Fabrication of colorimetric sensor using Fe3O4 @ Musa paradisiaca L. nanoparticles for detecting hydrogen peroxide: an application in environmental and biological samples

Hydrogen peroxide is a useful molecule in biological and chemical reactions, but in excess harmful. Developing simple, low cost, and quick analytical method capable of detecting H2O2 is still critical. In this proposed work, our main objective was to synthesize nanocomposite of Musa paradisiaca L. peels (MPLP) by fine tuning its structure and properties with magnetite (Fe3O4). The characterization study, such as UV-Vis, FT-IR, SEM, EDX, XRD, VSM, Zeta potential, and BET were carried out effectively. The change in color from the initial grey to blue could be observed with naked eye (approximately 30 s) and the sensor established a colorimetric response in a relatively wide range of 0.01 mu M to 0.9 mM with a lower detection limit (LOD) of 0.008 mu M and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.02 mu M. Interference tests (using cations and organic chemicals) and real samples application (Tap water and milk) were used to evaluate the sensor's selectivity with recovery values ranging from 96 to 99% close to the H2O2 detection endpoint. The MPLP nanocomposite reflected a strong peroxidase-like activity for 3, 3, 5, 5, tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) oxidation in the presence of H2O2, having enzyme mimicking properties. Our study established a sensitive and selective optical sensing platform based on the green plant material for H2O2 detection.

Automated summary

This study aimed to synthesize a nanocomposite of Musa paradisiaca L. peels with magnetite for the detection of H2O2. The sensor showed a colorimetric response and exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity in detecting H2O2 within a wide concentration range.