Co3O4 nanoparticles embedded in laser-induced graphene for a flexible and highly sensitive enzyme-free glucose biosensor

Developing flexible and wearable enzyme-free biosensors for detecting glucose is indispensable for preliminary diabetes diagnosis and human healthcare monitoring. Herein, an innovative flexible Co3O4 nanoparticles uniformly embedded in 3D porous laser-induced graphene (Co3O4 NPs-LIG) electrode is fabricated by a new one-step laser direct writing carbonization technique. The hybrid electrode featuring the remarkable synergistic effect on account of the excellently conductive LIG and multiple high activation sites of Co3O4 NPs can enhance charge transfer, thereby boosting glucose sensing performance. Benefit from the dramatic properties, the proposed flexible non-enzymatic glucose biosensor exhibits a prominent glucose sensitivity of 214 mu A mM(-1) cm(-2), an extremely low limit of detection of 0.41 mu M, a wide linear detection of 1 mu M to -9 mM, and a fast response time within 0.49 s. Additionally, impressive repeatability, favorable stability, and great selectivity are achieved in the detection of glucose concentration. Finally, a possible sensing mechanism of the glucose biosensor is also discussed based on the First principles. This study provides a novel and facile strategy for constructing hetero-structure of transition metal oxide NPs embedded in LIG, which serves to develop flexible and wearable highly sensitive enzyme-free biosensors for detecting glucose in the near future.

Automated summary

In this study, a flexible Co3O4 NPs-LIG electrode was successfully fabricated using a one-step laser direct writing carbonization technique, showing enhanced glucose sensing performance through the synergistic effect of highly conductive LIG and multiple activation sites of Co3O4 NPs. The proposed flexible non-enzymatic glucose biosensor exhibited outstanding sensitivity, ultra-low detection limit, wide linear detection range, and fast response time, as well as impressive repeatability, stability, and selectivity. This research provides a novel strategy for constructing hetero-structure bio sensors, paving the way for the development of flexible and wearable biosensors for detecting glucose in the future.