A Biocompatible, Highly Sensitive, and Non-Enzymatic Glucose Electrochemical Sensor Based on a Copper-Cysteamine (Cu-Cy)/Chitosan-Modified Electrode

A biocompatible, highly sensitive, and enzyme-free glucose electrochemical sensor was developed based on a copper-cysteamine (Cu-Cy)-modified electrode. The catalytically active biocompatible material Cu-Cy was immobilized on the electrode surface by the natural polymer chitosan (CTS). The electrochemical characterization and glucose response of the Cu-Cy/CTS/glassy carbon electrode (GCE) were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and constant potential amperometry. The significant electrocatalytic activity of Cu-Cy to the oxidation of glucose in an alkaline environment was revealed. Several crucial parameters, including the number of scanning cycles for electrode activation, applied potential, and the contents of Cu-Cy and chitosan, were investigated to understand their impact on the sensor’s response. The proposed sensing platform exhibited linear ranges of 2.7 μM to 1.3 mM and 1.3 mM to 7.7 mM for glucose detection, coupled with high sensitivity (588.28 and 124.42 μA·mM⁻¹·cm⁻²), and commendable selectivity and stability. Moreover, a Cu-Cy/CTS-modified screen-printed electrode (SPE) was further developed for portable direct detection of glucose in real samples.