Electrochemical determination of 2-nitrofluorene and investigation of its interaction with DNA

2-Nitrofluorene (2-NF) belongs to the group of nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These compounds are categorized as environmental pollutants and they can manifest mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. A differential pulse voltammetric method at a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was developed for sensitive determination of 2-NF. Under the optimum conditions found, a linear calibration dependence was obtained in the concentration range of 2 x 10(-7) - 1 x 10(-5) mol L-1, with the limit of quantification of 2 x 10 mol L-1. The practical applicability of this method was verified on the direct determination of 2-NF in a model sample of sand. Moreover, the mutual interaction between 2-NF and DNA was investigated using an electrochemical DNA biosensor (DNA-modified GCE). Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and square-wave voltammetry were employed in this study, confirming the formation of a 2-NF-DNA complex.