, bare Ag/AgCl, PVB + NaCl on Ag/AgCl, PVC/agarose + NaCl on Ag/AgCl) were fabricated and evaluated in terms of the sensitivity for Cl^- and long-term stability. Finally, the flexible K⁺ ion sensor was integrated with microfluidic channels and connected to a portable electrochemical workstation to realize the real-time analysis of human sweat.

Laser-induced graphene (LIG)-driven medical sensors for health monitoring and diseases diagnosis

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) is a class of three-dimensional (3D) porous carbon nanomaterial. It can be prepared by direct laser writing on some polymer materials in the air. Because of its features of simplicity, fast production, and excellent physicochemical properties, it was widely used in medical sensing devices. This minireview gives an overview of the characteristics of LIG and LIG-driven sensors. Various methods for preparing graphene were compared and discussed. The applications of the LIG in biochemical sensors for ions, small molecules, microRNA, protein, and cell detection were highlighted. LIG-based physical physiological sensors and wearable electronics for medical applications were also included. Finally, our insights into current challenges and prospects for LIG-based medical sensing devices were presented.

Electrochemical aptasensor for 17β-estradiol using disposable laser scribed graphene electrodes

17β-Estradiol (E2), the strongest of the three major physiological estrogens in females, is an important factor in the female reproductive system. The abnormal level of E2 causes health issues, such as weak bones, urinary tract infections and even depression. Here, we present a novel, sensitive and selective, electrochemical aptasensor for detection of 17β-estradiol (E2). The E2 recognition aptamer was split into two fragments: the first fragment, functionalised with adamantane, is attached to poly(β-cyclodextrin) (poly(β-CD))-modified electrode surface through host-guest interactions between the adamantane and poly(β-CD). The second fragment, labelled with gold nanoparticles, forms the stem-loop structure with the first fragment only in the presence of E2. That specific recognition process triggers the change in the electrochemical signal (a change in the peak current from reduction of AuNPs), recorded by means of differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The feasibility of the sensing design was firstly investigated on the commercially available glass carbon electrodes (GCE), with achieved a linear detection range of 1.0 × 10-13 to 1.0 × 10-8 M and a limit of detection (LoD) 0.7 fM. The sensing methodology was then translated onto single-use, disposable, laser-scribed graphene electrodes (LSGE) on a plastic substrate. The dynamic sensing range of E2 on LSGE was found to be 1.0 × 10-13 to 1.0 × 10-9 M, with a LoD of 63.1 fM, comparable to these of GCE. The successful translation of the developed E2 aptasensor from GCE to low-cost, disposable LSGE highlights a potential of this sensing platform in commercial, portable sensing detection systems for E2 and similar targets of biological interest.

Gold nanostructured laser-scribed graphene: A new electrochemical biosensing platform for potential point-of-care testing of disease biomarkers

Improvements in the laser-scribed graphene (LSG)-based electrodes are critical to overcoming limitations of bare LSG electrodes in terms of sensitivity, direct immobilization of detection probes for biosensor fabrication, and ease of integration with point-of-care (POC) devices. Herein, we introduce a new class of nanostructured gold modified LSG (LSG-AuNS) electrochemical sensing system comprising LSG-AuNS working electrode, LSG reference, and LSG counter electrode. LSG-AuNS electrodes are realized by electrodeposition of gold chloride (HAuCl₄) solution, which gave~2-fold enhancement in sensitivity and electrocatalytic activity compared to bare LSG electrode and commercially available screen-printed gold electrode (SPAuE). We demonstrate LSG-AuNS electrochemical aptasensor for detecting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her-2) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.008 ng/mL and a linear range of 0.1-200 ng/mL. LSG-AuNS-aptasensor can easily detect different concentrations of Her-2 spiked in undiluted human serum. Finally, to show the LSG-AuNS sensor system's potential to develop POC biosensor devices, we integrated LSG-AuNS electrodes with a handheld electrochemical system operated using a custom-developed mobile application.

