Carbon nanofiber-based composites for the construction of mediator-free biosensors

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs), with typical diameters of ∼80 nm and lengths of the order of micrometers, are extremely attractive in bioanalytical area as they can combine properties of high surface area, non-toxicity, acceptable biocompatibility, ease of fabrication, chemical and electrochemical stability, good electrical conductivity. In this work, CNF-based composites were successfully used as an immobilization matrix for the construction of a reagentless mediator-free hemoglobin-based H2O2 biosensor. The results revealed that hemoglobin retained its essential secondary structure in the CNF-based composite film. With the advantages of organic–inorganic hybrid materials, dramatically facilitated direct electron transfer of hemoglobin and good bioelectrocatalytic activity towards H2O2 were demonstrated. The biosensor displayed good performance along with good long-term stability. The CNF-based composites were proved to be a promising biosensing platform for the construction of mediator-free biosensors, and may find wide potential applications in biosensors, biocatalysis, bioelectronics and biofuel cell.