Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) gold-nanoparticle-doped titanium dioxide (GTD) photonic crystals modified electrodes for hydrogen peroxide biosensor

Gold nanoparticles have been introduced into the wall framework of titanium dioxide photonic crystals by the colloidal crystal template technique. The three-dimensionally ordered macroporous gold-nanoparticle-doped titanium dioxide (3DOM GTD) film was modified on the indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrode surface and used for the hydrogen peroxide biosensor. The direct electron transfer and electrocatalysis of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) immobilized on this film have been investigated. The 3DOM GTD film could provide a good microenvironment for retaining the biological bioactivity, large internal area, and superior conductivity. The HRP/3DOM GTD/ITO electrode exhibited two couples of redox peaks corresponding to the HRP intercalated in the mesopores and adsorbed on the external surface of the film with the formal potential of −0.19 and −0.52 V in 0.1 M PBS (pH 7.4), respectively. The HRP intercalated in the mesopores showed a surface-controlled process with a single proton transfer. The direct electron transfer between the adsorbed HRP and the electrode is achieved without the aid of an electron mediator. The H2O2 biosensor displayed a rapid eletrocatalytic response (less than 3 s), a wide linear range from 0.5 μM to 1.4 mM with a detection limit of 0.2 μM, high sensitivity (179.9 μA mM−1), good stability and reproducibility. Compared with the free-Au doped titanium dioxide photonic crystals modified electrode, the GTD modified electrode could greatly enhance the response current signal, linear detection range and higher sensitivity. The 3DOM GTD provided a new matrix for protein immobilization and direct transfer study and opened a way for low conductivity electrode biosensor.