Rapid and sensitive electrochemical determination of codeine in pharmaceutical formulations and human urine using a boron-doped diamond film electrode

Graphene quantum dots modified electrodes as electrochemical sensing tool towards the detection of codeine in biological fluids and soft drinks

An electroanalytical method based on disposable screen-printed carbon electrodes modified with non-toxic carbonaceous nanodots is proposed as a reliable and effective device for codeine determination in biological fluids and soft drinks. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and carbon nanodots (CNDs) were evaluated as electrode modifiers for the determination of the drug. The electroactive areas of the modified electrodes were assessed by cyclic voltammetry using potassium ferricyanide. Results demonstrated that GQDs provided the best analytical response for codeine, displaying an intense and well-defined anodic wave approximately 0.9 V vs reference electrode. The method exhibits an acceptable linear dynamic range, low limits of detection and quantification (0.21 and 0.73 µM, respectively), and satisfactory precision (below 3.9% expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD)) in saliva. Only the analysis of biofluids requires a simple extraction protocol. The feasibility and applicability of this novel approach were assessed by determining codeine in different matrices, with recoveries ranging from 69 to 112%. This cost-effective, simple, easily miniaturised and portable method was applied not only to biofluids but also for the direct detection of codeine in soft drinks combined with a codeine-enriched syrup, a medication that is being used to adulterate beverages, particularly at specific events (drinking and nightclub parties). There is no need for any sample treatment, demonstrating its versatility in analysing beverages for potential adulteration as well.

High-performance fentanyl molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensing platform designed through molecular simulations

BACKGROUND

Fentanyl and its derivatives are a type of potent opioid analgesics, with the characteristics of diverse structure, high toxicity, extremely low content, and high fatality rate. Currently, they have become one of the most serious problems in international drug abuse control due to their extensive use in drug production and use. Therefore, the development of a rapid, sensitive, and accurate method for detecting trace fentanyl is of great significance. In this study, in view of its complex structure and trace concentration, a new molecular imprinting electrochemical sensor was developed through molecular simulations followed by experimental validation to detect trace fentanyl.

RESULTS

The process consisted of first obtaining the optimal functional monomer and its molar ratio through molecular simulations. The recognition sites of fentanyl-imprinted polymers were predicted to guide the synthesis of imprinted membranes with precision approach to ensure an efficient and accurate reaction process. Reduced graphene oxide (ErGO) was then deposited on glassy carbon electrode surface by electrochemical reduction to yield large numbers of active sites suitable for catalyzing reactions of fentanyl piperidine for promoted efficient electron transfer and amplified sensitivity of the sensor. Accordingly, fentanyl molecularly imprinted film was formed through one-step electropolymerization to yield greatly improved sensing selectivity due to the specific recognition of molecularly imprinted polymer. Under optimal experimental conditions, the fentanyl sensor showed an extended detection range of 3.84 × 10-9 mol L-1-1.72 × 10-6 mol L-1 and a detection limit of 1.28 × 10-9 mol L-1.

SIGNIFICANCE

A distinctive feature of this sensor is its molecularly imprinted polymerized membrane, which offers excellent specific recognition, thereby boosting the sensor's selectivity. Throughout the sensor's development process, molecular simulations were employed to steer the synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers and predict the recognition sites of fentanyl-imprinted polymers. The experimental outcomes proved to align with the simulation data. The final sensor exhibited outstanding selectivity, repeatability, stability, and high sensitivity. The sensor was effectively used to reliably track fentanyl in human serum samples, with acceptable analytical reliability, suggesting its potential for practical applications.

