Non-enzymatic glucose sensor
A non-enzymatic glucose sensor and method for fabricating the sensor are disclosed. The glucose sensor contains at least one non-enzymatic electrode configured to catalyze the electro-oxidation of glucose in preference to other bio-molecules. The surface of the electrode comprises CuO nanoparticles. The sensor shows sensitivity and selectivity exceeding enzyme based devices presently in use.
1. A method for fabricating a glucose sensor with at least one active electrode configured to catalyze the electro-oxidation of glucose in preference to other bio-molecules, the method comprising:
providing an insulating base plate/substrate;
forming one or more disposable silver-based electrodes on the substrate;
coating conducting carbon ink over the electrodes;
coating a slurry of CuO nanoparticles in NaOH over one of the electrodes, thereby forming the active electrode; and
encapsulating the active electrode in an insulating film layer in which a sensing window is provided.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the size of the CuO nanoparticles ranges from 5 nm to 500 nm.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the CuO nanoparticles are spherical particles prepared by annealing copper hydroxide above 400° C.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the CuO nanoparticles are elongated particles prepared by annealing copper hydroxide complex at 400° C. for three hours.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the CuO nanoparticles are nanowires prepared by annealing copper hydroxide at around 180° C.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the glucose sensor is configured to produce linear response currents of 0.3 to 1 mA when exposed to glucose concentrations in the 3-10 mM range.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the glucose sensor is further configured to produce linear response currents of 0.1 to 0.3 mA when exposed to glucose concentrations in the 1-3 mM range.