Disposable stochastic sensors for fast analysis of ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and flurbiprofen in their topical pharmaceutical formulations

Abstract

Three disposable stochastic sensors based on maltodextrin (dextrose equivalent = 4–7) and nanostructures (copper monolayer, carbon monolayer and carbon-copper composite layer) deposited using cold plasma on copy paper were proposed for the fast analysis of ibuprofen, ketoprofen and flurbiprofen in pharmaceutical formulation samples. The widest linear concentration ranges recorded were: for ibuprofen 1 fmol/L – 1 mmol/L when the disposable stochastic sensor based on carbon monolayer was used, for ketoprofen 1 fmol/L – 1 mmol/L when the disposable stochastic sensors based on copper monolayer and carbon-copper composite layer were used, and for flurbiprofen 1 fmol/L – 10 mmol/L when the disposable stochastic sensor based on carbon-copper composite layer was used. The lowest limit of detection recorded for each non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug was 1 fmol/L.