Synchronous analysis of acetaminophen, codeine, and caffeine in human fluids employing graphite screen-printed electrodes

A facile electrochemical approach is proposed for the synchronous determination of acetaminophen (ACP), codeine (COD) and caffeine (CAF) utilizing unmodified screen-printed electrodes (SPEs). The determination of ACP, COD and CAF has been explored across different supporting electrolytes including sulfuric acid (H2SO4), hydrochloric acid (HCl), phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and Briton Robinson (B.R) buffer solutions. It was found that a 0.05 mol L-1 sulfuric acid solution is an optimal supporting electrolyte utilized for voltammetric analysis of ACP, COD, and CAF with improved sensitivity, stability, and reproducibility. The electro-analytical sensing of ACP, COD and CAF was investigated using SPEs within linear concentration ranges of 3.0-35.0 μmol L-1, 10-160 μmol L-1 and 10-160 μmol L-1 and revealed competitively low limits of detection (3S/N) of 0.9, 4.8 and 6.3 μmol L-1 for ACP, COD and CAF, respectively. The results indicated the possibility of such a simple and quick electroanalytical protocol for online monitoring of pharmaceutical formulations comprising ACP, COD, and CAF drugs in human fluids with satisfactory recovery.

A promising and highly sensitive electrochemical platform for the detection of fentanyl and alfentanil in human serum

A novel electrochemical method has been developed, based on a covalent organic framework (COF) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), to detect fentanyl and alfentanil. COF nanomaterials with chrysanthemum morphology obtained by solvothermal reaction contain rich active sites for electrochemical catalytic reaction, thus improving the detection performance of the designed sensor. Reduced graphene oxide improves the sensor's sensitivity due to enhanced electron transfer. Under optimized experimental conditions, the fabricated electrode presents a linear range of 0.02 to 7.26 μM for alfentanil and 0.1 to 6.54 μM for fentanyl, with detection limits of 6.7 nM and 33 nM, respectively. In addition, the sensor possesses excellent selectivity, outstanding reproducibility, and acceptable stability. The proposed sensor is feasible for the reliable monitoring of fentanyl and alfentanil in human serum samples, with acceptable reliability and high potential in real-world applications. Finally, the electrochemical characteristic fingerprint of fentanyl is investigated by studying the electrochemical behavior of alfentanil and fentanyl on the electrode surface.

Voltammetric Determination of 3-Methylmorphine Using Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with rGO and Bismuth Film

This work reports the development and application of a simple, rapid and low-cost voltammetric method for the determination of 3-methylmorphine at nanomolar levels in clinical and environmental samples. The proposed method involves the combined application of a glassy carbon electrode modified with reduced graphene oxide, chitosan and bismuth film (Bi-rGO-CTS/GCE) via square-wave voltammetry using 0.04 mol L^-1 Britton-Robinson buffer solution (pH 4.0). The application of the technique yielded low limit of detection of 24 × 10^-9 mol L^-1 and linear concentration range of 2.5 × 10^-7 to 8.2 × 10^-6 mol L^-1. The Bi-rGO-CTS/GCE sensor was successfully applied for the detection of 3-methylmorphine in the presence of other compounds, including paracetamol and caffeine. The results obtained also showed that the application of the sensor for 3-methylmorphine detection did not experience any significant interference in the presence of silicon dioxide, povidone, cellulose, magnesium stearate, urea, ascorbic acid, humic acid and croscarmellose. The applicability of the Bi-rGO-CTS/GCE sensor for the detection of 3-methylmorphine was evaluated using synthetic urine, serum, and river water samples through addition and recovery tests, and the results obtained were found to be similar to those obtained for the high-performance liquid chromatography method (HPLC)-used as a reference method. The findings of this study show that the proposed voltammetric method is a simple, fast and highly efficient alternative technique for the detection of 3-methylmorphine in both biological and environmental samples.

Recent Developments in the Sensitive Electrochemical Assay of Common Opioid Drugs

Opioids are a class of drugs used to treat moderate to severe pain and have short-term adverse effects. Nevertheless, they are considered necessary for pain management. However, well-known hazards are connected with an opioid prescription, such as overuse, addiction, and overdose deaths. For example, the death rate from opioid analgesic poisoning in the USA approximately doubled, owing to the overuse and addiction of opioid analgesics. Also, opioids are a very important group of analytes in forensic chemistry, so it is necessary to use reliable, fast, and sensitive analytical tools to determine opioid analgesics. This review focuses on the opioid overdose crisis, the properties of commonly used opioid drugs, their mechanism, effects, and some chromatographic and spectroscopic detection methods are explained briefly. Then most essentially recent developments covering the last ten years in the sensitive electrochemical methods of common opioid analgesics, their innovations and features, and future research directions are presented.

