In vivo detection of superoxide anion in bean sprout based on ZnO nanodisks with facilitated activity for direct electron transfer of superoxide dismutase

Here, we report on a novel superoxide anion (O-2(center dot-)) biosensor based on direct electron transfer of copper, zinc-superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn-SOD) at zinc oxide nanodisks surface for in vivo tracking of O-2(center dot-) in bean sprouts. Direct electron transfer of SOD is achieved at ZnO nanodisks film prepared by a one-step electrodeposited method, with a high heterogeneous electron rate constant of 17 +/- 2 s(-1). Spectroscopic data demonstrate that SOD strongly immobilized onto the nanostructured ZnO surfaces processes its inherent activity toward O-2(center dot-) dismutation. A combination of the facilitated direct electron transfer and the bifunctional enzymatic catalytic activities of the SOD substantially provides a dual electrochemical approach to determination of O-2(center dot-) with high selectivity, wide linear range, long stability, and good reproducibility. In particular, SOD adsorbed on the ZnO nanodisks film is capable of sensing O-2(center dot-) cathodically at a very positive potential, 0 mV (vs Ag/AgCl), where the common interfering species such as hydrogen peroxide, uric acid, ascorbic acid, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid were effectively avoided. The excellent analytical performance of the present O-2(center dot-) biosensor, combined with the remarkable characteristics of nanostructured ZnO films, such as biocompatibility, ease of preparation, and facile to miniaturize, paves an electrochemical way for reliable and durable in vivo determination of O-2(center dot-) in bean sprouts.