beta-Sonogel-carbon electrodes: a new alternative for the electrochemical determination of catecholamines

In this work, a new alternative for the electrochemical determination of catecholamines based on beta-cyclodextrin-Sonogel-Carbon electrodes is reported. The incorporation of beta-CD and graphite in the preparation of the Sonogel-Carbon material leads to a modification of the electrode surface properties which causes a significant increase in the oxidation peak current of biomolecules such as dopamine, L-epinephrine, D,L-norepinephrine and catechol. This phenomenon might be attributed to the formation of an inclusion complex between beta-CD and the catecholamines. The amount of beta-CD necessary to form the Sonogel electrode was studied and optimization of electrochemical parameters, perm selectivity and mechanical stability of the sensor are discussed. Scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were employed to characterize the electrical parameters and the structural properties of the new electrode surface, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Adsorptive differential pulse voltammetry (AdDPV) measurements were also used to explore the electrochemical behaviour of the electrode versus the quoted catecholamines. The beta-CD-Sonogel-Carbon electrode offers fast and linear responses towards dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine and catechol, with good and low detection limits: 0.164, 0.294, 0.699 and 0.059 micromol L(-1), respectively.