Electrochemical Determination of Homocysteine Using Self-Assembled 6-Ferrocenylhexanethiol on a Molybdenum Disulfide Nanoparticle Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode (GCE)

Abstract

The determination of homocysteine (Hcy) is important because high levels are associated with a greater risk of developing heart disease or stroke. Herein, an electrochemical sensor of homocysteine was constructed based upon the self-assembly of 6-ferrocenylhexanethiol (FcC₆SH) on a MoS₂ nanoparticles-modified electrode with a Nafion coating. The sensor showed a favorable electrocatalytic activity for oxidation of homocysteine since 6-ferrocenylhexanethiol acted as a good electron transfer mediator. Moreover, the MoS₂ nanoparticles served as modifiers to covalently immobilize FcC₆SH and enhance the electrochemical active surface area. Highly sensitive determination of homocysteine was achieved with a linear range from 2.0 to 100 µmol L⁻¹ and a minimum detectable concentration of 0.30 µmol L⁻¹ by chronoamperometry. The constructed sensor was applied to the analysis of immunoglobulin G (IgG) samples with satisfactory results.

Keywords:

• 6-Ferrocenylhexanethiol
• electrochemical determination
• homocysteine
• modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE)
• MoS₂ nanoparticles

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the Prof. MeiXian Li of Peking University for the support granted in this study.

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by the Innovation Team (CX201904) of Changzhi Medical College.