Multi sensor compatible 3D-printed electrochemical cell for voltammetric drug screening

Area of Science:

• Electroanalytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• 3D printing offers affordable custom construction for electrochemical cells and sensors.
• Existing methods may lack portability and cost-effectiveness for rapid screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, compact, and affordable 3D-printed electrochemical cell.
• To create a rapid, low-cost 3D-printed sensor fabrication protocol.
• To demonstrate the cell's utility in analyzing drugs and pharmaceuticals.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a three-part ABS 3D-printed cell using a 3D printer.
• Integration of 3D-pen-printed carbon black-polylactic acid (CB-PLA) electrodes.
• Voltammetric analysis using model analytes and drug samples.
• Electrochemical characterization using impedance spectroscopy and scanning electrochemical microscopy.

Main Results:

• The 3D-printed cell demonstrated compatibility with various working electrodes.
• A new protocol for quick 3D-printed sensor production was established.
• The system successfully detected counterfeit or adulterated drugs and quantified an active pharmaceutical ingredient.
• The cell is inexpensive (US$0.30), prints quickly (90 min), and uses minimal electrolyte (0.5-3.0 mL).

Conclusions:

• The 3D-printed electrochemical cell and sensor system provide a practical, cost-effective solution for electroanalysis.
• This technology is suitable for preliminary screening in pharmaceutical and forensic applications, especially for on-site analysis.
• The system's low cost, speed, and minimal reagent requirements make it versatile for various electroanalytical tasks.