Chapter 3 - Electrochemical functionalization of carbon nanomaterials and their application in immobilization of enzymes

Abstract

This chapter reviews different procedures for the electrochemical functionalization of nanostructured carbon materials and their relevance for the immobilization of bioelements. Special attention is paid to discuss about the methodologies used in achieving desired changes in surface chemistry of carbon material and how this property has a great influence in the interactions with the bioelement and consequently in the electron transfer process. Key concepts related to the electrochemical functionalization methods allow to understand the experimental approaches to control the functionalization and the scalability and reproducibility of bioelectrode synthesis. Some examples of different electrochemical functionalization strategies for enzyme immobilization are presented that provide evidence of the interest of these procedures in order to obtain better electron transfer between the bioelement and the nanostructured carbon electrode.