Sparfloxacin/Gold Nanoparticles Modified Electrochemical Sensor for the Determination of Dopamine

Abstract

Background: The development of facile, reliable, and sensitive electrochemical sensors for neurotransmitter detection is of utmost importance in biomedical research. Objectives: In this study, we proposed a novel approach for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using sparfloxacin as a reducing and stabilizing agent and further utilized as-prepared AuNPs for the construction of an electrochemical sensor to detect dopamine. Methods: The synthesis of AuNPs was achieved through a simple method where sparfloxacin acted as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. The AuNPs were investigated by using UV-visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), elemental mapping (Emap), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results: The synthesised AuNPs were used to develop an electrochemical sensor for the detection of dopamine molecules. The fabricated electrochemical sensor demonstrated remarkable sensitivity and selectivity toward dopamine sensing. This sensor exhibited a good linear detection of dopamine in micromolar concentrations. Moreover, the sensor showed excellent stability and reproducibility. Conclusion: This novel electrochemical sensor holds significant potential for practical applications in neuroscience and clinical diagnosis, offering a rapid and sensitive method for dopamine detection. The utilization of sparfloxacin/AuNPs provides a promising avenue for the development of advanced electrochemical sensors with enhanced performance and wider applications in the detection of other neurotransmitters and biomolecules.