A Simple and Sensitive Poly-1,5-Diaminonaphthalene Modified Sensor for the Determination of Sulfamethoxazole in Biological Samples

Detection of pollutants in water bodies: electrochemical detection or photo-electrochemical detection?

The massive discharge of pollutants including endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), heavy metals, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) into water bodies is endangering the ecological environment and human health, and needs to be accurately detected. Both electrochemical and photo-electrochemical detection methods have been widely used for the detection of these pollutants, however, which one is better for the detection of different environmental pollutants? In this feature article, different electrochemical and photo-electrochemical detection methods are summarized, including the principles, classification, common catalysts, and applications. By summarizing the advantages and disadvantages of different detection methods, this review provides a guide for other researchers to detect pollutants in water bodies by using electrochemical and photo-electrochemical analysis.

A Facile Method for the Non-Covalent Amine Functionalization of Carbon-Based Surfaces for Use in Biosensor Development

Affinity biosensors based on graphene field-effect transistor (GFET) or resistor designs require the utilization of graphene's exceptional electrical properties. Therefore, it is critical when designing these sensors, that the electrical properties of graphene are maintained throughout the functionalization process. To that end, non-covalent functionalization may be preferred over covalent modification. Drop-cast 1,5-diaminonaphthalene (DAN) was investigated as a quick and simple method for the non-covalent amine functionalization of carbon-based surfaces such as graphene, for use in biosensor development. In this work, multiple graphene surfaces were functionalized with DAN via a drop-cast method, leading to amine moieties, available for subsequent attachment to receptor molecules. Successful modification of graphene with DAN via a drop-cast method was confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy and real-time resistance measurements. Successful attachment of receptor molecules also confirmed using the aforementioned techniques. Furthermore, an investigation into the effect of sequential wash steps which are required in biosensor manufacture, on the presence of the DAN layer, confirmed that the functional layer was not removed, even after multiple solvent exposures. Drop-cast DAN is thus, a viable fast and robust method for the amine functionalization of graphene surfaces for use in biosensor development.

Voltammetric Sensors Based on Various Nanomaterials for the Determination of Sulfonamides

Background:

The widespread applications of sulphonamides, as antibacterial or antimicrobial agents, and their mechanism of actions in the body, have changed their determination to an important issue in the area of human health.

Objective:

Here, history of developing voltammetric sensors based on nanomaterials for the detection of sulfonamides including sulfadiazine, sulfamethoxazole, sulfacetamide, sulfadimethoxine, sulfathiazole, sulfamethiazole and sulfamerazine is reviewed. Modified electrodes based on various nanomaterials (carbonaceous nanomaterials, Metallic Nanoparticles (MNPs), conducting nanopolymers) have been reported, and studies showed that nanomaterials have been mostly used to overcome problems like the poor sensitivity and selectivity of bare electrodes. The study covers the properties of each sensor in detail, and reports and compares the linear ranges, Limits of Detection (LODs), reproducibility, and reusability of the electrodes reported so far.

Silver-filled MWCNT nanocomposite as a sensing element for voltammetric determination of sulfamethoxazole

Here, we introduce a new electrode based on Silver-filled multi-walled carbon nanotube (Ag-MWCNT) and methyltrioctyl ammonium chloride (MTOAC) for highly sensitive voltammetric measurement of Sulfamethoxazole (SMX). The electrode showed an electrocatalytic activity as it led to the diminution of the overpotential and an increase in peak current for SMX oxidation in a phosphate buffer solution (pH 6.0). Analysis of surface topography and electrochemical properties of the modified electrode was examined by TEM, EDX and EIS, respectively. Electrochemical performance of the modified electrode was investigated with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques for determination of SMX in aqueous solution. In addition, the oxidation process was found to be dependent on the pH of the buffer solution. Under optimal conditions, a linear relationship between the oxidation current and SMX concentration was found in a range 0.05-70 μM (R² = 0.997) with a detection limit of 0.01 μM after 2 min of accumulating time. The electrode was successfully used to quantify SMX in pharmaceutical formulations and human urine by DPV.