Fabrication of functionalized carbon nanofibers/carbon black composite for electrochemical investigation of antibacterial drug nitrofurantoin

Highly sensitive detection of environmental toxic fenitrothion in fruits and water using a porous graphene oxide nanosheets based disposable sensor

Monitoring fenitrothion (FNT) residues in food and the environment is crucial due to its high environmental toxicity. In this study, we developed a sensitive, reliable electrochemical method for detecting FNT by using screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) modified with porous graphene oxide (PGO) nanosheets. PGO surface properties have been meticulously characterized using advanced spectroscopic techniques. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry were used to test the electrochemical properties of the PGO-modified sensor. The PGO-modified sensor exhibited remarkable sensitivity, achieving a detection limit as low as 0.061 μM and a broad linear range of 0.02-250 μM. Enhanced performance is due to PGO's high surface area and excellent electrocatalytic properties, which greatly improved electron transfer. Square wave voltammetry was used to demonstrate the sensor's efficacy as a real-time, on-site monitoring tool for FNT residues in fruit and water. The outstanding performance of the PGO/SPCE sensor underscores its applicability in ensuring food safety and environmental protection.

Temperature-Induced Conversion of 2D Vanadium-Doped MoSe2 Nanosheets to 1D V2MoO8 Rods: Enhanced Performance in Electrochemical Antibiotic Detection in Biological and Environmental Samples

In this work, new strategies were developed to prepare 1D-V2MoO8 (VMO) rods from 2D V-doped MoSe2 nanosheets (VMoSe2) with good control over morphology and crystallinity by a facile hydrothermal and calcination process. The morphological changes from 2D to 1D rods were controlled by changing the calcination temperature from 300 to 600 °C. The elimination of Se and the incorporation of O into the V-Mo structure were evaluated by TGA, p-XRD, Raman, FE-SEM, EDAX, FE-TEM, and XPS analyses. These results prove that the optimization of the physical parameters leads to changes in the crystal phase and textural properties of the prepared material. The VMoSe2 and its calcined products were investigated as electrochemical sensors for the detection of the antibacterial drug nitrofurantoin (NFT). At a calcination temperature of 500 °C, the modified screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) proved to be an excellent electrochemical sensor for the detection of NFT in neutral media. Under the optimized conditions, VMO-500 °C/SPCE exhibits low detection limit (LOD) (0.015 μM), wide linear ranges (0.1-31, 47-1802 μM), good sensitivity, and selectivity. The proposed sensor was successfully used for the analysis of NFT in real samples with good recovery results. Moreover, the reduction potential of NFT agreed well with the theoretical analysis using quantum chemical calculations, with the B3LYP with 6-31G(d,p) basis set predicting an E0 value of -0.45 V. The interaction between the electrode surface and NFT via the LUMO diagram and the electrostatic potential surface is also discussed.

Composite of a Stabilizer-Free Trimetallic Prussian Blue Analogue (PBA) and Polyaniline (PANI) on 3D Porous Nickel Foam for the Detection of Nitrofurantoin in Biological Fluids

Herein, a facile and highly effective nonenzymatic electrochemical sensing system is designed for the detection of the antibacterial drug nitrofurantoin (NFT). This electrocatalyst is a combination of a trimetallic Prussian blue analogue and conductive polyaniline coated onto a three-dimensional porous nickel foam substrate. A comprehensive set of physicochemical analyses have verified the successful synthesis. The fabricated electrochemical sensor exhibits an impressively low limit of detection (0.096 nM) and quantification (0.338 nM, S/N = 3.3), coupled with a wide linear range spanning from 0.1 nM to 5 mM and a sensitivity of 13.9 μA nM-1 cm-2. This excellent performance is attributed to the collaborative effects of conducting properties of polyaniline (PANI) and the remarkable redox behavior of the Prussian blue analogue (PBA). When both are integrated into the nickel foam, they create a significantly enlarged surface area with numerous catalytic active sites, enhancing the sensor's efficiency. The sensor demonstrates a high degree of specificity for NFT, while effectively minimizing responses to potential interferences such as flutamide, ascorbic acid, glucose, dopamine, uric acid, and nitrophenol, even when present in 2-3-fold higher concentrations. Moreover, to validate its practical utility, the sensor underwent real sample analysis using synthetic urine, achieving outstanding recovery rates of 118 and 101%.

