Eu[Pc(SC6H13)8]2 modified Cu/CuFe2O4 nanoparticle as peroxidase mimic for colorimetric detection of N-acetylcysteine

Double-decker phthalocyanine Eu[Pc(SC6H13)8]2 modified Cu/CuFe2O4 nanocomposites (Eu[Pc(SC6H13)8]2/Cu/CFO) were successfully prepared by two-step hydrothermal method and characterized by XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). For the first time, Eu[Pc(SC6H13)8]2/Cu/CFO with enhanced peroxidase-like activity is designed as peroxide mimic enzymes for the detection of N-acetylcysteine. The colorimetric platform showed a sensitive response to H2O2 and N-acetylcysteine in the range of 2–9 mM and 5–30 μM with a limit of detection of 0.19 mM and 0.835 μM under optimal conditions. Furthermore, due to excellent sensitivity and selectivity, a sensor based on Eu[Pc(SC6H13)8]2/Cu/CFO can be used to detect N-acetylcysteine in serum, confirming the great practicability in sensing fields. •Double decker phthalocyanine modified Cu/CuFe2O4 was firstly used as nanozymes.•First colorimetric platform for N-acetylcysteine detection.•N-acetylcysteine determination with a limit of detection of 0.835 μM.