Single-atom catalysts with peroxidase-like activity boost gel-sol transition-based biosensing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Catalysis
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Gel-sol transition biosensors offer portable, cost-effective point-of-care testing (POCT).
• Enhanced sensitivity and practicality are crucial for advancing these biosensors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly sensitive gel-sol transition-based biosensor using a single-atom catalyst (SAC).
• To demonstrate the Fe-NC SAC's effectiveness as a signal amplification element for trypsin detection.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of an iron-based single-atom catalyst (Fe-NC SAC) with high peroxidase-like activity.
• Encapsulation of Fe-NC SAC within a gelatin hydrogel for colorimetric detection.
• Utilizing trypsin-induced hydrolysis of the hydrogel to trigger the sensing mechanism.

Main Results:

• The Fe-NC SAC exhibited excellent peroxidase-like activity (188 U/mg).
• The hydrogel sensor achieved a low detection limit of 1 ng/mL for trypsin.
• The sensor demonstrated high sensitivity, selectivity, and effective detection in human serum.

Conclusions:

• Fe-NC SACs are effective signal amplifiers for gel-sol transition biosensing.
• The developed hydrogel sensor represents a promising strategy for high-performance POCT.
• This approach opens new avenues for developing advanced biosensing technologies.