Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Design and Development of Aptamer–Gold Nanoparticle Based Colorimetric Assays for In-the-field Applications
Published on: June 23, 2016
Visual and colorimetric determination of H2O2 and glucose based on citrate-promoted H2O2 sculpturing of silver
Chenghua Zong1, Bo Li2, Jing Wang2
1School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Green Synthesis for Functional Materials, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China, 221116. zongchenghua2008@163.com.
Abstract:
Isotropic silver nanoparticles (iAg NPs) can be easily prepared at low costs, have a low electrochemical potential and high extinction coefficient. An effective colorimetric assay for H2O2 is reported here based on the finding that H2O2 can induce the shape transformation of citrate-capped iAg NPs with the help of citrate. The substantial shape variation affords an apparent surface plasmon resonance (SPR) shift, accompanied by a vivid color change from light yellow to mauve. The color change can be observed visually if the concentration of H2O2 is 2 μM or higher. A good linear relationship was obtained over the concentration range of 0.2-32 μM with a limit of detection of 90 nM. By making use of glucose oxidase, the method is further extended to glucose detection. Glucose at a concentration as low as 10 μM can be well determined with bare eyes. Benefitting from the high selectivity, the detection of glucose in human serum is realized, and the results are in good agreement with those provided by a clinical analyzer. Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of a colorimetric assay for H2O2 and glucose based on citrate-promoted H2O2-mediated shape transformation of the isotropic silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). The shape variation of isotropic Ag NPs induces a color change from light yellow to mauve.
Related Concept Videos
Base-Promoted α-Halogenation of Aldehydes and Ketones
The Eukaryotic Promoter Region
The Eukaryotic Promoter Region
Glucose Homeostasis: Regulation of Blood Glucose
During fasting, when blood glucose levels are low, the pancreas secretes glucagon. it...
Glucose Transporters
Facilitated diffusion-glucose transporters (GLUTs) are encoded by the solute-linked carrier (SLC) family 2, subfamily A gene family, or SLC2A. The 14 GLUT protein members are distributed into three classes:
Glucose Absorption Into the Small Intestine

