Voltammetric quantification of surfactant stabilized curcumin at MWCNT/GCE sensor

Abstract

Abstract A simple voltammetric method has been developed for selective quantification of curcumin, primary bioactive component of turmeric in phosphate buffer system at pH 2.5 in solubilized system at Multiwalled-carbon nanotube/Glassy carbon electrode (MWCNT/GCE) sensor using squarewave voltammetry as an analytical technique. Effect of different types of surfactants on the solubilization and stability of curcumin were compared to identify the most suitable surfactant for conducting voltammetric studies. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), Tween 20 and Triton X surfactants were used in the study. The experimental results suggested that solubility and chemical stability of curcumin were substantially increased in Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as compared to other solvent systems. Under the optimized conditions the oxidation peak current for curcumin was found to be proportional to its concentration in the range of 4 × 10 − 7 g/mL to 20 × 10 − 7 g/mL with 3.28 × 10 − 7 g/mL and 10.94 × 10 − 7 g/mL as limit of detection and limit of quantification respectively. As it is a well-known fact that curcumin exhibits wide therapeutic potential but its low aqueous solubility at neutral and acidic pH limits its use, therefore the present research focuses on development of method for preparation of water soluble curcumin by incorporation of surfactant micellar system in order to increase solubility and stability of curcumin in aqueous form. Also present investigation deals with finding out alternatives to the use of organic solvents with the aim of diverting research towards greener chemistry by using less hazardous solubilizing media.