1. Artificial biomimetic electrochemical assembliesTanja Zidarič, Matjaž Finšgar, Uroš Maver, Tina Maver, 2022, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: Rapid, selective, and cost-effective detection and determination of clinically relevant
biomolecule analytes for a better understanding of biological and physiological functions are becoming increasingly prominent. In this regard, biosensors represent a powerful tool to meet these
requirements. Recent decades have seen biosensors gaining popularity due to their ability to design
sensor platforms that are selective to determine target analytes. Naturally generated receptor units
have a high affinity for their targets, which provides the selectivity of a device. However, such
receptors are subject to instability under harsh environmental conditions and have consequently low
durability. By applying principles of supramolecular chemistry, molecularly imprinted polymers
(MIPs) can successfully replace natural receptors to circumvent these shortcomings. This review summarizes the recent achievements and analytical applications of electrosynthesized MIPs, in particular,
for the detection of protein-based biomarkers. The scope of this review also includes the background
behind electrochemical readouts and the origin of the gate effect in MIP-based biosensors.
Ključne besede: MIP-based biosensors, MIP, biosensors, molecularly imprinted polymer, biomolecules, electroanalysis
Objavljeno v DKUM: 15.05.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 0
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2. Recent progress in non-enzymatic electroanalytical detection of pesticides based on the use of functional nanomaterials as electrode modifiersTanja Vrabelj, Matjaž Finšgar, 2022, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: This review presents recent advances in the non-enzymatic electrochemical detection and
quantification of pesticides, focusing on the use of nanomaterial-based electrode modifiers and their
corresponding analytical response. The use of bare glassy carbon electrodes, carbon paste electrodes,
screen-printed electrodes, and other electrodes in this research area is presented. The sensors were
modified with single nanomaterials, a binary composite, or triple and multiple nanocomposites
applied to the electrodes’ surfaces using various application techniques. Regardless of the type
of electrode used and the class of pesticides analysed, carbon-based nanomaterials, metal, and
metal oxide nanoparticles are investigated mainly for electrochemical analysis because they have
a high surface-to-volume ratio and, thus, a large effective area, high conductivity, and (electro)-
chemical stability. This work demonstrates the progress made in recent years in the non-enzymatic
electrochemical analysis of pesticides. The need for simultaneous detection of multiple pesticides
with high sensitivity, low limit of detection, high precision, and high accuracy remains a challenge in
analytical chemistry.
Ključne besede: electroanalysis, non-enzymatic sensors, nanomaterials, pesticides
Objavljeno v DKUM: 15.05.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 0
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3. The effect of preconditioning strategies on the adsorption of model proteins onto screen-printed carbon electrodesTea Romih, Ivan Konjević, Lea Žibret, Ika Fazarinc, Ajda Beltram, David Majer, Matjaž Finšgar, Samo B. Hočevar, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The preconditioning and modification of the supporting electrode surface is an essential
step in every biosensor architecture. In particular, when using screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPEs)
as inexpensive and convenient disposable sensor substrates, their somewhat lower electrochemical
(surface) reproducibility might represent a complex hurdle. Herein, we investigated the effect of
selected preconditioning strategies, such as cyclic voltammetric pretreatment, in H2SO4 and H2O2
and plasma pretreatment with a positive and negative glow discharge, which all improved the electrochemical stability of the unmodified SPEs. Furthermore, we studied the influence of preconditioning
strategies on the adsorption kinetics of the two most commonly used building blocks for biosensor
preparation, i.e., bovine serum albumin (BSA) and protein A. We observed an advantageous effect
of all the examined preconditioning strategies for the modification of SPEs with protein A, being
the most effective the negative glow discharge. On the other hand, BSA exhibited a more complex
adsorption behavior, with the negative glow discharge as the only generally beneficial preconditioning strategy providing the highest electrochemical stability. Protein A revealed a more substantial
impact on the electrochemical signal attenuation than BSA considering their same concentrations in
the modification solutions. For both BSA and protein A, we showed that the concentrations of 5 and
10 µg mL−1 already suffice for an electrochemically satisfactorily stable electrode surface after 60 min
of incubation time, except for BSA at the positive-plasma-treated electrode.