Synergistic activation of lamellar bismuth selenide anchored functionalized carbon nanofiber for detecting hazardous carbendazim in environmental water samples

Pesticides pollute natural water reservoirs through persistent accumulation. Therefore, their toxicity and degradability are serious issues. Carbendazim (CBZ) is a pesticide used against fungal infections in agricultural crops, and its overexploitation detrimentally affects aquatic ecosystems and organisms. It is necessary to design a logical, efficient, and field-deployable method for monitoring the amount of CBZ in environmental samples. Herein, a nano-engineered bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3)/functionalized carbon nanofiber (f-CNF) nanocomposite was utilized as an electrocatalyst to fabricate an electrochemical sensing platform for CBZ. Bi2Se3/f-CNF exhibited a substantial electroactive surface area, high electrocatalytic activity, and high conductivity owing to the synergistic interaction of Bi2Se3 with f-CNF. The structural chemical compositions and morphology of the Bi2Se3/f-CNF nanocomposite were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Electrochemical analysis was carried out using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The voltammetry and impedance experiments exposed that the Bi2Se3/f-CNF-modified GCE has attained adequate electrocatalytic function with amended features of electron transportation (Rct = 35.93 Ω) and improved reaction sites (0.082 cm2) accessible by CBZ moiety along with exemplary electrochemical stability (98.92%). The Bi2Se3/f-CNF nanocomposite exhibited higher sensitivity of 0.2974 μA μM-1cm-2 and a remarkably low limit of detection (LOD) of 1.04 nM at a broad linera range 0.001-100 μM. The practicability of the nanocomposite was tested in environmental (tap and pond water) samples, which supports excellent signal amplification with satisfactory recoveries. Hence, the Bi2Se3/f-CNF nanocomposite is a promising electrode modifier for detecting CBZ.

Advanced Nanomaterial-Based Biosensors for N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Biomarker Detection: Progress and Future Challenges in Cardiovascular Disease Diagnostics

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a significant challenge in global health, demanding advancements in diagnostic modalities. This review delineates the progressive and restrictive facets of nanomaterial-based biosensors in the context of detecting N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), an indispensable biomarker for CVD prognosis. It scrutinizes the escalation in diagnostic sensitivity and specificity attributable to the incorporation of novel nanomaterials such as graphene derivatives, quantum dots, and metallic nanoparticles, and how these enhancements contribute to reducing detection thresholds and augmenting diagnostic fidelity in heart failure (HF). Despite these technological strides, the review articulates pivotal challenges impeding the clinical translation of these biosensors, including the attainment of clinical-grade sensitivity, the substantial costs associated with synthesizing and functionalizing nanomaterials, and their pragmatic deployment across varied healthcare settings. The necessity for intensified research into the synthesis and functionalization of nanomaterials, strategies to economize production, and amelioration of biosensor durability and ease of use is accentuated. Regulatory hurdles in clinical integration are also contemplated. In summation, the review accentuates the transformative potential of nanomaterial-based biosensors in HF diagnostics and emphasizes critical avenues of research requisite to surmount current impediments and harness the full spectrum of these avant-garde diagnostic instruments.

Development of novel microsphere structured - calcium tungstate as efficacious electrocatalyst for the detection of antibiotic drug nitrofurantoin

In this report, synthetic and nitro groups containing antibiotic drug nitrofurantoin (NFT) were electrochemically quantified under amended conditions using novel constructed calcium tungstate microspheres modified on glassy carbon electrodes (CTMs/GCE). The calcium tungstate microspheres (CTMs) were synthesized by a facile sonochemical method and characterizations were done by various techniques, such as X-ray diffraction spectrometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Ahead of this, electrochemical investigations were performed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), amperometry, and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The synthesis of CTMs as well-distributed microspheres allows more active metal sites regarding and remarkable electrocatalytic activity towards NFT detection with excellent sensitivity (0.724 μA μM-1 cm-2) and low detection limit (21 nmol L-1) with a wide linear range 10-140 μM. The practical feasibility of the developed CTMs/GC electrode was elucidated using distinct real sample river tap water and clinical sample (NFT capsule), and thus, the modified electrode manifested acceptable recovery results.

