Amperometric biosensor for xanthine determination based on Fe3O4 nanoparticles

An amperometric xanthine biosensor was developed based on the immobilization of xanthine oxidase (XO) into the Fe3O4 nanoparticles modified carbon paste. Electron transfer properties of unmodified and Fe3O4 nanoparticles modified carbon paste electrodes were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Fe3O4 nanoparticles increased electroactive surface area of the electrode and electron transfer at solution/electrode interface. Optimum pH, nanoparticle loading and enzyme loading were found to be 6.0; 14.2% and 0.6 Unit XO respectively. Fe3O4 nanoparticles modified carbon paste enzyme electrode allowed xanthine determination at -0.20 V, thus minimizing the potential interferences from electrochemically oxidizable substances such as ascorbic acid and uric acid. A linear relationship was obtained in the concentration range from 7.4 × 10-7 mol L-1 to 7.5 × 10-5 mol L-1 and a detection limit of 2.0 × 10-7 mol L-1. The biosensor was used for determination of xanthine in urine samples and the results indicate that the biosensor is effective for the detection of xanthine.