TiO2 Ceramic Nanotubes—Conducting Polymer Assemblies with Embedded Gold Particles for Potential Use as Chemosensors in the Detection of Oral Diseases

Abstract

Our research outlines a method for creating chemosensors utilizing hybrid nanostructures derived from TiO₂ ceramic nanotubes alongside conducting polymers, with embedded gold nanoparticles. The method used to create hybrid nanostructures from ceramic nanotubes and conducting polymers was drop-casting. AFM analysis highlighted an increased roughness, particularly for PANI-EB, exhibiting a significantly larger grain size exceeding 3.5 μm, with an increased inclusion of gold and uniform arrangement on the surface. The Rku parameter values being around three suggested that the layers primarily exhibited peaks rather than depressions, showing a Gaussian distribution. A chemiresistor was created by using an ink-jet printer and a multilayer metallization was achieved with commercial silver ink for printed electronics. Based on the experimental calibration curve, which exhibits adequate linearity over a wider range of H₂S concentrations in air up to 1 ppm, the detection limit was established at 0.1 ppm, a threshold appropriate for recognizing oral diseases. The sensor is a simple, affordable, and durable device designed for individual use, offering significant benefits for patients by enabling improved tracking of the syndrome’s advancement or treatment success.