Development of an Electrochemical Paper-Based Device Modified with Functionalized Biochar for the Screening of Paracetamol in Substandard Medicines
The global prevalence of counterfeit and low-quality pharmaceuticals poses significant health risks and challenges in medical treatments, creating a need for rapid and reliable drug screening technologies. This study introduces a cost-effective electrochemical paper-based device (ePAD) modified with...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Molecules |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/29/22/5468 |
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| Summary: | The global prevalence of counterfeit and low-quality pharmaceuticals poses significant health risks and challenges in medical treatments, creating a need for rapid and reliable drug screening technologies. This study introduces a cost-effective electrochemical paper-based device (ePAD) modified with functionalized bamboo-derived biochar (BCF) for the detection of paracetamol in substandard medicines. The sensor was fabricated using a custom 3D-printed stencil in PLA, designed for efficient production, and a 60:40 (m/m) graphite (GR) and glass varnish (GV) conductive ink, resulting in a robust and sensitive platform. The electroactive area of the ePAD/BCF sensor was determined as 0.37 cm<sup>2</sup>. Characterization via SEM and cyclic voltammetry (CV) verified its structural and electrochemical stability. The sensor demonstrated linear detection of paracetamol from 5.0 to 60.0 µmol L<sup>−1</sup> with a detection limit of 3.50 µmol L<sup>−1</sup>. Interference studies showed high selectivity, with recoveries of over 90%, and the sensor successfully quantified paracetamol in commercial analgesic and anti-flu samples. This sustainable, bamboo-based ePAD offers a promising solution for rapid on-site pharmaceutical quality control, with significant potential to enhance drug screening accuracy. |
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| ISSN: | 1420-3049 |