A novel amperometric catechol biosensor based on α-Fe₂O₃ nanocrystals-modified carbon paste electrode

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Nanomaterials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Catechol derivatives are environmental pollutants requiring sensitive detection methods.
• Developing efficient biosensors is crucial for monitoring water quality.
• Iron oxide nanocrystals offer unique electrochemical properties for sensor applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and characterize an amperometric catechol biosensor.
• To investigate the role of α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals (NCs) and laccase enzyme in enhancing sensor performance.
• To evaluate the biosensor's efficacy in real water sample analysis.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a carbon-paste electrode modified with α-Fe2O3 NCs.
• Immobilization of laccase enzyme onto the modified electrode to form a nanobiocomposite.
• Amperometric detection of catechol oxidation.
• Analysis of real water samples.

Main Results:

• The α-Fe2O3 NCs-based biosensor exhibited enhanced electron transfer for catechol oxidation.
• A linear detection range of 8–800 μM was achieved with a low limit of detection (4.28 μM).
• The biosensor demonstrated successful application in analyzing catechol in real water samples.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanobiocomposite biosensor shows high sensitivity and reliability for catechol determination.
• α-Fe2O3 NCs are promising materials for constructing advanced electrochemical biosensors.
• The sensor holds significant potential for environmental monitoring of phenol derivatives.