Ključne besede: screen-printed carbon electrode, SPE, electrochemical biosensor, adsorption, bovine serum albumin, protein A, glow discharge
Objavljeno v DKUM: 15.05.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 0
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4. Protein stacking on the APTES-functionalized pyrochlore ▫$Bi_2Ru_2O_7$▫ clusters for ultrasensitive and selective immunosensingNikola Tasić, Nika Vranešič, Dino Metarapi, Kristina Mervič, Milan Žunić, Aleksandra Dapčević, Matjaž Finšgar, Samo B. Hočevar, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: With their unique physicochemical properties, such as metallic-like conductivity, favorable (electro)catalytic properties, electrochemical stability, and ease of functionalization, pyrochlores have found applications in various fields such as solid oxide fuel cells, batteries, thick film resistors, and temperature sensors; however, there are no reports on their application in electrochemical immunosensing. In this study, we exploited the (electro)catalytic nature and stability of the pyrochlore Bi2Ru2O7 clusters silanized with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) to demonstrate their potential for the effective stacking of functional proteins. Characterization of the clusters by XPS disclosed a dual environment of Bi, also indicating the presence of Bi2O3 alongside APTES-Bi2Ru2O7 clusters and, importantly, the predominant involvement of pyrochlore moieties in subsequent protein stacking. After stacking protein A and antibodies, the immunosensor revealed a nearly interference-free operation, high sensitivity, a detection limit of 118 fM SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and operation in a wide examined concentration range of 10−5−10−1 μg mL−1 with an r2 of 0.98. In combination with a short incubation time of 30 min, the pyrochlore-based immunosensor provides a solid platform for future point-of-need applications.
Ključne besede: Bi2Ru2O7 pyrochlore, APTES, SARS-CoV-2, spike protein, immunosensors, electrochemical
Objavljeno v DKUM: 23.04.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 1
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5. Evaluation of ▫$Au/ZrO_2$▫ catalysts prepared via postsynthesis methods in ▫$CO_2$▫ hydrogenation to methanolT. Vikram Sagar, Janez Zavašnik, Matjaž Finšgar, Nataša Novak Tušar, Albin Pintar, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Au nanoparticles supported on ZrO2 enhance its surface acidic/basic properties to produce
a high yield of methanol via the hydrogenation of CO2. Amorphous ZrO2-supported 0.5–1 wt.% Au
catalysts were synthesized by two methods, namely deposition precipitation (DP) and impregnation
(IMP), characterized by a variety of techniques, and evaluated in the process of CO2 hydrogenation
to methanol. The DP-method catalysts were highly advantageous over the IMP-method catalyst. The
DP method delivered samples with a large surface area, along with the control of the Au particle
size. The strength and number of acidic and basic sites was enhanced on the catalyst surface. These
surface changes attributed to the DP method greatly improved the catalytic activity when compared
to the IMP method. The variations in the surface sites due to different preparation methods exhibited
a huge impact on the formation of important intermediates (formate, dioxymethylene and methoxy)
and their rapid hydrogenation to methanol via the formate route, as revealed by means of in situ
DRIFTS (diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy) analysis. Finally, the rate of
formation of methanol was enhanced by the increased synergy between the metal and the support.
Objavljeno v DKUM: 10.04.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 4
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6. Addressing the needs of the rapidly aging society through the development of multifunctional bioactive coatings for orthopedic applicationsTinkara Mastnak, Uroš Maver, Matjaž Finšgar, 2022, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: The unprecedented aging of the world’s population will boost the need for orthopedic
implants and expose their current limitations to a greater extent due to the medical complexity of
elderly patients and longer indwelling times of the implanted materials. Biocompatible metals with
multifunctional bioactive coatings promise to provide the means for the controlled and tailorable
release of different medications for patient-specific treatment while prolonging the material’s lifespan
and thus improving the surgical outcome. The objective of this work is to provide a review of several
groups of biocompatible materials that might be utilized as constituents for the development of
multifunctional bioactive coatings on metal materials with a focus on antimicrobial, pain-relieving,
and anticoagulant properties. Moreover, the review presents a summary of medications used in
clinical settings, the disadvantages of the commercially available products, and insight into the latest
development strategies. For a more successful translation of such research into clinical practice, extensive knowledge of the chemical interactions between the components and a detailed understanding
of the properties and mechanisms of biological matter are required. Moreover, the cost-efficiency of
the surface treatment should be considered in the development process.
Ključne besede: biomaterials, orthopedic implants, multifunctional coatings, drug delivery, antimicrobial, pain relief
Objavljeno v DKUM: 09.04.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 1
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7. A review of analytical techniques for the determination of e-liquid and electronic cigarette aerosol compositionMatjaž Rantaša, David Majer, Matjaž Finšgar, 2025, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: Since the introduction of electronic cigarettes (ECs) to the global market, the composition of e-liquids has been a controversial topic. While some consider ECs to be an effective tool for quitting smoking, their primary criticism lies in the uncertain and varied composition of e-liquids. Manufacturers create the desired formulations by mixing different ratios of humectants, flavorings, nicotine, cannabinoids, and cooling agents. However, the health effects of inhaling these compounds are still not well understood. Regular analytical control of e-liquids and aerosols is crucial to gain valuable insights into e-liquid composition, generating new compounds during aerosolization, and the potential impact on human health. This work presents an overview of the analytical techniques used for the qualitative and quantitative determination of e-liquid and aerosol compounds, including a description of the methods used for aerosol collection. Gas and liquid chromatography are the most used analytical techniques for compound determination, followed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Additionally, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy are the most frequently used analytical techniques for elemental determination in e-liquids and their aerosols.
