Selective Colorimetric Determination of Phenylephrine Using a Prussian Blue Nanoparticle-Modified Paper-Based Sensor.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanomaterials Science
• Biomedical Sensing

Background:

• Phenylephrine is a widely used α1-adrenergic agonist in pharmaceuticals.
• Accurate determination of phenylephrine is crucial for biological monitoring and anti-doping.
• Existing analytical methods can be complex and time-consuming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid, sensitive, and reliable paper-based colorimetric sensor for phenylephrine determination.
• To utilize Prussian blue nanoparticles for a novel sensing mechanism.
• To validate the sensor's performance in artificial urine samples.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of Prussian blue nanoparticles via precipitation.
• Development of a colorimetric sensing mechanism based on phenylephrine-induced reduction of Prussian blue.
• Integration of the sensing system onto a paper-based platform for visual and digital detection.
• Validation using artificial urine samples and digital image analysis.

Main Results:

• The sensor showed a linear response for phenylephrine from 5-150 µg mL⁻¹ with a limit of detection of 1.56 µg mL⁻¹.
• Paper-based detection with ImageJ analysis yielded a linear response (5-150 µg mL⁻¹) and a detection limit of 5.37 µg mL⁻¹.
• High recovery (95.87-97.5%) and low standard deviation (1.15-2.13%) were achieved in artificial urine samples.

Conclusions:

• A simple, efficient paper-based colorimetric sensor for phenylephrine detection was successfully developed.
• The sensor utilizes a direct Prussian blue-Prussian white redox transition, offering a novel approach.
• This method provides a promising alternative to conventional techniques for phenylephrine analysis.