Lignocellulosic carbon sheets-based hybrid electrochemical sensor for ultra-sensitive detection of chloramphenicol

Efficient detection of chloramphenicol (CAP) in the environment and food products is crucial for addressing global health and environmental safety concerns. This study presents the development of a cost-effective hybrid electrocatalyst comprising lignocellulosic carbon sheets, graphene oxide, and manganese oxide (LCSs/GO@MnO₂) for CAP detection using a simple electrochemical sensor fabricated on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) substrate. The synergistic interaction between LCSs, GO, and MnO₂ enhance the electroactive surface area of GCE, facilitating effective dispersion and electrode modification. This composite material significantly improves electrical conductivity and provides numerous electroactive sites for electrochemical CAP detection via voltammetric techniques. The developed sensor demonstrates a rapid electron transfer rate, enhancing electrode sensitivity for CAP detection at a low overpotential (-0.5717 V) and an optimal pH (7.0). The sensor exhibits a wide linear range (0.017-477.247 μM), excellent sensitivity (105.22 μA μM^-1 cm^-2), and a low limit of detection (1.2 nM) with enhanced charge carrier efficiency. Additionally, the sensor shows good cycle stability, reproducibility, selectivity, and trace-level CAP sensing applicability in food samples at a low cost. These features make the sensor a promising platform for monitoring antibiotics in various applications.