A simple UiO-66-NH₂@MWCNTs based electrochemical sensor for the sensitive detection of metronidazole

Metronidazole (MRNZ) is a highly efficacious pharmacological agent for treating protozoal infections, including trichomoniasis, giardiasis, and disorders caused by anaerobic bacteria.

In the present investigation, a solvothermal approach is employed to synthesize a composite of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-COOH) with UiO-66-NH₂, resulting in the formation of UiO-66-NH₂@MWCNTs. Given the exceptional electrocatalytic characteristics of the UiO-66-NH₂@MWCNTs nanocomposite, it was selected as the sensing material and subsequently integrated onto the surface of a bare screen-printed carbon electrode.

Under optimal experimental conditions, the developed electrochemical sensor exhibited outstanding metrics of repeatability, stability, selectivity, and reproducibility for detection across an extensive concentration range, specifically from 0.5 to 350.0 μM, while achieving a limit of detection of 0.1 μM. Furthermore, the practical application of the sensor was rigorously assessed using MRNZ tablet samples and urine specimens, resulting in a commendable recovery rate of MRNZ, ranging from 97.3 to 104.0 %.

This research elucidates a straightforward, expedited, and significant methodology for the application of UiO-66-NH₂@MWCNTs within the domain of electrochemical sensing.