Employing graphene nanocomposites as nitric oxide sensors
Employing graphene nanocomposites as nitric oxide sensors lead image
Nitric oxide (NO) is a crucial part of numerous biological processes, serving as an important regulator in the nervous, cardiovascular, and immune systems. It diffuses rapidly in the body and is quickly consumed by many compounds, contributing to its less than five-second half-life in biological systems. It can be challenging to detect and monitor the levels of such a short-lived molecule in the body, but accurate detection can help to understand fundamental processes in health and disease.
Tabish et al. discussed recent advancements in employing graphene nanocomposites as real-time electrochemical NO sensors in biological systems. They highlight the advantages offered by graphene and outline several types of graphene composites for NO detection in cell culture and biological fluids.
“Graphene is a promising material for the electrochemical sensing of NO due to its high specific surface area and exceptional electrical, catalytical, chemical, and mechanical properties,” said author Tanveer Tabish.
The authors examined several types of graphene composites and compared their strengths and capabilities. Noble metal composites, such as gold nanoparticles mixed with graphene oxide, offer high sensitivities and low detection limits. Transition metal composites offer flexible platforms with unique properties and surface chemistries. Composites with biomolecules like DNA and RNA boast precise control over NO detection.
The researchers concluded by outlining areas for future development, discussing ways to further improve these technologies and produce better results.
“Despite significant advancements made in the field, much work is still needed to enhance the sensitivity, selectivity, and temporal resolution for real-time monitoring of NO under biologically relevant conditions,” said Tabish.
Source: “Graphene nanocomposites for real-time electrochemical sensing of nitric oxide in biological systems,” by Tanveer A. Tabish, Yangzhi Zhu, Shubhangi Shukla, Sachin Kadian, Gurneet S. Sangha, Craig A. Lygate, Roger J. Narayan, Applied Physics Reviews (2023). The article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0162640 .
This paper is part of the Materials and Technologies for Bioimaging and Biosensing Collection, learn more here .
