Functionalized single-walled carbon nanohorns for electrochemical biosensing.

Single-walled carbon nanohorns (SWNHs), distinguished by their high purity and distinct structure, were noncovalently functionalized with poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate). The functionalized SWNHs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry. Heme protein myoglobin was adsorbed onto surface of functionalized SWNHs to prepare electrochemical biosensor. Surface assembly process and direct electrochemistry of immobilized myoglobin were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry, respectively. The proposed biosensor exhibited good electrocatalysis to the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. The response was linear over the range 3-350 microM with a detection limit of 0.5 microM. Good reproducibility and stability of the biosensor were obtained toward hydrogen peroxide detection.