Chiral recognition of penicillamine enantiomers using hemoglobin and gold nanoparticles functionalized graphite-like carbon nitride nanosheets via electrochemiluminescence.

A new stable and stereo-selective electrochemiluminescence (ECL) interface has been designed for specific recognition of penicillamine (Pen) enantiomers by using hemoglobin (Hb) and gold nanoparticles functionalized graphite-like carbon nitride nanosheets composite (Au-g-C 3 N 4 NHs) modified glassy carbon electrodes (Hb/Au-g-C 3 N 4 /GCE). The advantages of Hb as chiral selector and Au-g-C 3 N 4 NHs as luminophore were perfectly displayed in this novel interface. The obviously different ECL intensity was exhibited after l -Pen and d -Pen adsorbed on Hb/Au-g-C 3 N 4 /GCE, and a larger response was observed on d -Pen/Hb/Au-g-C 3 N 4 /GCE. Under the optimum conditions, the developed ECL chiral sensor showed excellent analytical property for detection of Pen enantiomers in a linear range of 1.0   ×   10 −4   M to 5.0   ×   10 −3   M, and the detection limits of l -Pen and d -Pen were 3.1   ×   10 −5   M and 3.3   ×   10 −5   M (S/N   =   3) respectively. This work with high selectivity, stability and reproducibility may open a new door based on ECL to discriminate Pen enantiomers.