A novel approach to detect salbutamol as a doping agent in athletes: A nanoparticle-modified electrode

Abstract

This study successfully demonstrated a novel approach for the detection of salbutamol (SBM), a common doping drug in sports, using Tb4O7 nanoparticles and a reduced graphene oxide (Tb4O7/RGO) nanocomposite. The electrode modified with the Tb4O7/RGO nanocomposite exhibited remarkable selectivity, stability, and reproducibility, indicating its potential as a useful instrument for real-world uses. When used to detect salbutamol in serum samples, the sensor demonstrated a recovery rate of more than 96.50% and a relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 4.17% (n=5). This work provides new insights into the electrochemical behavior of salbutamol and creates avenues for the development of very effective doping detection techniques. The sensor set a detection limit of 21 nM and functioned within a linear range of 1 µM to 710 µM. These results illustrate the accuracy and precision of the sensor and highlight its strong performance and dependability in a clinical context. As a result, the proposed sensor could be successfully used to determine the clinical levels of salbutamol in serum samples, giving medical personnel an invaluable tool for tracking and controlling patient health. With potential uses beyond sports doping detection, this work constitutes a noteworthy advancement in the field of electrochemical sensors.