Work

Unlocking the power of chirality: Surface nanoarchitectonics of modified halloysite nanotubes for enantioselective recognition

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Developing cost-effective electrode materials with high performance for enantioselective recognition is rapidly gaining attention. In this work, we harness the unique physicochemical properties of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) as innovative electrode platforms for chiral discrimination. We functionalized HNTs with an enantiopure oligomer based on thiophene units via chemical oligomerization using FeCl 3 as an oxidizing agent. The successful functionalization of the HNTs with the oligomer was further confirmed by both solid state 13 C NMR and zeta potential studies (from −20.0 ± 1.5 mV to −12.4 ± 3.0 mV after modification). The resulting composite materials (oligo-( S )- and oligo-( R )- modified HNTs) demonstrated remarkable enantioselective recognition capabilities in terms of peak potential values (560–650 mV) when testing the enantiomers of DOPA, a chiral drug of pharmaceutical interest. These findings highlight the potential of HNT-based modified electrodes as a novel class of chiral electrochemical sensors, paving the way for advanced applications in enantioselective analysis.

Source: Talanta

DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2025.128273

Authors: Malinee Niamlaem, Sara Grecchi, Punjapol Matthayom, Chompunuch Warakulwit, Daniela Maggioni, Serena Arnaboldi

Institutions: University of Milan, Kasetsart University

Language: English

Topic: Electrochemical sensors and biosensors

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,610

Funders: Università degli Studi di Milano, Papua New Guinea University of Technology, European Research Council, HORIZON EUROPE European Research Council