Glucose modified carbon paste sensor in the presence of cationic surfactant for mefenamic acid detection in urine and pharmaceutical samples

Abstract

In this study, a novel and robust glucose modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) is developed for the ultrasensitive detection of mefenamic acid (MA). MA, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, used for its antipyretic and analgesic effects is harmful to the patient at higher dosages. MA is also listed as a chemical pollutant affecting the environment negatively. In this view, a sensitive sensor has been developed for the identification of the MA by employing a glucose modified carbon paste electrode in the presence of a cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). The developed sensing probe was characterized using various electrochemical techniques, and thereafter used to study the electrochemical nature of MA. The sensor was able to detect MA with a linear dynamic range (LDR) of 2.5 × 10−8 to 5.0 × 10−4 M, and limit of detection (LOD) of 1.01 (±0.03) nM, respectively. Interference due to co-existing molecules was found to be negligible. Real sample analysis was performed in human urine samples and pharmaceutical tablets using SWV, and higher recovery of 92.70–99.16% and 96.0–98.5% were achieved, respectively. This shows that the sensor can be further used in other biological, pharmaceutical, or environmental samples for the detection of MA.