Sensor based on redox conjugated poly(para-phenylene) for the simultaneous detection of dopamine, ascorbic acid, and...

An electrochemical sensor for the individual and the simultaneous detection of dopamine (DA), ascorbic acid (AA), and uric acid (UA) based on redox conjugated "poly(para-phenylene)" (Fc-ac-PPP) bearing ferrocene and carboxylic acid in lateral position has been developed. The electrochemical characterization of the sensor has been studied with cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and chronoamperometry (CA). We highlighted that the catalytic activity of the Fc-ac-PPP polymer provided by its redox electrochemical properties and chemical structure allows the electrochemical detection of DA, AA, and UA. We demonstrated that the sensor provides high sensitivity and selective signal in the coexistence of DA, AA, and UA within a short time. Low detection limits and wide linear ranges of detection have been demonstrated respectively for DA 3 × 10^-10 M (1 nM-10 μM), AA 1.6 × 10^-8 M (0.1 μM-1 mM), and UA 1 × 10^-8 M (0.1 μM-1 mM). In addition, the sensor has been successfully applied to determine DA in urine and human serum samples even in the presence of high concentrations of AA and UA. This sensor could be a powerful device for the detection of other electroactive compounds thanks to its high catalytic properties and chemical structure. Graphical abstract.