Simple, low-cost and sensitive voltammetric detection of homocysteine by using nanocarbon black as electrode material

Abstract

Generally, the elevated homocysteine (Hcys) degree is easy to cause various diseases, so it is very important to develop suitable method for its quantitative monitoring Because from the unique superiorities (e.g., rapid reaction time and high sensitivity) of the electrochemical technology, several voltammetric sensors have been reported for Hcys detection, but designing more simple, low-cost and sensitive electrochemical sensor for Hcys is still very significant. In this work, just by using a considerable low-cost and readily-accessible nanomaterial, nanocarbon black (CB), as electrode material to detect Hcys for the first time, a very simple, low-cost and sensitive electrochemical sensor for Hcys is fabricated successfully based on CB modify electrode. Via optimizing several key parameters including dropped amount of CB dispersion, preconcentration time of Hcys and pH value of phosphate buffer solution, the as-designed sensor exhibits excellent detection capability coupled with low detection limit (0.003 μM) and wide linearity (0.01–15.0 μM). Furthermore, the repeatability, long-term stability and selectivity as well as real application performances were also evaluated, revealing satisfactory results.