Harnessing Graphene-Modified Electrode Sensitivity for Enhanced Ciprofloxacin Detection

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Ciprofloxacin (CFX) intake is linked to severe connective tissue damage and poses environmental risks as a pollutant.
• Accurate and rapid detection methods for CFX are crucial due to its health and environmental implications.
• Existing detection methods may lack the precision, speed, or selectivity required.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, cost-effective graphene-based electrochemical sensor for the precise detection of Ciprofloxacin (CFX).
• To characterize the synthesized graphene material and the fabricated sensor.
• To evaluate the sensor's performance and practical utility for CFX detection.

Main Methods:

• Graphene synthesis via electrochemical exfoliation of graphite in a specific electrolyte solution.
• Material characterization using SEM/EDX, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy.
• Fabrication of a modified glassy carbon electrode (EGr/GC) and electrochemical analysis using Linear Sweep Voltammetry.

Main Results:

• The synthesized graphene material was systematically characterized.
• The EGr/GC sensor demonstrated an irreversible oxidation process for CFX at approximately 1.05 V.
• Optimal sensor performance yielded a limit of quantification of 0.33 × 10^-8 M and a limit of detection of 0.1 × 10^-8 M.

Conclusions:

• A novel and cost-effective graphene-based electrochemical sensor for CFX detection has been successfully developed.
• The sensor exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity, meeting the need for precise antibiotic detection.
• The developed sensor shows practical utility, validated with commercial pharmaceutical products.