A graphitized carbon@boron carbide-mediated laccase-based amperometric biosensor for epinephrine detection

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Biosensor Technology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Development of efficient electron transfer mediators is crucial for enhancing laccase-based electrochemical biosensor performance.
• Novel materials are needed to improve electron transfer efficiency and sensor sensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate graphitized carbon coated boron carbide (GC@B4C) as a novel electron transfer mediator for laccase-based electrochemical biosensors.
• To evaluate the performance of a laccase/GC@B4C/nickel foam (NF) electrode for epinephrine (EP) detection.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of graphitized carbon coated boron carbide (GC@B4C) using HRTEM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy.
• Fabrication of a laccase/GC@B4C/NF electrode.
• Amperometric detection of epinephrine (EP) using the fabricated electrode.

Main Results:

• The GC@B4C material was successfully synthesized and characterized.
• The fabricated Lac/GC@B4C/NF electrode demonstrated a wide linear range (0.1 µM-2.6 mM) for EP detection.
• The electrode exhibited a low detection limit (40 nM), high sensitivity (76.05 µA mM⁻¹), and excellent anti-interference ability and stability.

Conclusions:

• Graphitized carbon coated boron carbide (GC@B4C) is effective as an electron transfer mediator in laccase-based electrochemical biosensors.
• This study demonstrates the potential of nonmetallic carbides as mediators for enzyme-based biosensors.
• The developed biosensor offers a promising platform for sensitive and stable epinephrine detection.