Advances of Drugs Electroanalysis Based on Direct Electrochemical Redox on Electrodes: A Review

The strong development of mankind is inseparable from the proper use of drugs, and the electroanalytical research of drugs occupies an important position in the field of analytical chemistry. This review mainly elaborates the research progress of drugs electroanalysis based on direct electrochemical redox on various electrodes for the recent decade from 2011 to 2021. At first, we summarize some frequently used electrochemical data processing and electrochemical mechanism research derivation methods in the literature. Then, according to the drug therapeutic and application/usage purposes, the research progress of drugs electrochemical analysis is classified and discussed, where we focus on drugs electrochemical reaction mechanism. At the same time, the comparisons of electrochemical sensing performance of the drugs on various electrodes from recent studies are listed, so that readers can more intuitively compare and understand the electroanalytical sensing performance of each modified electrode for each of the drug. Finally, this review discusses the shortcomings and prospects of the drugs electroanalysis based on direct electrochemical redox research.

A Review of Analytical Methods for Codeine Determination

Codeine is derived from morphine, an opioid analgesic, and has weaker analgesic and sedative effects than the parent molecule. This weak opioid is commonly used in combination with other drugs for over-the-counter cough relief medication. Due to the psychoactive properties of opioid drugs, the easily obtained codeine often becomes subject to misuse. Codeine misuse has emerged as a concerning public health issue due to its associated adverse effects such as headache, nausea, vomiting, and hemorrhage. Thus, it is very important to develop reliable analytical techniques to detect codeine for both quality control of pharmaceutical formulations and identifying drug misuse in the community. This review aims to provide critical outlooks on analytical methods applicable to the determination of codeine.

Boron-Doped Diamond Electrodes: Recent Developments and Advances in View of Electrochemical Drug Sensors

Conductive boron-doped diamond (BDD), in addition to its superior material properties, offers many important advantages that make it an interesting material for electroanalytical studies. It has been considered as an excellent electrode material for electrooxidation of drug active compounds in their dosage forms or in biological materials due to its good physical and chemical properties. It contains not only the largest solvent working potential window compared to other electrode materials, but also it has low background and capacitive currents; lower problems with passivation and it has the ability to withstand extreme potentials, corrosive, and high temperature/pressure environments. The aim of this review is not only to provide a state-of-the-art of diamond electrochemistry but also to serve as a reference point for any researcher wishing to commence work with diamond electrodes and understand electrochemical data. Therefore, it is focused on the carbon-based materials, electrochemical properties of the BDD film electrode, its fundamental research, and its electrochemical pretreatment process are discussed in detail. In this case, there are important studies to show the effective BDD drug sensors for the detection and determination of drugs and the present review critically summarizes the available data in this field between 2015 and 2020.

HPLC with electrochemical detection for determining homogentisic acid and its application to urine from rats fed tyrosine-enriched food

A highly sensitive method for determining urine homogentisic acid (HGA) is required to provide adequate diagnosis and therapy for alkaptonuria in early stages. In this study, we developed a highly sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD) for determining HGA in urine. In order to obtain a chromatogram of HGA by HPLC-ECD, an oxidation current was monitored at +0.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The peak heights of HGA showed linearity (r = 0.999) ranging from 4.2 ng/mL to 168 ng/mL, and the detection limit was 1.2 ng/mL (signal-to-noise ratio, S/N = 3). In recovery tests using human control urine spiked with an HGA standard, the recoveries of HGA were more than 93.2 %, and the relative standard deviations (n = 6) were less than 1.9 %. As an in vivo application using male Wistar rats, the level of urine HGA, which was metabolized from tyrosine in tyrosine-enriched food, was determined by this HPLC-ECD method. The determination of HGA in urine by this HPLC-ECD method requires only 0.1 mL of a rat urine specimen and simple sample preparation consisting of dilution and filtration.

