Enzymatic bimetallic Cu-Ni micromotor sensor for xanthine detection

• Published in: Journal of food engineering 2025-03, Vol.388, p.112382, Article 112382
• Main Authors: Muslu Yilmaz, Elif, Dag, Basak, Killioglu, Ismihan, Eren, Esin, Uygun Oksuz, Aysegul
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bimetallic micromotor; Detection of xanthine; Food freshness; Sensor
• ISSN: 0260-8774
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2024.112382

Enzymatic bimetallic Cu-Ni micromotors modified screen-printed electrodes were designed for the determination of xanthine. The bimetallic Cu-Ni micromotors were prepared by electrochemical template deposition. Morphological and structural characterization revealed that the smaller size and active mobility of the particles contribute to a larger specific surface area. The increase in surface area enhances electro-catalytic activities and sensitivity. These improved properties enable the newly created xanthine oxidase-modified Cu-Ni micromotors to function effectively as a high-performance sensor. Designed specifically for detecting xanthine, this sensor boasts high sensitivity, a broad measurement range, low detection limits, and excellent reproducibility and stability. The enzymatic bimetallic micromotor-based sensor was also successfully employed to measure xanthine levels. The limits of detection were determined to be 15.7 nM and 21.53 μM for xanthine concentration ranges of 0.1 μM–1 μM and 10 μM–300 μM, respectively, based on electrochemical signals under a magnetic field. Besides, the detection limit was calculated as 9.02 μM for xanthine concentrations ranging from 0.3 μM to 20 μM, based on the speed of the micromotors under a magnetic field (S/N = 3). The impressive results highlight the significant potential of bimetallic Cu-Ni micromotors as sensors, suggesting their promising applications in monitoring food freshness and enhancing security technology. [Display omitted] •Fabrication of Cu-Ni micromotor sensor via electrochemical template method.•Developed a novel SPE biosensor for precise xanthine detection in food analysis.•Sensor shows broad linear range, low detection limit, and stable performance.•Synergistic effect of bimetallic nanostructures enhanced response current.•Promising motion-based platform for xanthine detection with further refinement.