Gold nanowire array electrode for non-enzymatic voltammetric and amperometric glucose detection

The non-enzymatic voltammetric and amperometric detection of glucose using a gold nanowire array electrode is described. The voltammetric detection of glucose was performed by cyclic and differential-pulse voltammetry. The detection of glucose by partial and direct oxidation of glucose during the anodic and cathodic potential sweeps was shown in cyclic voltammetry. An unusual decrease in overpotential for partial oxidation of glucose on a Au NW array electrode was observed. A linear differential-pulse voltammetric response for partial oxidation of glucose was observed up to a glucose concentration of at least 20 mM with a sensitivity of 41.9 μA mM−1 cm−2 and detection limit below 30 μM (signal-to-noise ratio of 3) for glucose oxidation at low potentials, where the influence of possible intermediates can be avoided. The amperometric response was also linear up to a glucose concentration of 10 mM with a sensitivity of 309.0 μA mM−1 cm−2. The wide dynamic range and high sensitivity, selectivity and stability, as well as good biocompatibility of the Au NW electrode make it promising for the fabrication of non-enzymatic glucose sensors.