Electroanalytical Applications of Metallic Nanoparticles and Supramolecular Nanostructures

Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) of unique electronic and catalytic properties, or supramolecular nucleic acid-based nanostructures, provide new materials for electroanalytical applications. Metallic NPs are used for the electrical contacting of redox enzymes with electrodes and as electrocatalysts for the development of amperometric biosensors. DNA is used as a template for electroanalytical applications, such as the electrical contacting of enzymes with electrodes. Finally, an electrochemical method to synthesize molecularly imprinted Au NPs composites on surfaces is described, and the imprinted composites enable the selective and ultrasensitive detection of explosives, or their use as electrochemically triggered sponges for the uptake and release of substrates.