Prussian Blue (PB)/chitosan
enzyme mimetic tubular micromotors
are used here for
on-the-fly
(bio)-sensing assays.
The micromotors are easily prepared by direct deposition of chitosan
into the pores of a membrane template and in situ PB synthesis during
hydrogel deposition. Under judicious pH control, PB micromotors display
enzyme mimetic capabilities with three key functions
on board
: the autonomous oxygen bubble propulsion (with PB acting as a catalase
mimic for hydrogen peroxide decomposition), 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine
(TMB) oxidation (with PB acting as a peroxidase mimic for analyte
detection), and as a magnetic material (to simplify the (bio)-sensing
steps). In connection with chitosan capabilities, these unique enzyme
mimetic micromotors are further functionalized with acetylthiocholinesterase
enzyme (ATChE) to be explored in fast inhibition assays (20 min) for
the colorimetric determination of the nerve agent neostigmine, with
excellent analytical performance in terms of quantification limit
(0.30 μM) and concentration linear range (up to 500 μM),
without compromising efficient micromotor propulsion. The new concept
illustrated holds considerable potential for a myriad of (bio)-sensing
applications, including forensics, where this conceptual approach
remains to be explored. Micromotor-based tests to be used in crime
scenes are also envisioned due to the reliable neostigmine determination
in unpretreated samples.