Dual-mode detection of antibiotic drugs using ytterbium molybdate/porous carbon nanocomposite

Abstract

Monitoring the levels of metronidazole (MTZ) is crucial to ensure the desired therapeutic effectiveness and to prevent potential harm to patients. However, MTZ exhibits concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity and has a narrow therapeutic range. In this study, “one stone two mango” strategy was influenced for the electrochemical and UV–vis spectroscopy detection of antibiotic residues of MTZ. The successfully synthesized ytterbium molybdate nano petals (YbMO) with porous carbon (PC) nanocomposite (NC) using ultrasonication method. The YbMO/PC NC, as well as other modified electrodes, were identified and targeted as molecules using natural pH as the probe to indicate current intensity. Also, examined the morphology and physicochemical properties of the synthesized materials. Furthermore, conducted cycling voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) on the modified electrodes to model MTZ analytes. Among them, the YbMO/PC NC/GCE exhibited larger reduction peak current and lower potential compared to other modified electrodes due to the synergistic effect between YbMO and PC, resulting in effective detection of MTZ. The YbMO/PC NC/GCE demonstrated exceptional sensitivity (3.28 µA µM−1 cm−2), a wide linear range (0.01–10.61 and 20.61–1630.61 µM), and a remarkably low detection limit (LOD: 0.006 µM). The proposed YbMO/PC NC/GCE exhibits the successfully analyzed MTZ in serum (101%), urine (97.9%), tablets (99.15%), lake (99.1%), and river water (99.8%). On the other hand, a UV–vis spectrometric method was employed to detect MTZ. The results showed a wide linear range (0.05–57.2 µM) and an impressive LOD (70 nM). These results are attributed to the heightened sensitivity, selectivity, repeatability, and durability of the sensor.