Nanographene-based tyrosinase biosensor for rapid detection of bisphenol A

Hydrophilic nanographene (NGP) prepared by ball milling of graphite was used as the support to construct a novel tyrosinase biosensor for determination of bisphenol A (BPA). The performances of the nanographene-based tyrosinase biosensor were systematically compared with those of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) modified tyrosinase biosensors. The results indicated that the nanographene-based tyrosinase biosensor provided significant advantages over MWNTs-based tyrosinase biosensor in term of response, repeatability, background current and limit of detection (LOD), which could be attributed to its larger specific surface area and unique hierarchical tyrosinase-NGP nanostructures. The nanographene-based tyrosinase biosensor displayed superior analytical performance over a linear range from 100 nmol L−1 to 2000 nmol L−1, with LOD of 33 nmol L−1 and sensitivity of 3108.4 mA cm−2 M−1. The biosensor was further used for detecting BPA (leaching from different vessels) in tap water, and the accuracy of the results was validated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The nanographene-based tyrosinase biosensor proved to be a promising and reliable tool for rapid detection of BPA leached from polycarbonate plastic products and for on-site rapid analysis of emergency pollution affairs of BPA.

► Hydrophilic nanographene was prepared in a controllable nanometer size by a simple ball milling method of graphite materials.
► The nanographene was explored to construct a novel tyrosinase biosensor for rapid, sensitive and selective determination of bisphenol A.
► Comparative studies revealed the significant advantages of nanographene over MWNTs in the performance of fabricated tyrosinase biosensors.
► The biosensor was used for detecting BPA in water samples, and the obtained results were validated by high performance liquid chromatography.
► The nanographene based tyrosinase biosensor proved to be a promising and reliable tool for rapid detection of BPA.