Cost-Effective Electrodes for Dopamine Monitoring Based On 3D-Printed Support Combined with Composite Material

Abstract

In this work, the development of a disposable electrode (US$ 0.02) based on composite material on 3D-printed support of ABS was described for the electrochemical determination of Dopamine. The composition was optimized using different ratios of graphite and nail polish. An electrochemical surface treatment with potassium hydroxide was evaluated. The electrode surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance, and Raman spectroscopy, which indicate the better performances of the treated electrode with a 1.9-fold increase in the response and anticipation in the potential of 107 mV. The sensors were employed to quantification of DOP using differential pulse voltammetry in pharmaceutical formulations, tap water, synthetic urin, and saliva. Furthermore, the proposed method showed a linear working range from 10 to 175 μmol l−1 and from 0.02 to 10 μmol l−1, a limit of detection of 2.24 μmol l−1 and 5.7 nmol l−1, and relative standard deviation <1.7% and <4.4% for untreated and treated electrodes, respectively. Moreover, the samples were spiked in three concentration levels to evaluate the accuracy of the method, obtaining recovery values ranging from 91 to 106%. These results allow inferring that the electrochemical devices approach combing 3D-printed systems and composite materials proved promising for routine analysis.