Innovative Sensing Platforms for Toxic Compounds Detection ^†

Bioanalytical nanosystem based on an innovative hybrid nanomaterials have been developed for sensitive detection of some toxic compounds, such as biogenic amines and xenoestrogens from food and the environment. Both, active biogenic amines and xenoestrogens are chemical compounds found in food, environment and industry, having toxic effects on human and animal organisms. Biogenic amines represent a group of chemical compounds synthesized from amino acids, present in all eukaryotic cells, including cells of the nervous system (CNS). In the human body, they can have both positive and negative effects, depending on their origin, type, and dose. In nature, these compounds are found in plants, animals, and microorganisms [1,2]. Biogenic amines that occur as a result of chemical, biochemical, or microbial degradation processes, as well as in the catabolism of the body, have toxic effects (psychoactive and vasoconstrictor), and their presence in human nutrition is dangerous for human health [2]. Endocrine disruptors represent an exogenous substance or mixture of substances that possess properties leading to endocrine changes in an intact organism, by altering endocrine functions [3,4]. Miniaturized devices have been developed by modification of screen-printed carbon electrodes with hybrid nanocomposite material obtained by functionalizing carbon nanomaterials with metal nanoparticles (gold, silver, platinum). By incorporating these nanomaterials into conductive polymers, the catalytic activity has been considerably improved, allowing for a rapid transfer of electrons to the electrode surface due to the synergistic effects of the hybrid nanomaterial coupled with the excellent ability to mediate redox polymers. This nano-hybrid film provides a favorable micro-environment for immobilization of biomolecules (enzymes/peptides/aptamers), increasing the number of binding sites available for the detection of a specific chemical analyte.