A sensitive graphene and ethyl 2-(4-ferrocenyl-[1,2,3]triazol-1-yl) acetate modified carbon paste electrode for the concurrent determination of isoproterenol, acetaminophen, tryptophan and theophylline in human biological fluids

Electrochemical methods for the determination of acetaminophen in biological matrices: A critical review in the clinical field

BACKGROUND

Paracetamol or acetaminophen (APAP), or acetaminophen, is a widely used medication for pain relief and fever reduction due to its analgesic and antipyretic properties. However, excessive APAP consumption can lead to severe hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, posing overdose risks. Consequently, the development of analytical methods for an accurate and rapid detection of APAP in biological matrices is of great interest in the health-related fields. Electrochemical methods have emerged as efficient, cost-effective, and sensitive tools for APAP detection in biological samples. In the light of the reported insights, this review examines critically diverse electrochemical methods for PAR detection in different biological matrices, including serum, urine, oral fluid, and sweat.

RESULTS

The claimed benefits of chemically-modified electrodes towards the selective determination of paracetamol in such complex sample matrices are discussed. On the other hand, the possible use of unmodified carbon-based electrodes combined with flow methods is highlighted as an alternative that can find relevance in the analysis of biological fluids suspected of PAR overdose occurring in the forensic scenario. Furthermore, the details regarding the distinct techniques and working electrodes for APAP determination are presented, compared and discussed in separate sections for each biological sample (serum, urine, and oral fluid). Another aspect herein debated is the selective determination of APAP in the presence of electroactive drugs naturally found in biological samples, as uric acid, and ascorbic acid, are evaluated. In addition, we have discussed and emphasized the significance of matrix selection to ensure precise results, especially in potential overdose scenarios.

SIGNIFICANCE

This review article provides a critical discussion on the development of electroanalytical methods for biological fluids, with relevance to the fields of clinical analysis and forensics.

Carbon nanomaterials as electrochemical sensors for theophylline: a review

Theophylline (TP) is a methylxanthine derivative, which serves as a valuable compound in treating respiratory disorders and acts as a bronchodilator agent. However, TP has a limited therapeutic range (20-100 μmol L-1), demanding precise monitoring to prevent potential drug toxicity even with slight level fluctuations during treatment. Thus, to overcome this limitation, electrochemical methods have been extensively used due to their efficacy in achieving sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy. In the context of electrochemical sensors, nanocarbon-based materials have gained widespread recognition for their extensive applications. Therefore, this review aims to explore the latest advancements in carbon-based electrodes particularly used for the precise determination of TP through electrochemical methods. The results are expected to provide insights into the profound significance of the methods in enhancing the accuracy and sensitivity for the detection of TP.

Implications of analytical nanoscience in pharmaceutical and biomedical fields: A critical view

This review summarizes recent progress performed in the design and application of analytical tools and methodologies using nanomaterials for pharmaceutical analysis, and specifically new nanomedicines at distinct phases of development and translation from preclinical to clinical stages. Over the last 10-15 years, a growing number of studies have utilized various nanomaterials, including carbon-based, metallic nanoparticles, polymeric nanomaterials, materials based on biological molecules, and composite nanomaterials as tools for improving the analysis of pharmaceutical products. New and more complex nanomaterials are currently being explored to influence different stages of the analytical process. These materials provide unique properties to support the extraction of analytes in complex samples, increase the selectivity and efficiency of chromatographic separations, and improve the analytical properties of many sensor applications. Indeed, nanomaterials, including electrochemical detection approaches and biosensing, are expanding at a remarkable rate. Furthermore, the analytical performance of numerous approaches to determine drugs in different matrices can be significantly improved in terms of precision, detection limits, selectivity, and time of analysis. However, the quality control and metrological characterization of the currently synthesized nanomaterials still depend on the development of new and improved analytical methodologies, and the application of specific and improved instrumentation. Therefore, there is still much to explore about the properties of nanomaterials which need to be determined even more precisely and accurately.

A bibliometric analysis of graphene in acetaminophen detection: Current status, development, and future directions

Acetaminophen is a widely used analgesic throughout the world. Detection of acetaminophen has particular value in pharmacy and clinics. Electrochemical sensors assembled with advanced materials are an effective method for the rapid detection of acetaminophen. Graphene-based carbon nanomaterials have been extensively investigated for potential analytical applications in the last decade. In this article, we selected papers containing both graphene and acetaminophen. Bibliometrics was used to analyze the relationships and trends among these papers. The results show that the topic has grown at a high rate since 2009. Among them, the detection of acetaminophen by an electrochemical sensor based on graphene is the most important direction. Graphene has moved from being a primary sensing material to a substrate for immobilization of other active ingredients. In addition, the degradation of acetaminophen using graphene-modified electrodes is also an important direction. We analyzed the research history and current status of this topic through bibliometrics. Authors, institutions, countries, and key literature were discussed. We also proposed perspectives for this topic.

Achievements of Graphene and Its Derivatives Materials on Electrochemical Drug Assays and Drug-DNA Interactions

Graphene, emerging as a true two-dimensional (2D) material, has attracted increasing attention due to its unique physical and electrochemical properties such as high surface area, excellent conductivity, high mechanical strength, and ease of functionalization and mass production. The entire scientific community recognizes the significance and potential impact of graphene. Electrochemical detection strategies have advantages such as being simple, fast, and low-cost. The use of graphene as an excellent interface for electrode modification provides a promising way to construct more sensitive and stable electrochemical (bio)sensors. The review presents sensors based on graphene and its derivatives for electrochemical drug assays from pharmaceutical dosage forms and biological samples. Future perspectives in this rapidly developing field are also discussed. In addition, the interaction of several important anticancer drug molecules with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that was immobilized onto graphene-modified electrodes has been detailed in terms of dosage regulation and utility purposes.

