A detachable and recyclable electrochemical sensor for high-performance detection of glucose based on boronate affinity

In this work, we reported a detachable and recyclable electrochemical sensor for high-performance determination of glucose based on the interaction of the analyte with a magnetic boronate. The new sensor was fabricated by incorporating poly(4-vinylphenylboronic acid) (P(4-VBA)) with Fe3O4-modified graphene oxide (MGO) together via atom transfer radical polymerization. The large surface and good electrical conductivity of the fabricated MGO-P(4-VBA) as well as the unique boronate affinity recognition synergistically contributed to the sensitive and selective sensing of glucose in physiological environments. As verified, glucose in the concentration range of 1-15 mM was detected, along with a detection limit of as low as 39 μM. More attractively, with the aid of an external magnetic field and the convertible affinity recognition upon pH, the sensor could be conveniently disassembled and recycled, providing an excellent reusability in practical applications.