Rational design of Nd2O3 decorated functionalized carbon nanofiber composite for selective electrochemical detection of carbendazim fungicides in vegetables, water, and soil samples

Abuse of carbendazim (CBZ) leaves excessive pesticide residues on agricultural products, which endangers human health because of the residues' high concentrations. Hence, a composite consisting of functionalized carbon nanofibers (f-CNF) with neodymium oxide (Nd₂O₃) was fabricated to monitor CBZ at trace levels. The Nd₂O₃/f-CNF composite-modified electrode displays higher electro-oxidation ability towards CBZ than Nd₂O₃ and f-CNF-modified electrodes. The combined unique properties of Nd₂O₃ and f-CNF result in a substantial specific surface area, superior structural stability, and excellent electrocatalytic activity of the composite yielding enhanced sensitivity to detecting CBZ with a detection limit of 4.3 nM. Also, the fabricated sensor electrode can detect CBZ in the linear concentration range of up to 243.0 μM with high selectivity, appropriate reproducibility, and stability. A demonstration of the sensing capability of CBZ in vegetables, water, and soil samples was reported paving the way for its use in practical applications.

Eutectic solvent mediated synthesis of carbonated CoFe-LDH nanorods: The effect of interlayer anion (Cl-, SO42-, CO32-) variants for comparing the bifunctional electrochemical sensing application

The unabated usage of priority anthropogenic stressors is a serious concern in the global environmental context. Pharmaceutical drugs such as furazolidone (FL) and nilutamide (NL) have far-reaching repercussions due to the presence of the reactive nitroaromatic moiety. Despite the widespread awareness regarding the dangers posed by nitroaromatic drugs, the promises to alleviate the environmental consequences of drug pollution are often unmet. Accordingly, implementing practices to monitor their presence in various media is a highly desirable, but challenging undertaking. With the advent of deep eutectic solvent-assisted synthesis, it has become possible to fabricate LDH-based sensor materials with minimal energy inputs in a sustainable and scalable manner. In this work, we have framed a series of CoFe-LDH electrocatalysts utilizing deep eutectic solvent-assisted hydrothermal strategies for the simultaneous detection of FL and NL. The CoFe-LDHs intercalated with three distinct anions, namely, (i) Cl^-, (ii) SO₄^2-, and (iii) CO₃^2- are compared so as to establish a relationship between anion intercalation and electrochemical activity. Amongst the prepared electrodes, the CF-LDH-ii/SPCE displays highly appreciable selectivity, linear response range (0.09-237.9 μM), low detetion limits (FL = 1.2 nM and NL = 3.8 nM), high sensitivity (FL = 29.71 μA μM⁻¹ cm⁻² and NL = 19.29 μA μM⁻¹ cm⁻²), good reproducibility and repeatability towards FL and NL in water and urine samples. Thus, with tailored gallery anions, the proposed electrocatalyst establishes enhanced electrocatalytic performance for the real-time analysis of pharmaceutical contaminants.

Construction of ANbO3 (A= Na, K)/f-carbon nanofiber composite: Rapid and real-time electrochemical detection of hydroxychloroquine in environmental samples

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a significant viral resistant drug widely acknowledged for its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. To minimize the impact of HCQ residues on environmental pathways, exploring control measures is vital. In this regard, electrochemical sensing of HCQ using well-structured functional materials is advantageous. This work aims to provide an economical and sustainable route for the synthesis of ANbO₃ (A = Na,K) perovskites via a thymol-menthol-based natural deep eutectic solvent. The as-synthesized NaNbO₃ and KNbO₃ are pinned to functionalized carbon nanofibers (f-CNF) via an ultrasonication approach. Benefitting from the synergistic effect of rapid electron transfer and improved surface area, enhanced electrochemical activity for NaNbO₃@f-CNF/GCE is achieved. The fabricated NaNbO₃@f-CNF displays a LOD (DPV = 0.01 μM, i-t = 0.007 μM), wide dynamic range (DPV = 0.09-22.5 μM, i-t = 0.006-35 μM), outstanding selectivity, and reproducibility, proving feasible in real-time analysis with good recovery rates (±97.67-99.81%). The NADES-mediated preparation of perovskites evades the incorporation of traditional toxic solvents and yields atom-efficient ANbO₃ (A = Na,K) associated with green solvent templates. This validates the sustainable fabrication of electrode materials with reduced energy stipulations for detecting hazardous drug pollutants in the ecosystem.

Modeling of Electrical Conductivity for Polymer-Carbon Nanofiber Systems

There is not a simple model for predicting the electrical conductivity of carbon nanofiber (CNF)-polymer composites. In this manuscript, a model is proposed to predict the conductivity of CNF-filled composites. The developed model assumes the roles of CNF volume fraction, CNF dimensions, percolation onset, interphase thickness, CNF waviness, tunneling length among nanoparticles, and the fraction of the networked CNF. The outputs of the developed model correctly agree with the experimentally measured conductivity of several samples. Additionally, parametric analyses confirm the acceptable impacts of main factors on the conductivity of composites. A higher conductivity is achieved by smaller waviness and lower radius of CNFs, lower percolation onset, less tunnel distance, and higher levels of interphase depth and fraction of percolated CNFs in the nanocomposite. The maximum conductivity is obtained at 2.37 S/m by the highest volume fraction and length of CNFs.

