Electrochemical Non-Enzymatic Detection of Glucose Based on 3D Electroformed Copper on Ni Foam Nanostructures

Abstract

Despite the fact that the electrochemical biosensors based on glucose oxidase represent the golden standard for the management of diabetes, the elaboration of nonenzymatic sensors became extensively studied as an out-of-the-box concept that aims to simplify the existing approach. An important point of view is represented by the low price of the sensing device that has positive effects for both end-users and healthcare systems. The enzyme-free sensors based on low-cost materials such as transition metals have similar analytical properties to the commercial ones while eliminating the issues associated with the presence of the enzyme, such as the stability issues and limited shelf-life. The development of nanoporous nanomaterials for biomedical applications and electrocatalysis was referred to as an alternative to the conventional methods due to their enlarged area, electrical properties, ease of functionalization and not least to their low cost. Herein, we report the development of an electrochemical nonenzymatic sensor for glucose based on 3D copper nanostructures with Ni foams as promotor of the enhanced nanoporous morphology. The sensors were successfully tested in the presence of the designated target, even in the presence of common interference agents found in biological samples.