Direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of horseradish peroxidase immobilized on bamboo shaped carbon nanotubes/chitosan matrix

The novel nitrogen doped bamboo shaped carbon nanotubes (BCNTs) have received increased attention in recent years because of its unique bamboo shaped structure associated properties. In this work, a nanocomposite film of bamboo shaped carbon nanotubes/chitosan (Chi) is used for the immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The structure of BCNTs is observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The composite films are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of HRP incorporated into bamboo shaped carbon nanotubes/chitosan matrix is also investigated in this work. The immobilized HRP onto the BCNTs/Chi film exhibits its bioelectrocatalytic activity to hydrogen peroxide. The results indicate that doping N atom introduces defective sites and active sites on the surface of carbon nanotubes, thereby facilitating the direct electron transfer (DET) between enzyme and electrode. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.