3D Flower-like NiCo Layered Double Hydroxides: An Efficient Electrocatalyst for Non-Enzymatic Electrochemical Biosensing of Hydrogen Peroxide in Live Cells and Glucose in Biofluids

Herein, a hierarchical structure of flower-like NiCo layered double hydroxides (NiCo LDH) microspheres composed of three-dimensional (3D) ultrathin nanosheets was successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal approach. The formation of NiCo LDH was confirmed by various physicochemical studies, and the NiCo LDH-modified glassy carbon electrode was used as an efficient dual-functional electrocatalyst for non-enzymatic glucose and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) biosensor. The host matrix of hydrotalcite NiCo LDH exhibits the enhanced electrocatalytic sensing performances with a quick response time (<3 s), wide linear range (50 nM-18.95 mM and 20 nM-11.5 mM) and lowest detection limits (S/N = 3) (10.6 and 4.4 nM) toward glucose and H2O2, and also it exhibits good stability, selectivity, and reproducibility. In addition, this biosensor was successfully utilized to the real-time detection of endogenous H2O2 produced from live cells and glucose in various biological fluids, and demonstrates that the as synthesized NiCo LDH may provide a successful pathway for physiological and clinical pathological diagnosis.

Automated summary

A hierarchical structure of flower-like NiCo layered double hydroxides microspheres composed of ultrathin nanosheets was successfully synthesized. The NiCo LDH-modified electrode exhibited efficient electrocatalytic sensing performances for glucose and H2O2 biosensors, with quick response time, wide linear range, and low detection limits. This biosensor was successfully utilized for real-time detection in biological fluids, indicating potential for physiological and clinical pathological diagnosis.