Highly Sensitive Detection of Carbaryl Pesticides Using Potentiometric Biosensor with Nanocomposite Ag/r-Graphene Oxide/Chitosan Immobilized Acetylcholinesterase Enzyme

Novel, sensitive, selective, efficient and portable electrochemical biosensors are needed to detect residual contaminants of the pesticide 1-naphthyl methylcarbamate (carbaryl) in the environment, food, and essential biological fluids. In this work, a study of nanocomposite-based Ag reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and chitosan (CS) that optimise surface conditions for immobilisation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme to improve the performance of catalytic biosensors is examined. The Ag/rGO/CS nanocomposite membrane was used to determine carbaryl pesticide using a potentiometer transducer. The AChE enzyme-based biosensor exhibits a good affinity for acetylthiocholine chloride (ATCl). It can catalyse the hydrolysis of ATC1 with a potential value of 197.06 mV, which is then oxidised to produce a detectable and rapid response. Under optimal conditions, the biosensor detected carbaryl pesticide at concentrations in the linear range of 1.0 x 10(-8) to 1.0 mu g mL(-1) with a limit of detection (LoD) of 1.0 x 10(-9) mu g mL(-1). The developed biosensor exhibits a wide working concentration range, detection at low concentrations, high sensitivity, acceptable stability, reproducibility and simple fabrication, thus providing a promising tool for pesticide residue analysis.

Automated summary

This study develops a nanocomposite-based electrochemical biosensor for the detection of pesticide residue. The biosensor demonstrates high sensitivity, stability, and simple fabrication process, making it a promising tool for pesticide residue analysis.