A novel label-free electrochemical aptasensor based on graphene–polyaniline composite film for dopamine determination

A novel label-free electrochemical aptasensor based on graphene–polyaniline (GR–PANI) nanocomposites film for dopamine (DA) determination was reported. The resulting GR–PANI layer exhibited good current response for DA determination. The good electron transfer activity might be attributed to the effect of GR and PANI. The highly conductive and biocompatible nanostructure of GR–PANI nanocomposites was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). To quantify the amount of DA, the peaks of square-wave voltammetry (SWV) were monitored using the redox couple of an [Fe(CN)6]4−/3− probe. The electrochemical aptasensor showed a linear response to DA in the range 0.007–90 nmol/L and a limit of detection of 0.00198 nmol/L (S/N=3). The electrochemical aptasensor was successfully tested on human serum samples.

► A novel label-free electrochemical aptasensor was developed for DA studied.
► GR–PANI nanocomposite was used in the experiment.
► Different experimental parameters were studied.
► Determination of DA in human serum sample showed good recovery.