Peroxidase-like activity of manganese selenide nanoparticles and its analytical application for visual detection of hydrogen peroxide and glucose

Manganese selenide nanoparticles (MnSe NPs) with graphene-like structures have been prepared through a facile hydrothermal process in an alkaline glycerol/water solution system and used as peroxidase mimetics for ultrasensitive detection of hydrogen peroxide and glucose. The obtained products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, which showed that the obtained products were orthorhombic dittmarite MnSe structures with lateral size ranging from 100 to 200 nm. The MnSe NPs show much higher catalytic activity compared to the Horse Radish Peroxidase (HRP). In addition, MnSe NPs exhibit excellent stability in the form of aqueous colloidal suspensions makes the application of the MnSe NPs easier in aqueous systems. On the basis of these unique properties of the as-prepared MnSe NPs, we have developed a label-free colorimetric detection system for H2O2 and glucose. Owing to its easy operation and high specificity, it was expected that the proposed procedure might hold great promise in the environmental chemistry, biotechnology and medicine.