Nanomaterial-driven advances in electrochemical sensing for penicillins: a review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Penicillins are considered highly important antimicrobials by the World Health Organization because of their effectiveness against a wide range of bacteria. The accurate detection of penicillin is of paramount importance in various fields, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and environmental monitoring, to ensure its effective use and mitigate the growing concern of antibiotic resistance. Nanomaterial-driven electrochemical sensors have emerged as a promising solution for enhancing the sensitivity and selectivity of penicillin detection. Carbon-based, metals-based, magnetic, porous, conductive polymer and quantum dots nanomaterials have been strategically employed in the design of electrochemical sensors for penicillin detection. These nanomaterials offer unique properties such as high surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and customisable surface functionalities. By exploiting these characteristics, researchers have significantly improved the electrocatalytic activity of sensors, enabling the specific and sensitive detection of penicillin molecules. However, ongoing research efforts are directed towards addressing challenges related to sensor stability, reproducibility, and real-time monitoring capabilities. Despite these challenges, nanomaterial-driven advances in penicillin detection via electrochemistry hold substantial promise in advancing various sectors by facilitating the accurate and efficient monitoring of penicillin levels. As a result, the present review provides a comprehensive analysis of the nanomaterial-driven electrochemical sensing system for penicillins in diverse samples.