Recent advances in electrochemical-based sensors amplified with carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) for sensing pharmaceutical and food pollutants

Foodborne-related infections due to additives and pollutants pose a considerable task for food processing enterprises. Therefore, the competent, cost-effective, and quick investigation of nutrition additives and contaminants is essential to reduce the threat of public fitness problems. The electrochemical sensor (ECS) shows facile and potent analytical approaches desirable for food protection and quality inspection over traditional methods. The consequence of a broad display of nanomaterials has paved the path for their relevance in designing high-performance ECSs appliances for medical diagnostics and conditions and food protection. This review article has discussed the importance of electrochemical-based sensors amplified with carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs). Initially, we have demonstrated the types of pharmaceutical and food/agriculture pollutants (such as pesticides, heavy metals, antibiotics and other medical drugs) present in water. Subsequently, we have compiled the information on electrochemical techniques (such as voltammetric and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) and their crucial parameters for detecting pollutants. Further, the applications of CNMs for sensing pharmaceutical and food pollutants have been demonstrated in detail. Finally, the topic has been concluded with existing challenges and future prospects.

Carbon Nanomaterials-Based Novel Hybrid Platforms for Electrochemical Sensor Applications in Drug Analysis

Nowadays, the rapid improvements in the medical and pharmaceutical fields increase the diversity and use of drugs. However, problems such as the use of multiple or combined drugs in the treatment of diseases and insensible use of over-the-counter drugs have caused concerns about the side-effect profiles and therapeutic ranges of drugs and environmental contamination and pollution problems due to pharmaceuticals waste. Therefore, the analysis of drugs in various media such as biological, pharmaceutical, and environmental samples is an important topic of discussion. Electrochemical methods are advantageous for sensor applications due to their easy application, low cost, versatility, high sensitivity, and environmentally-friendliness. Carbon nanomaterials such as diamond-like carbon thin films, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, graphene oxide, and nanodiamonds are used to enhance the performance of the electrochemical sensors with catalytic effects. To further improve this effect, it is aimed to create hybrid platforms by using different carbon nanomaterials together or with materials such as conductive polymers and ionic liquids. In this review, the most used carbon nanoforms will be evaluated in terms of electrochemical characterizations and physicochemical properties. Furthermore, the effect of hybrid platforms developed in the most recent studies on electrochemical sensors will be examined and evaluated in terms of drug analysis studies in the last five years.

Surfactant-Assisted Synthesis of Praseodymium Orthovanadate Nanofiber-Supported NiFe-Layered Double Hydroxide Bifunctional Catalyst: The Electrochemical Detection and Degradation of Diphenylamine

Physiological storage disorders are caused by ineffective post-harvest handling of horticultural crops, particularly fruits. To address these post-harvest concerns, diphenylamine (DPAH^•+) is widely used as a preservative to prevent fruit degradation and surface scald during storage around the world. Humans are negatively affected by the use of high concentrations of DPAH^•+ because of the various health complications related to its exposure. As a result, accurate detection and quantification of DPAH^•+ residues in treated fruits are critical. Rare earth metal orthovanadates, which have excellent physical and chemical properties, are potential materials for electrochemical sensors in this area. Herein, we present a simple and direct ultrasonication technique for the surfactant-assisted synthesis of praseodymium orthovanadate (PrVO₄ or PrV) loaded on nickel iron layered double hydroxide (NiFe-LDH) synthesized with deep eutectic solvent assistance, as well as its application as an effective catalyst in the detection and degradation of DPAH^•+ in fruits and water samples. The current work presents supreme electrochemical features of a PrV@NiFe-LDH-modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) where cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant-driven fabrication of PrV directs the formation of highly qualified engineered structures and the deep eutectic solvent based green synthesis of NiFe-LDH creates hierarchical lamellar structures following the principles of green chemistry. PrV and NiFe-LDH combine to produce a synergistic effect that improves the number of active sites, charge transfer kinetics, and electronic conductivity. Differential pulse voltammetry analysis of PrV@NiFe-LDH/SPCE reveals a dynamic working range (0.005-226.26 μM), increased sensitivity (133.13 μA μM^-1 cm^-2), enhanced photocatalytic activity, and low detection limit (0.001 μM), which are considered significant when compared with the former reported electrodes in the literature for the determination of DPAḢ⁺ for its real-time applications.

