Simple and sensitive nitric oxide biosensor based on the electrocatalysis of horseradish peroxidase on AuNPs@metal–organic framework composite-modified electrode

Fe-based metal–organic framework (MIL-101(Fe)) was synthesized through a simple solvothermal synthesis and then used to prepare the AuNPs-decorated MIL-101(Fe) nanocomposite (APPPM(Fe)) by a multi-step layer-by-layer assembly process. Benefited from the porous structure of MIL-101(Fe) and the multilayer assemble process, the loading amount of AuNPs on APPPM(Fe) was enhanced and exhibited a fine biocompatible interface and high conductivity. Through the intense Au–S bond, high loading amount of horseradish peroxidase was immobilized on APPPM(Fe) and the native bioactivity of HRP was kept to realize its direct electrochemistry. From the electrochemical kinetics, the constructed biosensor displayed fast electron transfer and good electrocatalysis activity for the detection of nitric oxide (NO) with wide linear range from 0.033 to 5370 μM and a low detection limit of 0.01 μM (3 σ) as well as fine stability, reproducibility and specificity. According to results of real sample analysis, the proposed electrochemical biosensor offers fast and simple detection of NO in real serum. Therefore, the present strategy definitely provided a potential application prospect in NO clinic detection and disease therapy. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Image: see text] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00604-022-05268-8.