Synthesis of Au–ZnS hybrid nanostructures and their application for electrochemical biosensor

Au–ZnS core–shell nanostructures were grown onto the transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) thin film-coated glass surface by successive electrodeposition of Au and ZnS in cyclic voltammetry. The resulting hybrid nanostructures were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV–vis spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The glucose oxidase (GOD) was immobilized onto the surface of the Au–ZnS hybrid nanostructures in silica sol–gel network. Furthermore, the Au–ZnS nanostructures demonstrate an enhanced direct electron transfer between GOD and the electrode due to their unique chemical and electrocatalytic properties and their synergy effect. The analytical performance of the GOD-based electrode was improved greatly compared with that of ITO substrate modified by Au or ZnS nanostructures alone. The proposed enzyme electrode based on Au–ZnS hybrid nanomaterials displays high sensitivity and wide linear range in the determination of glucose. The Au–ZnS hybrid nanostructures have potential for “green chemistry” application in the fabrication of enzyme-based electrochemical biosensors.