Electrochemical sensors for the determination of carbofuran in natural objects (a review)

Abstract

The review is devoted to the analysis of literature data on the development of modern electrochemical sensors for the determination of carbofuran in natural objects (water, soil, food). Sensors for the determination of carbofuran can be conditionally divided into two groups according to the type of electrode materials used: carbon-containing and biosensors. Carbon-containing sensors manufactured using nanotechnologies based on 0D – 3D allotropic modifications of carbon (carbon black, graphene, carbon nanotubes, fullerene) exhibit unique properties such as structural polymorphism, high surface area, thermal and chemical stability, biocompatibility, and original catalytic properties. At the same time, biosensors are considered promising analytical systems that complement traditional analytical methods due to the possibility of rapid on-site monitoring and miniaturization. Currently, biosensors used for the determination of carbofuran are mainly divided (proceeding from the type of bio-recognition elements) into enzyme biosensors (acetylcholinesterase and other enzymes) and immunosensors (antibodies and aptamers). Two detailed tables present data on electrochemical sensors developed for the determination of carbofuran in natural objects, including their advantages and shortcomings. All the developed sensors for the determination of carbofuran are characterized by high sensitivity, selectivity, rapidity, and low manufacturing cost, which makes electroanalytical methods a worthy alternative to the methods of analysis traditionally used for the determination of pesticides (liquid and gas chromatography, spectrophotometry, capillary electrophoresis, etc.). Preparation of vegetable and fruit samples for analysis using sensors of various types is described: the main stage of sample preparation is the alkaline hydrolysis of carbofuran, which is electrochemically inactive, to carbofuran-phenol. This review may be of interest to laboratories for the quality control of agricultural products and foodstuffs.