Hazardous Biomolecules Sensing in Water using Nanostructured Metal Oxides

Abstract

Since COVID-19, the importance of prevention from harmful biomolecules has emerged as the biggest problem in our life. For this, efficient and advanced biosensor should be considered having high sensitivity and multiple detection capabilities. In addition, flexible and disposable electrodes attracted attention for their cost-efficiency, weight reduction, and ease of use. Here we report highly sensitive individual and simultaneous detection of industrial environmental pollutants, catechol (1,2-dihydroxybenzene) and hydroquinone (1,4-dihydroxybenzene), using mesoporous WO3 decoration on flexible electrode by electrospray method. Electrochemical measurement such as differential pulse voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry experiments showed that the redox peaks current depending on the target biomolecules. We observed a limit of detection of 0.49 uM for catechol and 0.99 uM for Hydroquinone. The proposed mesoporous WO3 decorated on flexible electrode have been successfully applied to individual and simultaneous measurements of catechol and hydroquinone with high sensitivity, wide linear range, and low detection limits toward hazardous pollutants. In addition, the actual aspect of the proposed sensor could be confirmed through actual sample analysis using river water analysis. Manufactured nanostructured WO3 electrodes derive an efficient approach and will open a new pathway as an effective technology to develop efficient and advanced electrochemical measurement-based biosensors for simultaneous detection capability for future environment issues in indoor air quality, water pollutions, potential contamination in public place.