Enzyme-free and biocompatible nanocomposite based cholesterol sensor

• Soft nanocomposites with customized properties proposed.
• Novel biosensor based on mixed clay Nanocomposites developed.
• Enzyme free sensing of analytes established.
• Strip-based biosensor for detection of cholesterol established.

We have systematically probed the gelation phenomenon of the mixed clay Laponite (L)–Montmorillonite (MMT) in aqueous dispersion (L:MMT = 1:1). The structurally better and functionally advanced material, so produced, allowed the possibility of formation of homogeneous thin gel films that had good thermo-mechanical properties and transparency. This nanocomposite gel was deposited onto indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass plates via drop casting method to produce sensor electrodes. The structural and morphological studies of these L-MMT/ITO electrodes were characterized by electrochemical technique. The redox behavior of this electrode towards ascorbic acid (AA), oxalic acid (OA), glucose (Glu) and cholesterol (ChO) was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical response of these electrodes was monitored with different metabolites in the concentration range 1–20 mM. This response showed a broad range of linearity and higher sensitivity for cholesterol, in particular. The excellent electro-catalytic behavior of L-MMT/ITO electrode may find application in the construction of strip-based sensor for detection of cholesterol in particular that too in an enzyme-free platform.

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