Chemiluminescent cholesterol sensor based on peroxidase-like activity of cupric oxide nanoparticles

A chemiluminescent cholesterol sensor with good selectivity and enhanced sensitivity was constructed based upon the peroxidase-like activity of cupric oxide nanoparticles. Cupric oxide nanoparticles can catalyze the oxidation of luminol by H2O2, which was produced by the reaction of cholesterol and oxygen that was catalyzed by cholesterol oxidase. Therefore, the oxidation of cholesterol could be transduced into the chemiluminescence of luminol by combining these two reactions. Under the optimum conditions, the CL intensity was proportional to the concentration of cholesterol over the range of 0.625–12.5 μM and a detection limit was 0.17 μM. The applicability of proposed method has been validated by determination of cholesterol in milk powder and human serum samples with satisfactory results.

► Chemiluminescent cholesterol sensor with enhanced sensitivity is constructed.
► The sensor is based on the peroxidase-like activity of CuO nanoparticles.
► The CL intensity can be greatly enhanced up to about 600 folds.
► Determination of cholesterol in milk powder and human serum is studied.