A biomimetic sensor for the detection of lead in water

Biosens Bioelectron. 2015 May 15:67:621-4. doi: 10.1016/j.bios.2014.09.077. Epub 2014 Oct 2.

Abstract

The monitoring of lead (II) ions (Pb(2+)) in water is essential for both human health and the environment. Herein, a simple yet innovative biosensor for Pb(2+) detection is presented. The sensor is developed by the self-assembly of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) core-satellite structure using naturally occurring tripeptide glutathione (GSH) as linker. The addition of Pb(2+) caused a red-to-blue color change and the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) band was shifted to ca. 650 nm. The limit of detection (LOD) is found to be 47.6 nM (9.9 ppb) by UV-vis spectroscopy with high selectivity against other heavy metals. This method offers a new strategy for heavy metal detection using functionalized GNPs.

Keywords: Colorimetric; Core–satellite; Glutathione; Gold nanoparticle; Lead; Self-assembly.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques*
  • Gold / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Ions / isolation & purification*
  • Ions / toxicity
  • Lead / isolation & purification*
  • Lead / toxicity
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance
  • Water / chemistry
  • Water Pollution, Chemical*

Substances

  • Ions
  • Water
  • Lead
  • Gold