Highly sensitive amperometric biosensor based on AP@Hb for the detection of 1-pyrene butyric acid

In the current work, a highly sensitive and stable amperometric biosensing interface for the rapid detection of 1-pyrene butyric acid (1-PBA) was constructed based on the functions of alginate-polylysine microencapsulated hemoglobin (AP@Hb) and Au nanoparticles (AuNPs). AP@Hb was simply prepared by a two-step template method. The morphology and size were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. AuNPs were employed to facilitate the electron transfer between the electrode and Hb. Through the electron tunneling effect of AuNPs and the catalysis of Hb, the resultant biosensor achieved rapid electron transfer and high sensitivity toward 1-PBA with a quantification limit as low as 23.5 fM. Thus, this biosensor is promising for the quantitative detection of 1-PBA in real samples and might provide assistance to public health agencies for the control and prevention of certain diseases caused by 1-PBA.