Graphene-Based Electrodes for Monitoring of Estradiol

Abstract

This study explores the potential use of graphene-based electrodes in the electrochemical determination of estradiol using amperometric techniques as a simple, enzyme-free approach. Graphene, a carbon-based nanomaterial, has been extensively investigated in materials science as a sensing material. Its remarkable properties, such as its high electron mobility and conductivity, robust mechanical characteristics, and good surface-to-volume ratio, have led to its adoption in numerous applications, including electrochemical sensing. Estradiol is a crucial sex hormone that affects metabolism and reproduction. However, excessive amounts may disrupt endocrine functions. Electrochemical sensors suffer from electrode fouling, leading to passivation that ultimately affects performance. We exploit the inherent properties of various types of graphene-based electrodes, including graphene screen-printed electrodes (GHSPE), electrochemically exfoliated graphene-modified electrodes (EEFGHSPE), and 3D graphene foam screen-printed electrodes (3D-GFSPE), for the amperometric studies. The electrochemical properties and structural characteristics of these sensors are evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and scanning electron microscopy. The analytical performance of these sensors is at an applied potential of +0.65 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) over the concentration range 0.83 to 4.98 μM estradiol. Sensitivities of 0.151 µAµM−1 cm−2, 0.429 µAµM−1 cm−2, and 0.273 µA µM−1 cm−2, with detection limits of 0.0041 µM, 0.097 µM, and 0.018 µM (S/N = 3), are found for GHPSPE, 3D-GFSPE and EEFGHSPE, respectively. The possibility of amperometrically determining the estradiol levels in a potable tap water sample are then investigated over the concentration range 0.83–4.98 µM.