In a recent article published in the journal Chemosensors, researchers presented a comprehensive study on the development and application of a nanodiamond-based electrochemical sensor for the detection of paracetamol (PAR) in pharmaceutical formulations.
Study: A Nanodiamond-Based Electrochemical Sensor for the Determination of Paracetamol in Pharmaceutical Samples. Image Credit: Saiful52/Shutterstock.com
Paracetamol is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic medication, and its accurate quantification is crucial for ensuring safety and efficacy in therapeutic applications. This study utilized nanodiamond (ND) materials to enhance the performance of electrochemical sensors, thereby providing an efficient and reliable method for paracetamol detection.
Background
The use of nanomaterials in sensor technology has gained significant attention due to their unique properties, such as high surface area, electrical conductivity, and biocompatibility. Nanodiamonds, in particular, have emerged as promising candidates for electrochemical applications owing to their excellent electrochemical stability and ability to facilitate electron transfer.
The article discusses the importance of developing sensitive and selective sensors for paracetamol, especially in the context of quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The authors highlight previous research that has explored various sensor configurations and materials, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches that can improve detection limits and response times.
The Current Study
The preparation of the working electrode is a critical step in the development of the nanodiamond-based sensor. Initially, the surface of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was carefully polished to smooth and clean surface. Following this, the electrode underwent sonication in isopropyl alcohol for one minute, was rinsed with water, and then dried.
To create the nanodiamond dispersion, nanodiamonds was suspended in ultrapure water. This suspension was subjected to ultrasonic stirring to obtain a homogeneous mixture. Subsequently, the ND dispersion was deposited onto the electrode surface and dried to form a thin film.
For sample preparation, tablets of paracetamol, consisting of either 500 mg or 750 mg, were crushed. A specific amount of the powdered tablets was mixed with a solution of water and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The mixture was sonicated to ensure complete dissolution. The dispersed solution was then diluted with deionized water, and the solution was filtered using fine filter paper, discarding the first portion of the filtrate to remove any impurities. The resulting stock solution was diluted to obtain the desired concentration for analysis.
The electrochemical measurements were conducted using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques. The performance of the ND/GCE was evaluated in terms of its sensitivity, selectivity, and stability for paracetamol detection. Additionally, a comparative method based on the spectrophotometric procedure outlined in the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia was employed to validate the results obtained from the electrochemical sensor.
Results and Discussion
The morphological and structural characteristics of the nanodiamonds used for GCE modification were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The SEM images revealed that the nanodiamonds were well-dispersed, forming spherical clusters with an average diameter of approximately 900 nm. The elemental analysis indicated a predominance of carbon, with negligible amounts of oxygen, confirming the successful preparation of the nanodiamond material.
The electrochemical performance of the ND/GCE was assessed through cyclic voltammetry, which demonstrated a significant enhancement in the peak current for paracetamol oxidation compared to the bare GCE. The sensor exhibited a linear response to paracetamol concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 100 μmol L−1, with a detection limit calculated to be 0.03 μmol L−1. The selectivity of the sensor was also evaluated in the presence of common excipients and potential interferents, showing minimal cross-reactivity and confirming the sensor's reliability for paracetamol detection in complex matrices.
The results were further corroborated by the spectrophotometric method, which provided comparable values for paracetamol concentrations in the tested pharmaceutical samples. This agreement between the two methods underscores the potential of the ND-based electrochemical sensor as a viable alternative for routine analysis in pharmaceutical quality control.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study successfully demonstrates the development of a nanodiamond-based electrochemical sensor for the sensitive and selective detection of paracetamol in pharmaceutical formulations. The innovative use of nanodiamonds significantly enhances the electrochemical performance of the sensor, providing a reliable method for paracetamol quantification. The findings highlight the potential of nanotechnology in advancing sensor design and improving analytical methodologies in the pharmaceutical industry.
Future research may focus on optimizing the sensor's performance further and exploring its applicability to other pharmaceutical compounds, thereby broadening the scope of its use in quality control and safety assessments. The promising results of this study pave the way for the integration of nanomaterials in the development of next-generation sensors, ultimately contributing to enhanced public health outcomes through improved medication safety.
Journal Reference
de Oliveira Lopes D., Magalhães Marinho F., et al. (2024). A Nanodiamond-Based Electrochemical Sensor for the Determination of Paracetamol in Pharmaceutical Samples. Chemosensors 12, 243. DOI: 10.3390/chemosensors12110243, https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9040/12/11/243