Selective Electrochemical Sensing Platform Based on the Synergy between Carbon Black and Single-Crystalline Bismuth Sulfide for Rapid Analysis of Antipyretic Drugs

Nanomaterials are of significant interest in acetaminophen (APAP) detection in pharmaceutical samples. Herein, a carbon black/single-crystalline rodlike bismuth sulfide (CB/Bi₂S₃) composite prepared by an ultrasonic method is reported and utilized for the rapid analysis of APAP. The highly oriented edge reactive sites of the CB/Bi₂S₃ composite promoted synergy and good electrochemical sensing performance with a fast electron transfer rate and low overpotential (0.35 V). Therefore, a CB/Bi₂S₃ composite-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was applied to the selective determination of APAP by the voltammetric technique. The CB/Bi₂S₃ composite-modified electrode showed the lowest limit of detection of APAP (1.9 nM) with excellent sensitivity. The proposed CB/Bi₂S₃/GCE platform exhibited high selectivity, excellent stability (87.15%), and reproducibility. Also, the CB/Bi₂S₃/GCE sensor was then successfully used to analyze an APAP pharmaceutical sample and exhibited satisfactory outcomes. Therefore, the CB/Bi₂S₃-modified GCE sensor platform would be a low-cost and robust GCE electrode material for APAP detection.

Well-Designed Construction of Yttrium Orthovanadate Confined on Graphitic Carbon Nitride Sheets: Electrochemical Investigation of Dimetridazole

Antibiotics are the most important drugs for people and animals to fight bacterial illnesses. Overuse of antibiotics has had unintended consequences, such as antibiotic resistance and ecosystem eradication owing to toxic chemical discharge, which have a negative influence on the biome. Herein, we report the synthesis of a hollow ellipsoid-shaped yttrium vanadate/graphitic carbon nitride (YVO₄@CN) nanocomposite by a hydrothermal approach followed by a sonochemical method for the effective detection of dimetridazole (DMZ). The synergic and coupling effect between both the phases offer non-linear cumulative ramifications which can positively enhance the individual properties of the materials under consideration. This positive hybrid effect increases the conductivity, shortens the ion-diffusion pathway, enhances the electron/ion transportation, and provides more active sites and electron-conducting channels. The accurate optimization of the experimental conditions proposes good electrocatalytic activity for the YVO₄@CN catalyst, exhibiting a good response toward DMZ detection. It reveals an extensive linear concentration range (0.001-153.3 and 176.64-351.6 μM), a low detection limit (0.8 nM), higher sensitivity (4.98 μA μM^-1 cm^-2), appreciable selectivity, increased operational stability (2200 s), and good cycle stability (60 cycles). The electrochemical performance of YVO₄@CN indicates its practical application in real-time sample analysis of several families of nitroimidazole drugs.

Toward the Development of Disposable Electrodes Based on Holmium Orthovanadate/f-Boron Nitride: Impacts and Electrochemical Performances of Emerging Inorganic Contaminants

Rare-earth metal orthovanadates have great technological relevance in the family of rare-earth compounds owing to their excellent physical and chemical properties. A significant number of studies have been carried out on this class of compounds to exploit their electrochemical properties in virtue of variable oxidation states. But holmium vanadate (HoV) and its morphology selective synthesis have not been considered, which can have potential applications similar to the rest of the family. In this work, we propose the synthesis of superior architectures of HoV with a functionalized boron nitride (f-BN) nanocomposite. The synergistic effect between HoV and f-BN can have a positive effect on the physical characteristics of the nanocomposite, which can be explored for its electrochemical capacity. Here, HoV incorporated with f-BN is explored for the electrochemical detection of Hg²⁺ ions, which is known for its toxicity-induced environmental health hazards. The structural and compositional revelation reveals higher conductivity and faster electron transfer in the composite, which facilitates a wide working range (0.02-53.8 and 64.73-295.4 μM), low limit of detection (5 nM), higher sensitivity (66.6 μA μM^-1 cm^-2), good selectivity over 10-fold higher concentration of other interfering compounds compared to Hg²⁺ ion concentration, and good cycles stability (30 segments) toward Hg²⁺ ion detection. This also envisages the morphology selective synthesis and utilization of other rare-earth metals, whose electrochemical capacities are unexplored.