Nanomaterials such as gold and copper possessing enzyme like activities have been applied for quantitation of various important analytes such as glucose, mercury, and lead. By controlling the catalytic activity of gold nanoparticles toward H2O2-mediated oxidation of Amplex UltraRed (AUR) through surface modification, sensitive quantitation of mercury has been demonstrated. Cu2O and PdCu nanomaterials possessing glucose oxidase (GOx) like activities have been applied separately for quantitation of glucose. Through capping of gold nanomaterials with aptamers, a specific and sensitive sensing system for quantitation of lead has been realized. When compared to nature enzymes, the nanomaterials are less expensive and stable against temperature and pH changes, and have long-shelf lifetime, but their specificity and activity are usually poor. To optimize the activity and specificity of nanomaterials, many strategies through varying their size, morphology, and surface property have been demonstrated.

Metal nanomaterials with enzymes like activities for quantitation of small analytes

256th National Meeting (2018)

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