Laser-induced graphene for bioelectronics and soft actuators

Laser-assisted process can enable facile, mask-free, large-area, inexpensive, customizable, and miniaturized patterning of laser-induced porous graphene (LIG) on versatile carbonaceous substrates (e.g., polymers, wood, food, textiles) in a programmed manner at ambient conditions. Together with high tailorability of its porosity, morphology, composition, and electrical conductivity, LIG can find wide applications in emerging bioelectronics (e.g., biophysical and biochemical sensing) and soft robots (e.g., soft actuators). In this review paper, we first introduce the methods to make LIG on various carbonaceous substrates and then discuss its electrical, mechanical, and antibacterial properties and biocompatibility that are critical for applications in bioelectronics and soft robots. Next, we overview the recent studies of LIG-based biophysical (e.g., strain, pressure, temperature, hydration, humidity, electrophysiological) sensors and biochemical (e.g., gases, electrolytes, metabolites, pathogens, nucleic acids, immunology) sensors. The applications of LIG in flexible energy generators and photodetectors are also introduced. In addition, LIG-enabled soft actuators that can respond to chemicals, electricity, and light stimulus are overviewed. Finally, we briefly discuss the future challenges and opportunities of LIG fabrications and applications.

Solid-phase microextraction integrated nanobiosensors for the serial detection of cytoplasmic dopamine in a single living cell

Dopamine participates in many physiological and pathological processes. Dynamic monitoring of dopamine levels in the cytoplasm of a single living cell reflects not only the functional state of dopamine synthesis factors but also the processes of related neurodegenerative diseases. Due to the low content of cytoplasmic dopamine and the difficulty to keep cells alive during the operating process, the detection of cytoplasmic dopamine is still challenging. Herein, a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) technique integrated nanobiosensor was employed to trace and quantify dopamine concentration fluctuations in the cytoplasm of a single living cell. We designed a polypyrrole modified carbon fiber nanoprobe as a bifunctional nanoprobe that can extract cytoplasmic dopamine and then perform electrochemical detection. This bifunctional nanoprobe can detect 10 pmol/L extracted dopamine and detected a 60% decrease of the cytoplasmic dopamine concentration in a single living cell by K⁺ stimulation. This study allowed for the first time serially detecting cytoplasmic dopamine while keeping the target cell alive, which might yield a new method for research on dopamine neurotoxicity and the related drug action mechanisms for neurodegenerative disease.

Electrochemical sensors and biosensors using laser-derived graphene: A comprehensive review

Laser-derived graphene (LDG) technology is gaining attention as a promising material for the development of novel electrochemical sensors and biosensors. Compared to established methods for graphene synthesis, LDG provides many advantages such as cost-effectiveness, fast electron mobility, mask-free, green synthesis, good electrical conductivity, porosity, mechanical stability, and large surface area. This review discusses, in a critical way, recent advancements in this field. First, we focused on the fabrication and doping of LDG platforms using different strategies. Next, the techniques for the modification of LDG sensors using nanomaterials, conducting polymers, biological and artificial receptors are presented. We then discussed the advances achieved for various LDG sensing and biosensing schemes and their applications in the fields of environmental monitoring, food safety, and clinical diagnosis. Finally, the drawbacks and limitations of LDG based electrochemical biosensors are addressed, and future trends are also highlighted.

Ultrasonic preparation and nanosheets supported binary metal oxide nanocomposite for the effective application towards the electrochemical sensor

Binary metal oxides (La₂O₃@SnO₂) decorated reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite was synthesized by ultrasound process in an environmentally benign solvent with a working frequency of 25 and 40 kHz (6.5 l200 H, Dakshin, India and maximum input power 210 W). Further, to enhance the electrocatalytic activity, the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was prepared from graphene oxide by ultrasonication method. As prepared La₂O₃@SnO₂/rGO was scrutinized using XRD, TEM, EDX and quantitative test for the structural and morphology properties. As modified La₂O₃@SnO₂/rGO nanocomposite exhibits better electrochemical activity towards the oxidation of methyl nicotinate with higher anodic current compared to other modified and unmodified electrode for the detection of methyl nicotinate with larger linear range (0.035-522.9 µM) and lower limit of detection (0.0197 µM). In addition, the practical feasibility of the sensor was inspected with biological samples, reveals the acceptable recovery of the sensor in real samples.

Laser-induced graphene interdigitated electrodes for label-free or nanolabel-enhanced highly sensitive capacitive aptamer-based biosensors

