Detecting low-brominated diphenyl ethers by highly sensitive biosensors based on the blocking effect on glucose oxidase

Abstract

Low-brominated diphenyl ether, whose species have an average of 1–4 bromine atoms per molecule, have attracted more and more attention for their high risk of dioxin formation in combustion and effective bioaccumulation in humans and wildlife. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the level of low-brominated diphenyl ethers. In this study, we fabricated a novel GOD∼/AuNPs#rGO-CHIT/GC electrode to realize the direct electron transfer of glucose oxidase (GOD) for the determination of BDE-15 based on the blocking effect. The results indicated that the as-prepared GOD∼/AuNPs#rGO-CHIT/GC electrode can be used for the sensitive detection of two low-brominated diphenyl ethers through the blocking effect on GOD. The linear range for the detection of BDE-15 was 0.2–8 μM, with a sensitivity of 2.86 μA μM⁻¹ cm⁻², and the relevant limits of detection of the two target analytes were 0.14 μM (S/N = 3), respectively. This rapid, highly sensitive and cost-effective detection method was also applied to the detection of BDE-3, BDE-28, and BDE-47, which could potentially be used to monitor the levels of PBDEs in our living environment.