Ratiometric electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide and glucose

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) detection is of high importance as it is a versatile (bio)marker whose detection can indicate the presence of explosives, enzyme activity and cell signalling pathways. Herein, we demonstrate the rapid and accurate ratiometric electrochemical detection of H₂O₂ using disposable screen-printed electrodes through a reaction-based indicator assay. Ferrocene derivatives equipped with self-immolative linkers and boronic acid ester moieties were synthesised and tested, and, through a thorough assay optimisation, the optimum probe showed good stability, sensitivity and selectivity towards H₂O₂. The optimised conditions were then applied to the indirect detection of glucose via an enzymatic assay, capable of distinguishing 10 μM from the background within minutes.