Biosensing Efficiency of Nanocarbon-Reinforced Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibrous Matrices

Abstract

The reinforcement of polymer matrices with nanocarbon fillers is highly attractive for electrochemical biosensing (due to enhanced electrical conductivity). Further processing by electrospinning results in versatile nanofibrous mats. This study compares the biosensing performance of composite polyacrylonitrile nanofibers (PAN NFs) electrospun with different carbonaceous fillers (fullerene, carbon nanotubes, graphene). Morphological characterization of the composite NFs is performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and correlated with the performance of the biosensing matrices. Glucose oxidase (GOD) is employed as model enzyme by immobilization through cross-linking. Optimum nanofiller content was evaluated at 2.0 wt%. for carboxyl functionalized-multiwall carbon nanotubes- NFs (highest sensitivity of 61.5 mAM-1cm-2 and limit of detection (LOD) of 2.0 µM), whilst reduced graphene oxide- NFs exhibited 49.3 mAM-1cm-2 sensitivity with the lowest LOD of 1.6 µM within the most extended linear range (up to 20 ˟ 10-3 M). Insignificant effect of interferent sugars led to real sample recovery close to 100%.

Trace‐Level Phenolics Detection Based on Composite PAN‐MWCNTs Nanofibers

“…The morphological characterization of the PAN-MWCNTs NFs was previously discussed when the platform was employed for glucose detection. [38] The nanofibers formed have partially bead defects given by the incorporation of MWCNTs as commonly reported in literature data. [39,40] The optimum concentration of CNTs herein was chosen according to the previous study; however, the supporting polymer concentration was decreased to 7 % (rather than 10 %) in order to increase the ratio of conducting element within the nanocomposite, decrease the fiber diameter (down to 170 nm) (Figure 1), and, in turn increase the surface area and availability for biomolecule loading.…”

“…The morphological characterization of the PAN‐MWCNTs NFs was previously discussed when the platform was employed for glucose detection [38] . The nanofibers formed have partially bead defects given by the incorporation of MWCNTs as commonly reported in literature data [39,40] .…”

Poly(ethylene glycol)–Fullerene Composite Films and Free-Standing Nanosheets for Flexible Electronic Devices and Sensors

“…In view of all the properties described above, the PEG-C60 composite films and free-standing nanosheets can be potentially useful for flexible electronic devices, optical sensors, and electrochemical applications, − , which will be the subjects of further studies. The bioinert character of the PEG network makes application in the field of electrochemical biosensors (see e.g.…”

“…Fullerene (C60) is a unique carbon allotrope consisting of 60 carbon atoms with sp 2 hybridization which form a spherical structure composed of 12 pentagons and 20 hexagons in icosahedral symmetry . Due to its distinguished physicochemical properties, C60 and its derivatives attract significant attention of scientific and industrial communities, − above all in the context of organic electronics and photovoltaics, − photodetectors, − and sensor fabrication. − Along with C60, C60-based composites are useful as well, representing a large variety of multi-functional materials with different compositions, structures, morphologies, and properties. , As a representative example, C60–polymer composites can be mentioned, , serving, in particular, as active materials for such applications as electrochemical sensors − and organic solar cells. − …”

Ultrasensitive Catechol Detection via Core-Shell Nanofibers: Effect of Type of Conducting Polymer and MWCNT Reinforcement

“…MWCNT/ DMF solutions, PAN/DMF solutions and MWCNT/DMF solutions were mixed and electrospun. 37,38 In the second method, 39 10%, 20% and 30% MWCNTs (as % to PAN) was added to the PAN/DMF solution and mixed for 24 h, keeping the 7% PAN/DMF wt. concentration constant.…”