One-step synthesis of uniform nanoparticles of porphyrin functionalized ceria with promising peroxidase mimetics for H2O2 and glucose colorimetric detection

[Display omitted] •The uniform nanoparticles of porphyrin functionalized ceria (Por-Ceria) were firstly prepared by a one-step method.•The uniform Por-Ceria nanoparticles were used as a colorimetric probe in detection for H2O2.•Por-ceria NPs exhibited strong intrinsic peroxidase activity.•Enhanced peroxidase-like activity of Por-ceria originated from synergistic effect of porphyrin and ceria. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a key molecule in biology. As a byproduct of many enzymatic reactions, H2O2 is also a popular biosensor target. We report the first use of uniform nanoparticles of porphyrin functionalized ceria (Por-Ceria) prepared by a one-step method, as a colorimetric probe in detection for H2O2. Por-ceria nanoparticles exhibited strong intrinsic peroxidase activity toward a classical peroxidase substrate, 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), in the presence of H2O2. Enhanced peroxidase-like activity of Por-ceria originated from synergistic effect of porphyrin and ceria, thereby explaining the high performance of Por-Ceria as an artificial enzyme mimicking peroxidase. When coupled with glucose oxidase, glucose is detected. A detection limit of 1.9×10−2mM glucose with a linear range up to 0.15mM.