Nanodiamond-embedded tungsten disulfide nanosheets for electrochemical detection of a bacterial metabolite pyocyanin

Pyocyanin (PYO) is a unique electroactive virulence factor secreted by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a pathogen responsible for various severe infections, especially in critically ill patients. Given its redox-active nature, PYO is well-suited for electrochemical detection. In this study, a nanocomposite of tungsten disulfide nanosheets supported by nanodiamonds (WS₂ NSs-ND) was physically cross-linked onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to enhance sensitivity and electron transfer. The WS₂ NSs-ND-modified electrode exhibited a high sensitivity of 0.38 µA µM^-1 cm^-2 due to its increased active surface area. The sensor also demonstrated excellent performance in real human urine samples, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of ± 2%, confirming its reliability and potential for clinical application in the rapid detection of PYO.