Using Au@nano-C60 nanocomposite as an enhanced sensing platform in modeling a TNT aptasensor

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biosensors

Background:

• Fullerene and gold nanoparticles possess unique properties beneficial for sensor development.
• Existing methods for detecting 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT) may lack the required sensitivity and selectivity.
• Aptasensors offer a promising platform for highly specific molecular detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a novel nanocomposite material for an ultrasensitive aptasensor.
• To develop a facile electrochemical method for preparing the Au@nano-C60 nanocomposite.
• To achieve highly sensitive and selective detection of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT).

Main Methods:

• Electrochemical preparation of gold nanoparticles decorated fullerene (Au@nano-C60) on a glassy carbon electrode.
• Covalent attachment of amine-functionalized DNA aptamer (NH2-Apt) as the recognition element.
• Electrochemical detection of TNT based on the target/aptasensor interaction.

Main Results:

• The developed aptasensor demonstrated a wide linear response range from 0.50 fM to 5 μM for TNT detection.
• An ultra-low limit of detection of 0.17 fM was achieved for 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene.
• The aptasensor exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity for the target analyte.

Conclusions:

• The Au@nano-C60 nanocomposite provides an excellent platform for aptasensor fabrication.
• The proposed aptasensor offers superior performance for TNT detection compared to existing methods.
• This strategy holds potential for applications in homeland security and public safety.