Enhancing electrode sensitivity for detection of antibiotic contamination in water using functionalized magnetic nanoparticles

Abstract

Portable electrochemical sensors for the detection of antibiotic (AB) contamination are gaining interest as point of care devices and as in-field analytical sensors. In that respect, the low cost and high sensitivity of the sensors is a major benefit. In this study, a low-cost indicator electrode was designed against neomycin (NEO), gatifloxacin (GAT) and sulfathiazole sodium (STNa) as examples of ABs with high probability of contaminating animal feed/water. Ionophore functionalized magnetic nanoparticles were incorporated into the electrode structure to enhance its performance. The detector was able to discriminate (within 10 s) AB clean from AB contaminated water in ranges of 10 −3-10 −8 M, of 10 −2-10 −8 M, and of 10 −2-10 −13 M for NEO, GAT and STNa, respectively. The developed electrodes can be fabricated at low cost; with promising fast and high sensitivity for the detection of AB contamination in water.