Highly porous laser-induced graphene (LIG) is easily generated in complex electrode configurations such as interdigitated electrodes (IDEs). Here, we demonstrate that their superior capacitive response at low frequencies can be exploited in affinity biosensors using thrombin aptamers as model biorecognition elements. Of specific interest was the effect of electrode surface area on capacitance detection, and the comparison between a label-free format and enhancement strategies afforded by carboxy group bearing polymeric nanoparticles or liposomes. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to investigate the LIG performance and optimize the biosensor design. Interestingly, the label-free strategy performed extremely well and additional labels decreased the limit of detection or increased the sensitivity only minimally. It is assumed that the highly porous nature of the LIG structures dominates the capacitive response so that labels removed from the surface have only limited influence Also, while slight performance changes can be observed for smaller vs. larger electrode structures, the performance of a LIG IDE is reasonably independent of its size. In the end, a dynamic range of 5 orders of magnitude was obtained (0.01 nM-1000 nM) with a limit of detection as low as 0.12 pM. When measured in serum, this increased to 1.3 pM. The good reproducibility (relative standard deviation (RSD), 4.90%) and repeatability (RSD, 2.59%) and good long-term stability (>7 weeks at 4 °C) prove that a LIG-based capacitance sensor is an excellent choice for affinity-based biosensor. The ease-of-production, the simplicity of modification and the superior performance even in a label-free format indicate that LIG-based biosensors should be considered in point-of-care diagnostics in the future.

Laser-induced graphene hybrid photoelectrode for enhanced photoelectrochemical detection of glucose

The combination of an electrocatalyst with a semiconductor light absorber is of great importance to increase the efficiency of photoelectrochemical (PEC) glucose detection. Here, in situ and synchronous fabrication of a Ni-based electrocatalyst (NiEC) and CdS semiconductor in laser-induced graphene (LIG) on indium-tin oxide glass is demonstrated via a one-step laser-induced solid phase transition. A series of component and structural characterization experiments suggest that the laser-induced NiEC uniformly disperses in the hybrid nanocomposite and exists mainly in the Ni⁰ and NiO states. Moreover, both electrochemical and PEC investigations confirm that the as-prepared hybrid photoelectrode exhibits excellent photoelectrocatalytic ability towards glucose, which is not only attributed to the strong synergistic interaction between CdS and NiEC, but also benefited from the high conductivity as well as 3D macroporous configuration of the simultaneously formed LIG, providing the key factor to achieve sensitive non-enzymatic PEC glucose sensors. Therefore, the laser-induced hybrid photoelectrode is then applied to the PEC detection of glucose, and a low detection limit of 0.4 μM is obtained with good stability, reproducibility, and selectivity. This study provides a promising paradigm for the facile and binder-free fabrication of an electrocatalyst-semiconductor-graphene hybrid photoelectrode, which will find potential applications in sensitive PEC biosensing for a broad range of analytes.

Laser Fabrication of Graphene-Based Flexible Electronics

Recent years have witnessed the rise of graphene and its applications in various electronic devices. Specifically, featuring excellent flexibility, transparency, conductivity, and mechanical robustness, graphene has emerged as a versatile material for flexible electronics. In the past decade, facilitated by various laser processing technologies, including the laser-treatment-induced photoreduction of graphene oxides, flexible patterning, hierarchical structuring, heteroatom doping, controllable thinning, etching, and shock of graphene, along with laser-induced graphene on polyimide, graphene has found broad applications in a wide range of electronic devices, such as power generators, supercapacitors, optoelectronic devices, sensors, and actuators. Here, the recent advancements in the laser fabrication of graphene-based flexible electronic devices are comprehensively summarized. The various laser fabrication technologies that have been employed for the preparation, processing, and modification of graphene and its derivatives are reviewed. A thorough overview of typical laser-enabled flexible electronic devices that are based on various graphene sources is presented. With the rapid progress that has been made in the research on graphene preparation methodologies and laser micronanofabrication technologies, graphene-based electronics may soon undergo fast development.

Gold nanoparticle-doped three-dimensional reduced graphene hydrogel modified electrodes for amperometric determination of indole-3-acetic acid and salicylic acid

Three-dimensional (3D) networked nanomaterials have attracted great interest because of their unique porous and 3D-networked structures. In this work, a series of gold nanoparticle (AuNP) doped graphene hydrogel nanocomposites (AuNP-GHs) were synthesized through hydrothermal reaction under various conditions. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize the AuNP-GH. The AuNP-GH was used to modify the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for the detection of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and salicylic acid (SA) using chronoamperometric measurements. Under optimum conditions, the AuNP-GH/GCE exhibited linear response to IAA in the ranges of 0.8-4 μM and 4-128 μM, and to SA in the ranges of 0.8-8.4 μM and 8.4-188.4 μM. The detection limits (S/N = 3) were calculated to be 0.21 μM for IAA and 0.22 μM for SA. The proposed sensor showed good sensitivity and stability and hence it was applied in the detection of IAA and SA in spiked samples with satisfactory results.