A non-enzymatic two step catalytic reduction of methylglyoxal by nanostructured V2O5 modified electrode

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a predominant precursor for advanced glycation end products (AGEs) due to its protein glycation reactions, which are the major causes of diabetic complications. MG is explored as a significant biomarker towards the prediction of diabetic complications. With this background, a non-enzymatic electrochemical biosensor has been developed to detect MG in human blood plasma samples. Microwave synthesized V2O5 nanoplates were used as interface material in the fabrication of modified gold (Au) working electrode for electrochemical MG biosensor. Orthorhombic crystal structured V2O5 with an oxidation state of +5 exhibited specific MG sensing performance. Cyclic voltammetry and amperometry studies confirmed the electrocatalytic nature of V2O5 nanoplates modified Au electrode in the detection of MG. Non-enzymatic V2O5 modified Au electrode showed a sensitivity of 4.519 mu A mu M-1 with a linear range of 3-30 mu M, limit of detection (LOD) of 0.24 mu M, limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.80 mu M and a response time less than 8 s towards MG. The lifetime and percentage recovery of the sensor was found to be 25 days (90%) and 102.5-108.7% respectively.