A Chemiluminescent Method for the Detection of H2O2 and Glucose Based on Intrinsic Peroxidase-Like Activity of WS2 Quantum Dots

Abstract

Currently, researchers are looking for nanomaterials with peroxidase-like activity to replace natural peroxidase enzymes. For this purpose, WS2 quantum dots (WS2 QDs) were synthesized via a solvothermal method, which improved the mimetic behavior. The resulting WS2 QDs with a size of 1–1.5 nm had a high fluorescence emission, dependent on the excitation wavelength. WS2 QDs with uniform morphology showed a high catalytic effect in destroying H2O2. The peroxidase-like activity of synthesized nanostructures was studied in H2O2 chemical and electrochemical reduction systems. The mimetic effect of WS2 QDs was also shown in an H2O2–rhodamine B (RB) chemiluminescence system. For this aim, a stopped-flow chemiluminescence (CL) detection system was applied. Also, in order to confirm the peroxidase-like effect of quantum dots, colorimetry and electrochemical techniques were used. In the enzymatic reaction of glucose, H2O2 is one of the products which can be determined. Under optimum conditions, H2O2 can be detected in the concentration range of 0–1000 nmol·L−1, with a detection limit of 2.4 nmol·L−1. Using this CL assay, a linear relationship was obtained between the intensity of the CL emission and glucose concentration in the range of 0.01–30 nmol·L−1, with a limit of detection (3S) of 4.2 nmol·L−1.