An Amperometric Sensor with Anti-Fouling Properties for Indicating Xylazine Adulterant in Beverages
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Amperometric electrochemical sensing schemes, which are easily fabricated and can directly relate measured current with analyte concentrations, remain a promising strategy for the development of the portable, in situ detection of commonly employed adulterants. Xylazine (XYL) is a non-narcotic compound designed for veterinary use as a sedative known as Rompun®. XYL is increasingly being abused as a recreational drug, as an opioid adulterant and, because of its chemical properties, has found unfortunate prominence as a date rape drug spiked into beverages. In this study, a systematic exploration and development of fouling-resistant, amperometric XYL sensors is presented. The sensing strategy features layer-by-layer (LBL) modification of glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for sensitivity and the engagement of cyclodextrin host–guest chemistry in conjunction with polyurethane (PU) semi-permeable membranes for selectivity. The optimization of different materials and parameters during development created a greater fundamental understanding of the interfacial electrochemistry, allowing for a more informed subsequent design of effective sensors exhibiting XYL selectivity, effective sensitivity, rapid response times (<20 s), and low estimated limits of detection (~1 ppm). Most importantly, the demonstrated XYL sensors are versatile and robust, easily fabricated from common materials, and can effectively detect XYL at <10 ppm in both common alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, requiring only minimal volume (20 µL) of the spiked beverage for a standard addition analysis.
Source: Micromachines
DOI: 10.3390/mi15111340
Authors: Arielle Vinnikov, Charles W. Sheppard, Ann H. Wemple, Joyce E. Stern, Michael C. Leopold
Institution: University of Richmond
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,955
OpenAlex ID: W4403986001