A sensitive voltammetric sensor for detecting betamethasone in biological fluids

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Betamethasone is a corticosteroid with important therapeutic applications.
• Sensitive and accurate detection methods are crucial for therapeutic drug monitoring and quality control.
• Existing methods may lack the speed or sensitivity required for certain applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid and sensitive voltammetric sensor for betamethasone detection.
• To utilize single-wall carbon nanotube modified electrodes for enhanced electrochemical performance.
• To validate the sensor's utility in complex matrices like human body fluids and pharmaceutical products.

Main Methods:

• Electrochemical reduction of betamethasone at a single-wall carbon nanotube modified edge plane pyrolytic graphite electrode (SWNT/EPPGE).
• Optimization of detection parameters including pH and buffer concentration.
• Quantification using linear voltammetric response in the nanomolar range.
• Analysis of betamethasone in human body fluids and pharmaceutical preparations.

Main Results:

• A well-defined, pH-dependent voltammetric peak for betamethasone reduction was observed.
• A linear calibration curve was established from 1 to 25 nM with a low limit of detection (0.50 nM).
• The sensor demonstrated analytical utility in human body fluids and commercial drug formulations.
• Minimal interference was observed from common biological metabolites.

Conclusions:

• The developed SWNT/EPPGE voltammetric sensor offers a rapid, sensitive, and reliable method for betamethasone determination.
• The sensor's performance is comparable to High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
• This electrochemical approach holds promise for clinical and pharmaceutical analysis of betamethasone.