A novel electrochemical sensor surface for the detection of hydrogen peroxide using cyclic bisureas/gold nanoparticle composite

A novel electrochemical sensor surface with enhanced sensitivity for the detection of hydrogen peroxide has been developed based on the layer-by-layer assembly of mercapto propionic acid (MPA), cystine-based polymethylene-bridged cyclic bisureas (CBU)/gold nanoparticle (AuNP) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) on gold electrode. Possibility of a large number of hydrogen bonds, allowed by the chemical and sterical structure of the CBU ensures the proper immobilization of the enzyme in favorable orientation and retention of enzymatic activity. Efficient electron tunneling property of AuNP together with its electrocatalytic activity leads to higher sensitivity in the detection of H2O2. In cyclic voltammetry measurements a cathodic current due to direct electron transfer of HRP is observed which, indicates excellent electrocatalytic activity of the sensor surface. The biosensor surface modified with gold nanoparticle and CBU showed a lower detection limit of 50 nM for hydrogen peroxide. Chronoamperometry is performed at -0.3 V and Michaelis-Menten constant K-M(aPP) value is estimated to be 4.5 mu M. The newly developed sensor surface showed very high stability, reproducibility and high sensitivity. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.