Using a nanocomposite consist of Boron-doped reduced graphene oxide and electropolymerized β-cyclodextrin for Flunitrazepam electrochemical sensor

Flunitrazepam, or the same "Rohypnol" amongst other names, is a very powerful benzodiazepine that is prescribed to cure intense insomnia. Electropolymerized beta-cyclodextrin (E beta-CD) and Boron-doped reduced graphene oxide (B-RGO) were used to prepare a composite material which was used for modifying glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The resulting modified GCE was then used for the determination of traces of Flunitrazepam. Using various analytical techniques the surface of the modified GCE was investigation. The modified GCE was used in differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) analyses. Experimental factors affecting the results were evaluated and optimized. Two linears range for Flunitrazepam determination were from 2.0 nmol L-1 to 0.5 mu mol L-1 and 0.5 mu mol L-1 to 20.0 mu mol L-1. The detection limit (DL) and sensitivity were calculated to be of 0.6 nmol L-1 and 8.4 mu A mu mol L-1 cm(-2), respectively for the modified electrode. The modified electrode by nanocomposite consist of B-RGO and E beta-CD demonstrated a number of advantages: a simple preparation route, high selectivity and sensitivity, a low detection limit, excellent reproducibility and high surface-to-volume ratio. The sensor was applied for the analysis of Flunitrazepam concentration in human blood serum samples.