Different interaction of codeine and morphine with DNA: a concept for simultaneous determination.

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Codeine and morphine are important opioids with complex interactions.
• Electrochemical methods offer sensitive detection of pharmaceutical compounds.
• Developing selective and sensitive biosensors is crucial for drug monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interaction between codeine and morphine with double-stranded DNA (dsDNA).
• To develop a novel electrochemical biosensor for the simultaneous determination of codeine and morphine.
• To assess the biosensor's performance in complex biological and pharmaceutical matrices.

Main Methods:

• Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) using a pencil graphite electrode (PGE).
• Modification of PGE with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and dsDNA.
• Electrochemical analysis of codeine and morphine interaction with dsDNA and subsequent quantification.

Main Results:

• Codeine and morphine showed distinct electrochemical oxidation behaviors influenced by dsDNA.
• The dsDNA/MWCNTs-PDDA/PGE biosensor exhibited electrostatic interaction with codeine and intercalation with morphine.
• Linear detection ranges were established for codeine (0.05-40 μg mL⁻¹) and morphine (0.05-42 μg mL⁻¹).
• Low detection limits (0.041 μg mL⁻¹ for codeine, 0.043 μg mL⁻¹ for morphine) were achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed dsDNA-based biosensor provides a sensitive and selective method for codeine and morphine detection.
• The biosensor demonstrated successful application in analyzing real samples like blood serum, urine, and pharmaceutical formulations.
• This approach offers a promising tool for therapeutic drug monitoring and forensic analysis of opioids.