Cupric oxide nanoparticles incorporated poly(hydroxybutyrate) nanocomposite for potential biosensing application

We report the synthesis of a novel electrochemical biosensor comprising of cupric oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) mediated poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) composite film with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a binder/template support using the solution casting method for the detection of a biomolecule i.e., ascorbic acid (AA). The specimens were characterized for surface, chemical, mechanical, optical, and electrochemical attributes. The results expressed regular mediation of CuO NPs in the PHB/PVA matrix towards nanobiocomposite formation with enhanced crystallinity, inter-molecular interactions, mechanical, and electrochemical attributes, and decreased hydrophilicity and bandgap, thus being useful in potential optoelectronic devices. The synthesized biocomposite film exhibited a tensile strength of 86.24 ± 4.10 N which might be due to reinforcement/uniform dispersion of the CuO nanofiller in the PHB-based matrix. The PHB/CuO composite, then, deposited on a glassy carbon electrode surface exhibited good electrocatalytic activity towards the AA in the aqueous media even at low analyte concentrations. Such modified electrode surfaces with metal/biopolymer complex could find possible applications in the detection of other bioactive molecules. •We present the synthesis of CuO nanoparticles (NPs) mediation in poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)-based composite.•The nanocomposite films were thermally stable and less hydrophilic as compared to the control.•The nanobiocomposite was deposited on a glassy carbon electrode for biosensing application.•Such modified electrode surfaces may find potential applications in the detection of bioactive molecules.