A label-free impedimetric sensor for the detection of an amphetamine-type derivative based on cucurbit[7]uril-mediated three-dimensional AuNPs

• Published in: Electrochemistry communications 2019-03, Vol.100, p.126-133
• Main Authors: Li, Hongjie, Hu, Xiaojun, Zhao, Jialin, Koh, Kwangnak, Chen, Hongxia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3D-AuNPs; Amphetamine-type derivative; Cucurbituril; Host–guest recognition
• ISSN: 1388-2481; 1873-1902
• DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2019.02.002

The abuse of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) has increased rapidly and so development of an easy, cheap and sensitive ATS sensor is of great importance. A facile label-free impedimetric sensor was fabricated using cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) as a recognition molecule to bind ATS. The presence of CB[7] enables the formation of three-dimensional AuNP structures (3D-AuNPs@CB[7]) which were characterized by Fourier transform infrared reflection spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Due to the large effective area and high electronic transmission of 3D-AuNPs@CB[7], the 3D-AuNPs@CB[7]-modified electrodes produce 63 times the signal enhancement at the limit of detection compared with using CB[7] directly. In addition, the fabricated impedimetric sensor can accurately detect an amphetamine-type derivative in artificial urine and serum samples. Combining the properties of 3D nanostructures with a macrocyclic molecule, 3D-AuNPs@CB[7] offers a simple and sensitive platform for the detection of ATS. [Display omitted] •An electrochemical impedance method was used to detect 3‑phenylpropylamine (3-PPA).•A 3-D AuNP structure was simply fabricated using cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]).•The detection method relies on host–guest interactions.•A 3D-AuNPs@CB[7]-modified electrode had excellent electrochemical performance.