Bioinspired catecholase sensor based on a dinuclear copper(II) complex with S-donor ligand for L-DOPA detection

A dinuclear copper(II) complex with an aliphatic S-donor ligand, previously characterized for biomimetic catecholase activity, was used to modify a carbon paste electrode (CuL/CPE). The modified electrode was evaluated as a bioinspired sensor for the electrochemical detection of catechol-containing analytes. The catalytic mechanism involves substrate oxidation by the complex generating the corresponding o-quinone, followed by its electrochemical reduction at the electrode surface. The CuL/CPE exhibited the highest sensitivity toward L-DOPA, with a cathodic peak at +0.18 V vs. Ag/AgCl (pH 6.5), demonstrating its potential as an efficient biomimetic sensing platform.