A Novel Acetylcholinesterase Biosensor: Core–Shell Magnetic Nanoparticles Incorporating a Conjugated Polymer for the Detection of Organophosphorus Pesticides

To construct a sensing interface, in the present work, a conjugated polymer and core–shell magnetic nanoparticle containing biosensor was constructed for the pesticide analysis. The monomer 4,7-di­(furan-2-yl)­benzo­[c]­[1,2,5]­thiadiazole (FBThF) and core–shell magnetic nanoparticles were designed and synthesized for fabrication of the biosensing device. The magnetic nanoparticles were first treated with silica and then modified using carboxyl groups, which enabled binding of the biomolecules covalently. For the construction of the proposed sensor a two-step procedure was performed. First, the poly­(FBThF) was electrochemically generated on the electrode surface. Then, carboxyl group modified magnetic nanoparticles (f-MNPs) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the model enzyme, were co-immobilized on the polymer-coated surface. Thereby, a robust and novel surface, conjugated polymer bearing magnetic nanoparticles with pendant carboxyl groups, was constructed, which was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle measurements. This novel architecture was then applied as an immobilization platform to detect pesticides. To the best of our knowledge, a sensor design that combines both conjugated polymer and magnetic nanoparticles was attempted for the first time, and this approach resulted in improved biosensor characteristics. Hence, this approach opens a new perspective in the field of enzyme immobilization and sensing applications. Paraoxon and trichlorfon were selected as the model toxicants. To obtain best biosensor performance, optimization studies were performed. Under optimized conditions, the biosensor in concern revealed a rapid response (5 s), a low detection limit (6.66 × 10^–3 mM), and high sensitivity (45.01 μA mM^–1 cm^–2). The K_M^app value of poly­(FBThF)/f-MNPs/AChE were determined as 0.73 mM. Furthermore, there was no considerable activity loss for 10 d for poly­(FBThF)/f-MNPs/AChE biofilm.