Photoelectrochemical sensor based on imprinted WO₃ and graphene oxide/ MIP-iniferter nanocomposite for creatinine determination in urine samples a

Author(s)

Silva, Maria de Almeida ; Effting, Leticia Maria ; Silva, Paulo Rogerio Catarini da ; Segatelli, Mariana Gava ; Ogatta, Sueli Fumie Yamada ; Dall'Antonia, Luiz Henrique ; Tarley, Cesar Ricardo Teixeira

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Electrochimica Acta; v. 524, p. 12-pg., 2025-03-13.

Abstract

This study describes the development of a novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor for creatinine detection in urine samples, utilizing molecularly imprinted technology. The sensor incorporates imprinted tungsten oxide (WO3imp) and imprinted poly(methacrylic acid) grafted onto iniferter-modified graphene oxide (GO/MIP) through living-radical polymerization. The physical mixture of these materials was dropped-casted on the surface of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) for sensor preparation. The imprinted materials were characterized by FTIR, XRD, TGA, SEM, TEM and, nitrogen physisorption analysis, whilst the Mott-Schottky (M-S) plot was used to identify the kind of semiconductor and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to determine the charge transfer resistance (Rct (Omega)). The design of the PEC sensor (WO3mp/GO/MIP) demonstrated excellent selectivity for creatinine detection, with a synergistic effect between WO3imp and GO/MIP enhancing the photocurrent signal. Since creatinine is not directly electroactive, we discovered that this amino acid might act as an antenna molecule when interacting with the WO3imp semiconductor surface, thereby enhancing the photocurrent as creatinine concentration increases The sensor provided limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of 0.12 and 0.41 mu mol L- 1, respectively, at pH 7.0 and in the presence of sulfite electrolyte acting as a 'hole scavengers'. Urine samples were analyzed by the proposed method yielding concentrations ranging from 3.7 to 11.1 mmol L- 1. The accuracy was attested by comparison with HPLC-DAD data. The PEC sensor (WO3imp/GO/ MIP) developed offers a novel approach for creatinine detection and demonstrates excellent performance in monitoring this biomarker in urine samples. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/50867-3 - INCT 2014: National Institute of Science and Technology in Bioanalysis
• Grantee: Marco Aurelio Zezzi Arruda
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants