Development of New Catalytic Material for Accurate Detection of Biological Biomarkers Related to Most Common Non-Communicable Diseases ^†

Abstract

Presently, long-lasting health disorders represent a significant health problem in developing countries. Further, epidemiological trends associated with lifestyle habits suggest that chronic conditions tend not to slow down all over the world. As such, reliable analytical techniques to manage chronic health conditions such as diabetes-mellitus, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases, among other non-communicable diseases (NCD), are of paramount importance.

The electrochemical biosensor is a pivotal technique for low analyte concentration detection, aiming for a swift and accurate diagnosis/therapy, to deal with the various health conditions [1]. However, the performance of electro-biosensors heavily depends on the catalytic activity of the material used as biosensor transducer. As a result, nanomaterials are widely used on the electrode surface owing to their unique physicochemical characteristics, such as their high surface area to volume ratio, which renders their features convenient for biosensing heterogeneous catalysts [2].

Nowadays, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used in numerous biomedical applications, such as therapeutic purposes or as catalytic material in electrochemical analysis. Notwithstanding AgNPs health benefits, the conventional methods used in their synthesis are far from healthy, and scientific researchers are pursuing eco-friendly alternatives without health-hazardous chemicals [3].

One of the most-used alternatives is plant-assisted synthesis, using phytochemicals of the genus Plectranthus (Lamiaceae family) that are proving to be a remarkable reducing and stabilizing agent of well-dispersed metal nanoparticles [4].

The aim of the current study is the design of a skilled approach for the provision of Plectranthus-assisted AgNPs, suggesting their application as high-performance catalytic materials in a sensitive biosensor for NCD.