Cupric oxide nanoparticles incorporated poly(hydroxybutyrate) nanocomposite for potential biosensing application

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Development of sensitive and selective electrochemical biosensors is crucial for detecting various biomolecules.
• Metal oxide nanoparticles offer unique properties for enhancing biosensor performance.
• Biopolymers like poly(hydroxybutyrate) provide biocompatible platforms for sensor fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel electrochemical biosensor based on cupric oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) embedded in a poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite film.
• To evaluate the potential of this nanobiocomposite for the detection of ascorbic acid (AA).

Main Methods:

• Solution casting method was employed to prepare the PHB/PVA/CuO NPs composite film.
• Comprehensive characterization included surface, chemical, mechanical, optical, and electrochemical analyses.
• The composite was deposited on a glassy carbon electrode for electrochemical detection of ascorbic acid.

Main Results:

• The composite film exhibited enhanced crystallinity, inter-molecular interactions, mechanical strength (86.24 ± 4.10 N), and electrochemical properties.
• CuO NPs were uniformly dispersed within the PHB/PVA matrix, decreasing hydrophilicity and bandgap.
• The modified electrode demonstrated good electrocatalytic activity for ascorbic acid detection, even at low concentrations.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized PHB/PVA/CuO NPs nanobiocomposite is a promising material for electrochemical biosensing applications.
• The enhanced properties make it suitable for optoelectronic devices and the detection of other bioactive molecules.
• This metal/biopolymer complex approach offers a versatile platform for developing advanced biosensors.