Simultaneous Detection of Morphine and Codeine in the Presence of Ascorbic Acid and Uric Acid and in Human Plasma at Nafion Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Thin-Film Electrode

In clinical settings, the dosing and differential diagnosis of the poisoning of morphine (MO) and codeine (CO) is challenging due to interindividual variations in metabolism. However, direct electrochemical detection of these analytes from biological matrices is inherently challenging due to interference from large concentrations of anions, such as ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA), as well as fouling of the electrode by proteins. In this work, a disposable Nafion-coated single-walled carbon nanotube network (SWCNT) electrode was developed. We show facile electron transfer and efficient charge separation between the interfering anions and positively charged MO and CO, as well as significantly reduced matrix effect in human plasma. The Nafion coating alters the voltammetric response of MO and CO, enabling simultaneous detection. With this SWCNT/Nafion electrode, two linear ranges of 0.05-1 and 1-10 μM were found for MO and one linear range of 0.1-50 μM for CO. Moreover, the selective and simultaneous detection of MO and CO was achieved in large excess of AA and UA, as well as, for the first time, in unprocessed human plasma. The favorable properties of this electrode enabled measurements in plasma with only mild dilution and without the precipitation of proteins.

Robust Chromatographic Methods for the Analysis of Two Quaternary Mixtures Containing Paracetamol, Codeine, Guaifenesin and Pseudoephedrine or Phenylephrine in their Dosage Forms

Two simple validated and highly selective methods for analysis of paracetamol, codeine, guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine quaternary mixtures were developed. The first method is a high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection method where separation was successful using Agilent C18 (150 × 4.6 mm) column, gradient elution of phosphate buffer pH 3, methanol and acetonitrile and diode-array detection at 210 nm. The second method is a HPTLC method followed by densitometric measurement of the spots at 257 nm. Separation was carried out on Merck HPTLC aluminum sheets of silica gel using methylene chloride: methanol: glacial acetic acid: ammonia (17.8: 1.68: 0.4: 0.12, v/v) mobile phase. The methods were applied successfully for analysis of both quaternary mixtures in laboratory-prepared tablets and also validated in regards to linearity, precision, accuracy, sensitivity and stability.

Voltammetric Techniques for the Analysis of Drugs using Nanomaterials based Chemically Modified Electrodes

Background:

Electroanalytical techniques play a very important role in the areas of medicinal, clinical as well as pharmaceutical research. Amongst these techniques, the voltammetric methods for the determination of drugs using nanomaterials based chemically modified electrodes (CMEs) have received enormous attention in recent years. This is due to the sensitivity and selectivity they provide on qualitative as well as quantitative aspects of the electroactive analyte under study. The aim of the present review was to discuss the work on nanomaterials based CMEs for the analysis of drugs covering the period from 2000 to present employing various voltammetric techniques for different classes of the drugs.

Methods:

The present review deals with the determination of different classes of drugs including analgesics, anthelmentic, anti-TB, cardiovascular, antipsychotics and anti-allergic, antibiotic and gastrointestinal drugs. Also, a special section is devoted for enantioanalysis of certain chiral drugs using voltammetry. The detailed information of the voltammetric determination for the drugs from each class employing various techniques such as differential pulse voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, square wave voltammetry, stripping voltammetry, etc. are presented in tabular form below the description of each class in the review.

Results:

Various nanomaterials including carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon nanofibers, quantum dots, metal/metal oxide nanoparticles, polymer based nanocomposites have been used by researchers for the development of CMEs over a period of time. The large surface area to volume ratio, high conductivity, electrocatalytic activity and biocompatibility make them ideal modifiers where they produce synergistic effect which helps in trace level determination of pharmaceutical, biomedical and medicinal compounds. In addition, macrocyclic compounds as chiral selectors have been used for the determination of enantiomeric drugs where one of the isomers captured in the cavities of chiral selector shows stronger binding interaction for one of the enantiomorphs.

Conclusion:

arious kinds of functional nanocomposites have led to the manipulation of peak potential due to drug - nanoparticles interaction at the modified electrode surface. This has facilitated the simultaneous determination of drugs with almost similar peak potentials. Also, it leads to the enhancement in voltammetric response of the analytes. It is expected that such modified electrodes can be easily miniaturized and used as portable, wearable and user friendly devices. This will pave a way for in-vivo onsite real monitoring of single as well as multi component pharmaceutical compounds.

