Catalase-functionalized ZnO and graphene oxide used as electrocatalyst for the selective detection of hydrogen peroxide

Abstract

BACKGROUND

This study focuses on the fabrication of a biosensor for the electrocatalytic and selective hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) recognition with bovine liver catalase (CAT) immobilized over a cysteine (c) modified zinc oxide nanoparticles/graphene oxide (c-ZnO/GO) interface. The selectivity and sensitivity of the biosensor were augmented by the use of CAT and GO, respectively. The problem of CAT activity inhibition by GO was specifically solved by the incorporation of ZnO. Also, the cystine functionalization helped in better immobilization of CAT.

RESULTS

This unique approach was first validated with in silico computations that calculated the binding affinities to study the interactions between different components of the biosensor. The electrochemical studies confirmed the step-by-step modification of the sensor, where along with GO, c-ZnO nanoparticles also showed excellent electro-conductivity by fundamentally improving the peak currents towards H₂O₂. The proposed bio-nano interface exhibited superb electrocatalytic performance and specific detection capability for H₂O₂ across a broad linear range (0.1 to 40 μmol L⁻¹), featuring a low detection limit (0.1 μmol L⁻¹), as well as commendable reproducibility and storage durability. Furthermore, the biosensor yielded satisfactory outcomes for H₂O₂ detection in milk samples.

CONCLUSION

Sensing performance of nano-bio interfaces can be augmented by using the appropriate nano-composites and their efficacy confirmed through computational techniques such as molecular docking. The biosensor can be further repurposed into a wearable device by integration with lab-on-a-chip platforms. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).