Highly sensitive and selective dopamine sensor uses three-dimensional cobalt phosphide nanowire array

The detection of dopamine is essential for the treatment and diagnosis of depression and other diseases. In this work, cobalt phosphide nanowire arrays grown on titanium mesh (CoP NWAs/TM) are prepared by two steps of hydrothermal and phosphating, and firstly used for the detection of dopamine. The electrochemical behavior of the CoP NWAs/TM was evaluated by amperometry and differential pulse voltammetry. Amperometric analysis reveals admirable parameters in neutral PBS: (a) a working potential of 0.30 V; (b) a wide linear range (1 mu M similar to 3 mM); (c) a high sensitivity (3366 mu A.mM(-1).cm(-2)); (d) a low detection limit (3.56 x 10(-4) mM). Moreover, the interference effect of the common interfering species and the stability were investigated. Further experiments show that the sensor could be successfully used to detect dopamine in human blood serum.

Automated summary

In this study, cobalt phosphide nanowire arrays were prepared on titanium mesh and used for the detection of dopamine. The electrochemical behavior of the sensor showed admirable parameters, with a wide linear range, high sensitivity, and low detection limit in neutral PBS. The sensor demonstrated successful detection of dopamine in human blood serum, highlighting its potential for clinical applications.