Ultra-sensitive electrochemical sensing of acetaminophen and codeine in biological fluids using CuO/CuFe2O4 nanoparticles as a novel electrocatalyst

Copper ferrite–copper oxide (CuO-CuFe₂O₄) nanoparticles as a semiconductor composite with p–n junction were synthesized by co-precipitation reaction. Then, a novel CuO-CuFe₂O₄ carbon paste modified electrode was fabricated which displays an effectual electrocatalytic response to the oxidation of acetaminophen (AC) and codeine (CO). A linear range of 0.01–1.5 μmol L⁻¹ and 0.06–10.0 μmol L⁻¹ with the detection limits of 0.007 μmol L⁻¹ and 0.01 μmol L⁻¹ were achieved for AC and CO, respectively. The practical usage of the proposed sensor revealed reasonable results for quantification of AC and CO in biological fluids.

Preconcentration of codeine in pharmaceutical and human urine samples by multi-walled carbon nanotubes and its spectrophotometric determination

A rapid and efficient solid phase extraction method was established for the preconcentration of codeine prior to its simple determination by spectrophotometry. The extraction process is based on the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) containing –COOH functional groups. These CNTs showed a great affinity for the low quantities of codeine in certain condition. Various extraction factors including buffer type, concentration and its pH, ionic buffer, incubation time, and eluent were optimized to achieve high sensitivity. The calibration graph was linear in the codeine concentration range of 0.001–4 mg·L−1, with a detection limit (3s) of 0.4 μg·L−1. The relative standard deviation (RSD %) for the repetitive determination of 0.01, 0.5, and 2 mg·L−1 codeine (n = 5) were 1.56%, 2.01%, and 1.63%, respectively. Furthermore, comparison with other reported methods showed that the presented method has suitable characteristics. Finally the method was successfully used to accurately determine codeine in pharmaceutical and human urine samples.

Simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid, acetaminophen and codeine based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified with magnetic nanoparticles paste electrode

Based on incorporating ZnCrFeO4 into multi-walled carbon nanotubes paste matrix (MWCNTs/ZnCrFeO4/CPE), a chemically modified electrode was prepared for the simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid (AA), acetaminophen (AC) and codeine (CO). The prepared electrode, MWCNTs/ZnCrFeO4/CPE, was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The MWCNTs/ZnCrFeO4/CPE showed an efficient electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of AA, AC, and CO. The separations of the oxidation peak potentials for AA-AC and AC-CO were about 250mV and 630mV, respectively. The calibration curves obtained for AA, AC, and CO were in the ranges of 0.4-730.0μmolL(-1), 0.1-368.0μmolL(-1), and 0.3-250.0μmolL(-1), respectively. The detection limits (S/N=3) were 0.03μmolL(-1), 0.009μmolL(-1), and 0.01μmolL(-1) for AA, AC, and CO, respectively. The method was also successfully employed as a selective, simple, and precise method to determinate AA, AC, and CO in pharmaceutical and biological samples.

Sensitive and simple simultaneous determination of morphine and codeine using a Zn2SnO4nanoparticle/graphene composite modified electrochemical sensor

Simultaneous determination of morphine and codeine using a nanocomposite modified electrochemical sensor.

A new sensitive sensor for simultaneous differential pulse voltammetric determination of codeine and acetaminophen using a hydroquinone derivative and multiwall carbon nanotubes carbon paste electrode

A new sensitive sensor was fabricated for simultaneous determination of codeine and acetaminophen based on 4-hydroxy-2-(triphenylphosphonio)phenolate (HTP) and multiwall carbon nanotubes paste electrode at trace levels. The sensitivity of codeine determination was deeply affected by spiking multiwall carbon nanotubes and a modifier in carbon paste. Electron transfer coefficient, α, catalytic electron rate constant, k, and the exchange current density, j 0, for oxidation of codeine at the HTP-MWCNT-CPE were calculated using cyclic voltammetry. The calibration curve was linear over the range 0.2-844.7 μM with two linear segments, and the detection limit of 0.063 μM of codeine was obtained using differential pulse voltammetry. The modified electrode was separated codeine and acetaminophen signals by differential pulse voltammetry. The modified electrode was applied for the determination of codeine and acetaminophen in biological and pharmaceutical samples with satisfactory results.

