Highly sensitive sensor for detection of NADH based on catalytic growth of Au nanoparticles on glassy carbon electrode

In this work, an electrochemical dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) sensor based on the catalytic growth of Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) on glassy carbon electrode was developed. Catalyzed by Au NPs immobilized on pretreated glassy carbon electrode, the reduction of AuCl4- in the presence of hydroquinone and cetyltrimethyl ammonium chloride led to the formation of enlarged Au NPs on the electrode surface. Spectrophotometry and high-resolution scanning electronic microscope (SEM) analysis of the sensor morphologies before and after biocatalytic reaction revealed a diameter growth of the nanoparticles. The catalytic growth of Au NPs on electrode surface remarkably facilitated the electron transfer and improved the performance of the sensor. Under optimal conditions, NADH could be detected in the range from 1.25 x 10(-6) to 3.08 x 10(-4) M, and the detection limit was 2.5 x 10(-7) M. The advantages of the proposed sensor, such as high precision and sensitivity, fast response, low cost, and good storage stability, made it suitable for on-line detection of NADH in complex biological systems and contaminant degradation processes.