Biomimetic electrochemical sensor for the highly selective detection of azithromycin in biological samples.

A highly selective and sensitive molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based electrochemical sensor was fabricated for the determination of azithromycin, a broad-spectrum macrolide antibiotic, from various biological samples (urine, tears, plasma). The reversible boronate ester bond-mediated, thin (~75 nm) MIP-based biomimetic recognition layer was electrodeposited in non-aqueous media onto the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The surface morphology and the analytical performances of the developed sensor were assessed by scanning electron (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). By employing an indirect electrochemical detection in the presence of 10 mM ferro/ferricyanide as redox probe, the sensor exhibited a very wide dynamic range (13.33 nM-66.67 µM), with an estimated detection limit in the subnanomolar range (0.85 nM azithromycin). The simple to construct sensor demonstrates reusability and good shelf-life, exhibiting remarkable selectivity over a wide number of structurally related and non-related antibiotics, commonly associated drugs and endogenous compounds.

Electrochemical Impedance Studies on Single and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes--Polymer Nanocomposites for Biosensors Development.

Advances in nanoscience have allowed scientists to incorporate new nanomaterials in biosensing platforms. Carbon nanotubes are nanomaterials that facilitate the charge transfer between the bioelement and the transducer. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is a useful technique for the modified surface characterization. In the present approach electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to characterize the electrodes modified with different types of carbon nanotubes (single and multi-wall) according to their morphology and electrochemical behavior. By using Nyquist and Bode diagrams it was possible to assign the appropriate circuit considering all possible contributors. The charge transfer resistances as well as the time constants were calculated for all five types of investigated carbon nanotubes.