Novel electrochemical biosensor for serotonin detection based on gold nanorattles decorated reduced graphene oxide in biological fluids and in vitro model

Abstract

Abnormal level of serotonin (ST) in body fluids is related to various clinical conditions including behavioral and psychotic disorders; hence its fast detection in clinically relevant ranges have tremendous importance in medical science. In view of this, we have developed a novel biosensor for ST detection using Au-nanorattles (AuNRTs)- reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite coated on to the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) deposited glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The nanocomposite/sensor probe was characterized using UV-Vis, TEM, SAED, EDX, AFM, and electrochemical techniques including LSV and EIS. Thereafter, the suitability of fabricated GCE/AuNPs/AuNRTs-rGO-Naf sensor probe was applied for ST determination which showed a linear dynamic range (LDR) of 3 × 10-6 - 1 × 10-3 M and the detection limit (DL) of 3.87 (±0.02) ×10-7 (RSD < 4.2%) M, which falls in the ranges of normal as well as various abnormal pathophysiological conditions. The designed sensor is successfully applied to detect ST in various real matrices viz. urine, blood serum, and in vitro model to show its direct clinical/practical applicability. Interferences due to the coexisting molecules were assessed and the long-term stability of the designed sensor was also examined which was found to be 8 weeks.