Co3O4-binuclear phthalocyanine nanocomposites with enhanced peroxidase-like activity for sensitive detection of glutathione

A novel peroxidase-like enzyme based on Co3O4 with binuclear phthalocyanine bis(7,8,12,13,17,18-hexakis(2,6-dimethylphenoxy) [g,L,q]-5,10,15,20-tetraazaporphyrinate)[b,e]benzene linked binuclear phthalocyanine (BiPc(OC8H9)12) as support was synthesized by a facile and simple method. The Co3O4 nanocomposites were dispersed on the surface of binuclear phthalocyanine layer-structure with enhanced catalytic activity. Based on the excellent peroxidase-like activity of Co3O4/BiPc(OC8H9)12, a highly sensitive and selectivity colorimetric method for glutathione detection was developed with a wide linear range of 10–200 μM and a relatively lower limit of detection (LOD) of 4 μM and a good linear relationship between the absorbance and the concentration of H2O2 in the range from 3 to 20 mM with the limit of detection of 0.35 mM. It is believed that the Co3O4/BiPc(OC8H9)12 is a promising biosensing material applied for food analysis and health monitoring.