Chipset Nanosensor Based on N-Doped Carbon Nanobuds for Selective Screening of Epinephrine in Human Samples

Chipset nanosensor design and fabrication are important for healthcare research and development. Herein, a functionalized chipset nanosensor is designed to monitor neurotransmitters (i.e., epinephrine (EP)) in human fluids. An interdigitated electrode array (IDA) is functionalized by N-doped carbon nanobud (N-CNB) and N-doped carbon nanostructure (N-CNS). The surface morphology of N-CNB shows the formation of nanotubular-like branches on sheets and micrometer-size tubes. The N-CNS design consists of the formation of aggregated sheets and particles in nanometer size. The irregular shape formation provides surface heterogeneity and numerous free spaces between the stacked nanostructures. N-atoms ascertain highly active N-CNS with multifunctional active centers, electron-rich charged surface, and short distance pathway. The N-CNB/IDA exhibits the best performance for EP signaling with high sensitivity and selectivity. The N-CNB/IDA sensing performance for EP detection indicates the successful design of a highly selective and sensitive assay with low detection limit of 0.011 x 10(-6) m and a broad linear range of 0.5 x 10(-6) to 3 x 10(-6) m. The N-CNB/IDA exhibits a high degree of accuracy and reproducibility with RSD of 2.7% and 3.9%, respectively. Therefore, the chipset nanosensor of N-CNB/IDA can be used for on-site monitoring of EP in human serum samples and further used in daily monitoring of neuronal disorders.

Automated summary

The functionalized chipset nanosensor designed in this study, using N-CNB and N-CNS, showed enhanced performance for monitoring neurotransmitters in human fluids with high selectivity and sensitivity.