An electrochemical sensing platform for trace recognition and detection of an anti-prostate cancer drug flutamide in biological samples

Developing simple, selective and sensitive platforms for anticancer drug analysis is of great importance in biomedical research. This study describes the fabrication of a ferrocene (FC) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized carbon paste electrode as a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for the determination of anticancer drug flutamide in serum, plasma and urine samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and chronocoulometry methods were used to characterize the sensor. Electrochemical impedance studies revealed that the smaller Rct (charge transfer resistance) value was observed at FC/MWCNTs/CPE as compared to that of MWCNTs/CPE and CPE, which authenticates its good conductivity. The obtained sensor has a large specific area, high conductivity, good biocompatibility and fast redox properties. Various optimization parameters such as pH, accumulation time, deposition potential, scan rate and the effect of composite mixture on the electrochemical performance of the sensor were evaluated. A linear range from 0.1 to 110 μM for FT detection was obtained with a detection limit of 0.001 μM. Furthermore, the fabricated sensor has been utilized for estimation of FT in biological samples. This efficient strategy provides new insight into the design of novel flexible sensors for a wide range of applications in biosensing, bioelectronics, and clinical applications.