Systematic Nonenzymatic Glucose Detection Using Hydrogel-Protected Ag-Cu/MWCNTs Nanocomposites
Jian-Kai Huang1, Sin-Yu Chen1, Meng-Chang Lin1
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan, ROC.
ACS Omega
|October 27, 2025
Summary
This study presents a novel nonenzymatic electrochemical sensor using silver-copper alloy nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes for accurate glucose monitoring. The advanced sensor offers high sensitivity and selectivity for real-time analysis in biological fluids.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Growing demand for reliable glucose monitoring necessitates advanced nonenzymatic electrochemical sensors.
- Existing sensors often face challenges with selectivity and sensitivity in complex biological samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a high-performance nonenzymatic electrochemical sensor for glucose detection.
- To enhance sensor selectivity and sensitivity using a novel Ag-Cu alloy nanostructure and a protective hydrogel layer.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of silver-copper (Ag-Cu) alloy nanoparticles anchored onto multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via a hydrothermal process.
- Fabrication of a sensor with a protective polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and poly-(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel coating.
- Electrochemical characterization using cyclic voltammetry and amperometry.
Main Results:
- The Ag5-Cu5 alloy configuration demonstrated superior electrocatalytic activity due to synergistic bimetallic effects and MWCNT conductivity.
- The sensor achieved high sensitivity (237.2 μA·mM⁻¹·cm⁻²), a low detection limit (1.2 μM), and a wide linear range (0.5–10 mM).
- The PVP/PVA hydrogel layer effectively improved selectivity by excluding interfering molecules like uric acid and ascorbic acid.
Conclusions:
- The developed Ag-Cu alloy/MWCNT sensor with a hydrogel coating represents a robust platform for accurate real-time glucose sensing.
- This approach offers a promising strategy for next-generation nonenzymatic glucose sensors applicable to blood and sweat analysis.
