The Development of Reagentless Amperometric Glucose Biosensor Based on Gold Nanostructures, Prussian Blue and Glucose Oxidase

Abstract

Precise blood glucose detection plays a crucial role in diagnosing and medicating diabetes, in addition to aiding diabetic patients in effectively managing their condition. In this research, a first-generation reagentless amperometric glucose biosensor was developed by combining the graphite rod (GR) electrode modification by gold nanostructures (AuNS) and Prussian blue (PB) with glucose oxidase (GOx)—an enzyme that can oxidize glucose and produce H2O2. Firstly, AuNS was electrochemically deposited on the GR electrode (AuNS/GR), and then PB was electrochemically synthesized on the AuNS/GR electrode (PB/AuNS/GR). Finally, GOx was immobilized over the PB/AuNS nanocomposite with the assistance of Nafion (Nf) (Nf-GOx/PB/AuNS/GR). An application of PB in the design of a glucose biosensor enables an easy electrochemical reduction and, thus, the determination of the H2O2 produced during the GOx-catalyzed oxidation of glucose in the sample at a low operation potential of −0.05 V vs. Ag/AgCl/KCl3 mol L−1. In addition, AuNS increased the electrochemically active surface area, improved the GOx immobilization and ensured a higher analytical signal. The developed glucose biosensor based on the Nf-GOx/PB/AuNS/GR electrode exhibited a wide linear range, from 0.025 to 1 mmol L−1 of glucose, with a 0.0088 mmol L−1 limit of detection, good repeatability and high selectivity over electroactive interfering substances. The developed biosensor is convenient for the determination of glucose in the physiological environment.