Rapid detection and classification of pharmaceutical molecules using Ag/ZIF-8/TNTs composite substrate

Discarded drugs in the ecosystem pose a significant threat to human health and are a global health problem. Therefore, it is essential to establish effective detection and degradation strategies. Metal-organic framework ZIF-8 and Ag NPs were separately grown on titanium dioxide nanotube arrays (TNTs), resulting in the successful synthesis of cost-effective Ag/ZIF-8/TNTs composite substrates. These substrates were able to detect methylene blue (MB) at a low concentration of 1 × 10^-13 M, with a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) analysis enhancement factor (AEF) of 1.4 × 10⁷, which was higher than other similar substrates. Importantly, the device exhibited high sensitivity and accuracy for rapid detection and classification. Furthermore, this device successfully detected and classified Ibuprofen, Vancomycin, and Doxorubicin with 100 % accuracy using their SERS signatures. Additionally, the Ag/ZIF-8/TNTs substrates showed excellent photocatalytic degradation capability and could be reused without significant loss in activity after five cycles of use. The dual-functional Ag/ZIF-8/TNTs substrates were cost-effective and efficient for the detection and treatment of pollutants in wastewater.