Investigation of Nucleobase-Metal Complex-Based Nanozyme and the Application for Nitrite Detection

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Nanozymes offer high catalytic efficiency and stability for biosensing.
• Nucleobase-metal complexes are promising candidates for nanozyme development.
• Accurate nitrite detection is crucial for food safety and environmental monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To screen nucleobase-metal complexes as nanozymes.
• To develop a simplified and sensitive method for nitrite detection.
• To evaluate the nanozyme's performance in real-world samples.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized 20 nucleobase-metal complexes using four nucleobases and five metal ions.
• Evaluated peroxidase-like activity using a TMB/H2O2 chromogenic system.
• Developed a ratiometric colorimetric biosensor based on the selected nanozyme.

Main Results:

• Adenine-copper (A-Cu2+) exhibited excellent peroxidase-like activity.
• The kinetic performance of A-Cu2+ was thoroughly investigated.
• The developed biosensor demonstrated high sensitivity for nitrite detection.
• Successful application in analyzing tap water, pickled cabbage, and sausage samples.

Conclusions:

• Screened A-Cu2+ nanozyme possesses significant catalytic efficiency.
• A practical and highly sensitive nitrite assay was developed.
• The nanozyme-based biosensor is suitable for food safety and environmental protection applications.