Electrochemical sensor based on reduced graphene oxide modified with palladium nanoparticles for determination of desipramine in urine samples

A nanostructured material based on palladium nanoparticles supported over reduced graphene has been synthesized, characterised and applied on the sensitivity analysis of antidepressant in urine samples. The morphology, structure, and electrochemical performance of the sensors were characterised by field emission gun scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and cyclic voltammetry. The antidepressant quantification process was based on the reversible electrode oxidation of the electrochemically produced desipramine dimer, that appeared as oxidation process at +0.11 V. Differential pulse voltammetry in phosphate buffer solution at pH 7.0 allowed the development of a method to determine desipramine levels in the range of 0.3-2.5 mu mol L-1, with limit of detection (LOD) estimated at 1.04 nmol L-1(0.31 mu g L-1). The system was suitable on the detection of desipramine in urine samples. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.