<i>In Situ</i> Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticle-Decorated Borophene (Au@BNSs) Nanozymes with Glucose Oxidase and Peroxidase Activity for Colorimetric Detection of Glucose

The inherent reducing properties of borophene nanosheets (BNSs) were harnessed to facilitate the <i>in situ</i> reduction of gold ions, leading to the synthesis of gold nanoparticle-decorated borophene nanosheets (Au@BNSs) via an eco-friendly, green approach and eliminating the need for toxic external reducing agents. This innovative synthesis method addresses the limitations of conventional glucose monitoring systems, which often rely on expensive reagents and sophisticated equipment. The synthesized Au@BNSs nanocomposite demonstrated dual enzyme-mimetic activity, replicating both glucose oxidase (GOx) and peroxidase (POD) and facilitating efficient colorimetric glucose detection. Comprehensive characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies confirmed the successful decoration of BNSs with gold nanoparticles with an average particle size of 8.5 nm. The nanocomposite exhibited high stability, biocompatibility, and efficient catalytic activity, enabling selective glucose detection with a detection limit of 0.05 mM within a linear range of 30-330 μM. The practical applicability of the Au@BNSs-based colorimetric sensor assay was demonstrated by using human serum samples as real samples. Thus, Au@BNSs serve as a robust platform for biosensing applications, providing an innovative and efficient approach to glucose monitoring.