Ključne besede: electronic cigarettes, e-liquids, aerosol, gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Objavljeno v DKUM: 21.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 2
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8. Deactivation of copper electrocatalysts during CO [sub] 2 reduction occurs via dissolution and selective redeposition mechanismBlaž Tomc, Marjan Bele, Mohammed Azeezulla Nazrulla, Primož Šket, Matjaž Finšgar, Angela Šurca Vuk, Ana Rebeka Kamšek, Martin Šala, Jan Šiler Hudoklin, Matej Huš, Blaž Likozar, Nejc Hodnik, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: elektrokemija, katalizatorji, baker, proizvodnja vodika, electrochemistry, catalysts, copper, hydrogen production
Objavljeno v DKUM: 20.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 1
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9. Study of a sensitive and selective electrochemical biosensor for glucose based on ▫$Bi_2Ru_2O_7$▫ pyrochlore clusters combined with MWCNTsJelena Isailović, Aleksandra Dapčević, Milan Žunić, Matjaž Finšgar, Kristijan Vidović, Nikola Tasić, Samo B. Hočevar, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The development of sensitive, selective, and reliable glucose biosensors remains a persistent challenge in clinical diagnostics. In this study, we exploited the advantageous (electro)catalytic properties of bismuth ruthenate (Bi2Ru2O7) pyrochlore clusters, known for their high surface activity and metallic-like conductivity, and the favorable physicochemical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by combining them with glucose oxidase (GOD) in a sensitive and selective disposable glucose biosensor. The integration of Bi2Ru2O7 enabled an enhanced and more reproducible response of the biosensor along with fast and improved communication between the supporting electrode and the upper biosensing layer. The architecture of the biosensor involves the deposition of an MWCNT layer on a ferrocyanide-modified screen-printed carbon electrode (FCN-SPCE), followed by the application of a biorecognition layer including GOD and Bi2Ru2O7 clusters. The voltammetric biosensor showed excellent electroanalytical performance, capable of detecting low glucose concentrations with a detection limit of 40 μM along with a linear response across the examined concentration range of 1.0–20.0 mM. The biosensor exhibited good reproducibility with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 1.2% and interference-free operation against several of the most common interfering compounds. The practical applicability of the biosensor was demonstrated by the determination of glucose in a real serum sample spiked with different concentrations of glucose.
Ključne besede: glucose sensor, glucose oxidase, Bi2Ru2O7 pyrochlore, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, voltammetry, serum
Objavljeno v DKUM: 20.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 1
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10. Functionalization of polycaprolactone 3D scaffolds with hyaluronic acid glycine-peptide conjugates and endothelial cell adhesionTamilselvan Mohan, Fazilet Gürer, Doris Bračič, Florian Lackner, Chandran Nagaraj, Uroš Maver, Lidija Gradišnik, Matjaž Finšgar, Rupert Kargl, Karin Stana-Kleinschek, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This study enhances the bioactivity of polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds for tissue engineering by functionalizing them with oxidized hyaluronic acid glycine-peptide conjugates to improve endothelial cell adhesion and growth. Hyaluronic acid was conjugated with a glycine-peptide to create a bioactive interface on PCL (static water contact angle, SCA(H2O): 98°). The scaffolds were fabricated using a melt extrusion 3D printing technique. The HA-glycine peptide conjugates were oxidized and immobilized on aminolyzed PCL via Schiff-base chemistry, introducing hydrophilicity (SCA(H2O): 21°), multiple functional groups, and a negative zeta potential (-12.04 mV at pH 7.4). A quartz crystal microbalance confirmed chemical conjugation and quantified the mass (8.5-10.3 mg m-2) of oxidized HA-glycine on PCL. The functionalized scaffolds showed enhanced swelling, improved mechanical properties (2-fold increase in strength, from 26 to 51 MPa), and maintained integrity during degradation. In-vitro experiments demonstrated improved endothelial cell adhesion, proliferation and viability, suggesting the potential for vascularized tissue constructs.
Ključne besede: 3D printing, polycaprolactone, hyaluronic acid
Objavljeno v DKUM: 19.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 3
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