Voltammetric Determination of Codeine on Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Nafion/MWCNTs

A glassy carbon electrode modified with a Nafion/MWCNTs composite is shown to enable the determination of codeine using differential pulse voltammetry in phosphate buffer of pH 3.0. At a preconcentration time of 15 s, the calibration graph is linear in the 0.5 µM (0.15 mg·L(-1)) to 15 µM (4.5 mg·L(-1)) concentration range with a correlation coefficient of 0.998. The detection limit at a preconcentration time of 120 s is as low as 4.5 μg·L(-1). The repeatability of the method at a 0.6 μg·L(-1) concentration level, expressed as the RSD, is 3.7% (for n = 5). The method was successfully applied and validated by analyzing codeine in drug, human plasma, and urine samples.

Voltammetric determination of an antipsychotic agent trifluoperazine at a boron-doped diamond electrode in human urine

Differential pulse voltammetric determination of antipsychotic drug trifluoperazine on boron-doped diamond electrode.

Nanomaterial-based electrochemical sensing of neurological drugs and neurotransmitters

Nanomaterial-modified detection systems represent a chief driver towards the adoption of electrochemical methods, since nanomaterials enable functional tunability, ability to self-assemble, and novel electrical, optical and catalytic properties that emerge at this scale. This results in tremendous gains in terms of sensitivity, selectivity and versatility. We review the electrochemical methods and mechanisms that may be applied to the detection of neurological drugs. We focus on understanding how specific nano-sized modifiers may be applied to influence the electron transfer event to result in gains in sensitivity, selectivity and versatility of the detection system. This critical review is structured on the basis of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification System, specifically ATC Code N (neurotransmitters). Specific sections are dedicated to the widely used electrodes based on the carbon materials, supporting electrolytes, and on electrochemical detection paradigms for neurological drugs and neurotransmitters within the groups referred to as ATC codes N01 to N07. We finally discuss emerging trends and future challenges such as the development of strategies for simultaneous detection of multiple targets with high spatial and temporal resolutions, the integration of microfluidic strategies for selective and localized analyte pre-concentration, the real-time monitoring of neurotransmitter secretions from active cell cultures under electro- and chemotactic cues, aptamer-based biosensors, and the miniaturization of the sensing system for detection in small sample volumes and for enabling cost savings due to manufacturing scale-up. The Electronic Supporting Material (ESM) includes review articles dealing with the review topic in last 40 years, as well as key properties of the analytes, viz., pKa values, half-life of drugs and their electrochemical mechanisms. The ESM also defines analytical figures of merit of the drugs and neurotransmitters. The article contains 198 references in the main manuscript and 207 references in the Electronic Supporting Material. Figureᅟ

Voltammetric behavior of rutin at a boron-doped diamond electrode. Its electroanalytical determination in a pharmaceutical formulation

This paper examined for the first time, the possibilities of the usage of a boron-doped diamond electrode for the redox behavior of rutin using cyclic and adsorptive stripping voltammetry. The cyclic voltammograms showed a pair of redox peaks at lower potentials followed by an irreversible oxidation peak at higher positive potential. Using square-wave adsorptive stripping voltammetry, the compound yielded a well-defined voltammetric response in Britton-Robinson buffer, pH 4.0 at +0.48 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) (after 60 s accumulations at a fixed potential of 0.2 V). The calibration curve was linear in the concentration range from 0.01 µg mL−1 to 0.1 µg mL−1 (1.64×10−8 M − 1.64×10−7 M). A detection limit of 0.0017 µg mL−1 (2.78×10−9 M) was observed without any chemical modifications and electrochemical surface pretreatments. As an example, the practical applicability of boron-doped diamond electrode was tested with the measurement of rutin in dietary supplement products.