International Journal of Molecular Sciences

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Dr. Lidia Magerusan

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National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, Donat Street, No. 67-103, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: nanomaterials; nanotechnology; carbon-based materials preparation and characterization; graphene; green chemistry; electrochemistry; detection protocols; sensors; graphene-based modified electrodes; electrochemical mechanisms; portable sensing solutions; food science; polyphenols; nanomedicine
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Dr. Pogacean Florina

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Guest Editor

National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, Donat Street, No. 67-103, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: analytical chemistry; electrochemical methods of analysis; physical chemistry; electrochemical sensors kinetic and analytical methods for the determination of organic compounds

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Carbon, one of the most abundant elements in nature, existing in a variety of configurations spanning from zero to three dimensions, is the foundation of organic chemistry and life. Of its various forms, graphene is thought to be the mother of all carbon materials due to its unique and remarkable physicochemical properties. Over the last decade, graphene and its derivatives have enabled researchers to embark upon a new era of exploration in disease diagnosis and treatment, biotechnology, biomedicine, bioengineering and regenerative medicine. Numerous studies have shown graphene to be a desirable tool for disease detection and therapy, enhancing existing methods by increasing their accuracy and efficacy while lowering secondary adverse health effects. Based on in vitro studies, it can also stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells, proving its efficiency in regenerative medicine. Furthermore, compared to conventional drug delivery methods, the drug loading rate of graphene-based materials is substantially greater due to their high specific area and outstanding biocompatibility.

Therefore, the aim of this Special Issue is to make a substantial contribution to understanding and broadening knowledge on the potential uses of graphene-based materials in a wide range of applications in the fields of pharmaceuticals and medicine. We invite authors to submit both original research and review articles focused on the design, engineering, and physicochemical assessment of new carbon-based materials and the molecular principles influencing the performance of graphene and its composites in selective sensing, targeted bioimaging and efficient therapeutics, drugs and gene delivery or tissue engineering.

Dr. Lidia Magerusan
Dr. Pogacean Florina
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

graphene
graphene-based composites
graphene-based sensors
biomedical applications
tissue engineering
drug delivery

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

24 pages, 7680 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of an Innovative Biosensor Based on Graphene/PEDOT/Tyrosinase for the Detection of Phenolic Compounds in River Waters

by Alexandra Virginia Bounegru, Catalina Iticescu, Lucian P. Georgescu and Constantin Apetrei

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(8), 4419; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25084419 - 17 Apr 2024

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Abstract

Phenolic compounds, originating from industrial, agricultural, and urban sources, can leach into flowing waters, adversely affecting aquatic life, biodiversity, and compromising the quality of drinking water, posing potential health hazards to humans. Thus, monitoring and mitigating the presence of phenolic compounds in flowing waters are essential for preserving ecosystem integrity and safeguarding public health. This study explores the development and performance of an innovative sensor based on screen-printed electrode (SPE) modified with graphene (GPH), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), and tyrosinase (Ty), designed for water analysis, focusing on the manufacturing process and the obtained electroanalytical results. The proposed biosensor (SPE/GPH/PEDOT/Ty) was designed to achieve a high level of precision and sensitivity, as well as to allow efficient analytical recoveries. Special attention was given to the manufacturing process and optimization of the modifying elements’ composition. This study highlights the potential of the biosensor as an efficient and reliable solution for water analysis. Modification with graphene, the synthesis and electropolymerization deposition of the PEDOT polymer, and tyrosinase immobilization contributed to obtaining a high-performance and robust biosensor, presenting promising perspectives in monitoring the quality of the aquatic environment. Regarding the electroanalytical experimental results, the detection limits (LODs) obtained with this biosensor are extremely low for all phenolic compounds (8.63 × 10⁻¹⁰ M for catechol, 7.72 × 10⁻¹⁰ M for 3-methoxycatechol, and 9.56 × 10⁻¹⁰ M for 4-methylcatechol), emphasizing its ability to accurately measure even subtle variations in the trace compound parameters. The enhanced sensitivity of the biosensor facilitates detection and quantification in river water samples. Analytical recovery is also an essential aspect, and the biosensor presents consistent and reproducible results. This feature significantly improves the reliability and usefulness of the biosensor in practical applications, making it suitable for monitoring industrial or river water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applicability of Graphene-Based Materials in the Pharmaceutical, Biological and Biomedical Sectors)

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19 pages, 4748 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Harnessing Graphene-Modified Electrode Sensitivity for Enhanced Ciprofloxacin Detection

by Lidia Mǎgeruşan, Florina Pogǎcean, Bogdan-Ionuţ Cozar, Septimiu-Cassian Tripon and Stela Pruneanu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(7), 3691; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25073691 - 26 Mar 2024

Viewed by 498

Abstract

Increased evidence has documented a direct association between Ciprofloxacin (CFX) intake and significant disruption to the normal functions of connective tissues, leading to severe health conditions (such as tendonitis, tendon rupture and retinal detachment). Additionally, CFX is recognized as a potential emerging pollutant, as it seems to impact both animal and human food chains, resulting in severe health implications. Consequently, there is a compelling need for the precise, swift and selective detection of this fluoroquinolone-class antibiotic. Herein, we present a novel graphene-based electrochemical sensor designed for Ciprofloxacin (CFX) detection and discuss its practical utility. The graphene material was synthesized using a relatively straightforward and cost-effective approach involving the electrochemical exfoliation of graphite, through a pulsing current, in 0.05 M sodium sulphate (Na₂SO₄), 0.05 M boric acid (H₃BO₃) and 0.05 M sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. The resulting material underwent systematic characterization using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray powder diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Subsequently, it was employed in the fabrication of modified glassy carbon surfaces (EGr/GC). Linear Sweep Voltammetry studies revealed that CFX experiences an irreversible oxidation process on the sensor surface at approximately 1.05 V. Under optimal conditions, the limit of quantification was found to be 0.33 × 10⁻⁸ M, with a corresponding limit of detection of 0.1 × 10⁻⁸ M. Additionally, the developed sensor’s practical suitability was assessed using commercially available pharmaceutical products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applicability of Graphene-Based Materials in the Pharmaceutical, Biological and Biomedical Sectors)

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