Electrochemical detection of manganese ions using aptamer-based layers

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Heavy metals, including manganese (Mn), are significant water pollutants posing health risks.
• Elevated Mn levels are linked to neurological disorders, necessitating sensitive detection methods.
• Current methods for Mn ion detection may lack the specificity or in situ capabilities required for water analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel electrochemical aptasensor for the detection of manganese ions (Mn2+).
• To explore the use of aptamer strands as receptor layers on modified electrodes for Mn2+ analysis.
• To assess the aptasensor's performance in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, and applicability in real water samples.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of gold disk electrodes modified with disulfide-based aptamers and a blocking agent.
• Electrochemical measurements to optimize aptamer receptor layer formation and redox indicator selection.
• Testing the aptasensor for Mn2+ detection in various conditions, including cell culture media and real water samples.

Main Results:

• The aptasensor successfully detected Mn2+ ions in the concentration range of 25 nM to 1 µM.
• High selectivity was observed, with a response at least two times greater for Mn2+ than for interfering ions.
• Feasibility of Mn2+ detection in real samples was demonstrated, alongside stability and regeneration studies.

Conclusions:

• The developed aptasensor provides a sensitive and selective electrochemical method for Mn2+ detection.
• This aptamer-based approach offers a promising tool for in situ monitoring of manganese in water.
• The study highlights the potential of aptasensors in environmental analysis and heavy metal monitoring.