Nano optical and electrochemical sensors and biosensors for detection of narrow therapeutic index drugs

For the first time, a comprehensive review is presented on the quantitative determination of narrow therapeutic index drugs (NTIDs) by nano optical and electrochemical sensors and biosensors. NTIDs have a narrow index between their effective doses and those at which they produce adverse toxic effects. Therefore, accurate determination of these drugs is very important for clinicians to provide a clear judgment about drug therapy for patients. Routine analytical techniques have limitations such as being expensive, laborious, and time-consuming, and need a skilled user and therefore  the nano/(bio)sensing technology leads to high interest.

Carbon based nanomaterials for the detection of narrow therapeutic index pharmaceuticals

Precise detection of important pharmaceuticals with narrow therapeutic index (NTI) is very critical as there is a small window between their effective dose and the doses at which the adverse reactions are very likely to appear. Regarding the fact that various pharmacokinetics will be plausible while considering pharmacogenetic factors and also differences between generic and brand name drugs, accurate detection of NTI will be more important. Current routine analytical techniques suffer from many drawbacks while using novel biosensors can bring up many advantages including fast detection, accuracy, low cost with simple and repeatable measurements. Recently the well-known carbon Nano-allotropes including carbon nanotubes and graphenes have been widely used for development of different Nano-biosensors for a diverse list of analytes because of their great physiochemical features such as high tensile strength, ultra-light weight, unique electronic construction, high thermo-chemical stability, and an appropriate capacity for electron transfer. Because of these exceptional properties, scientists have developed an immense interest in these nanomaterials. In this case, there are important reports to show the effective Nano-carbon based biosensors in the detection of NTI drugs and the present review will critically summarize the available data in this field.

Recent Advances in Applications of Voltammetric Sensors Modified with Ferrocene and Its Derivatives

This study is on current developments concerning ferrocene (FC) and its derivatives on the basis of electrochemical biosensors and sensors. The distinct physiochemical characteristics of FC have enabled the development of new sensor devices, specifically electrochemical sensors. Several articles have focused on the implementation of FC as an electrode constituent while discussing its electrochemical behavior. Furthermore, typical FC-design-based biosensors and sensors are considered as well as practical examples. The favorable design of FC-based biosensors and general sensors needs adequate control of their chemical and physical characteristics in addition to their surface immobilization and functionalization.

Electroanalysis of Tricyclic Psychotropic Drugs using Modified Electrodes

Background:

Tricyclic psychotropic drugs are defined as a tricyclic rings of the dibenzazepine group with the presence of sulfur and nitrogen atoms. They have been prescribed for antidepressive therapy over the years. Due to their medical importance, many analytical methods have been developed for their monitoring. However, benefits of electrochemical techniques such as costeffectiveness, fast, easy operation and non-destructiveness make them appropriate analytical methods for drug assays. Electrochemical determinations of pharmaceuticals require suitable working electrodes. During years, many electrodes are modified by a variety of modifiers and several sensors were developed based on them. In this regard, nanomaterials, due to their remarkable properties, are one of the most important choices.

Objective:

Here, the application of electroanalytical methods in the determination of electroactive tricyclic psychotropic drugs will be reviewed and the nanomaterials which are used for improvements of the working electrodes will be considered.

Graphene Quantum Dots in Electrochemical Sensors/Biosensors

Background:

Graphene and its derivatives, as most promising carbonic nanomaterials have been widely used in design and making electrochemical sensors and biosensors. Graphene quantum dots are one of the members of this family which have been mostly known as fluorescent nanomaterials and found extensive applications due to their remarkable optical properties. Quantum confinement and edge effects in their structures also cause extraordinary electrochemical properties.

Objective:

Recently, graphene quantum dots besides graphene oxides and reduced graphene oxides have been applied for modification of the electrodes too and exposed notable effects in electrochemical responses. Here, we are going to consider these significant effects through reviewing some of the recent published works.

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.

Application of Advanced Electrochemical Methods with Nanomaterial-based Electrodes as Powerful Tools for Trace Analysis of Drugs and Toxic Compounds

Background:

The new progress in electronic devices has provided a great opportunity for advancing electrochemical instruments by which we can more easily solve many problems of interest for trace analysis of compounds, with a high degree of accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and selectivity. On the other hand, in recent years, there is a significant growth in the application of nanomaterials for the construction of nanosensors due to enhanced chemical and physical properties arising from discrete modified nanomaterial-based electrodes or microelectrodes.

Objective:

Combination of the advanced electrochemical system and nanosensors make these devices very suitable for the high-speed analysis, as motioning and portable devices. This review will discuss the recent developments and achievements that have been reported for trace measurement of drugs and toxic compounds for environment, food and health application.

Iron-Based Nanomaterials/Graphene Composites for Advanced Electrochemical Sensors

Iron oxide nanostructures (IONs) in combination with graphene or its derivatives-e.g., graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide-hold great promise toward engineering of efficient nanocomposites for enhancing the performance of advanced devices in many applicative fields. Due to the peculiar electrical and electrocatalytic properties displayed by composite structures in nanoscale dimensions, increasing efforts have been directed in recent years toward tailoring the properties of IONs-graphene based nanocomposites for developing more efficient electrochemical sensors. In the present feature paper, we first reviewed the various routes for synthesizing IONs-graphene nanostructures, highlighting advantages, disadvantages and the key synthesis parameters for each method. Then, a comprehensive discussion is presented in the case of application of IONs-graphene based composites in electrochemical sensors for the determination of various kinds of (bio)chemical substances.