Ultrafine rhenium-ruthenium nanoparticles decorated on functionalized carbon nanotubes for the simultaneous determination of antibiotic (nitrofurantoin) and anti-testosterone (flutamide) drugs

In this work, ultrafine rhenium-ruthenium nanoparticles decorated on functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Re-Ru@f-MWCNT) were used as a new electrode platform for simultaneous electrochemical detection of nitrofurantoin (NFT, antibiotic) and flutamide (FLT, anti-testosterone) drugs. The as-prepared composite was scrutinized using various techniques, including XRD, BET, FE-SEM, FE-TEM-EDS, XPS, elemental mapping, and Raman spectroscopy. FE-TEM results revealed that Re NP (size, 1.5-2.8 +/- 0.1 nm) and Ru NP (size, 1.8 +/- 0.2 nm) were well-decorated on f-MWCNT. The nanocomposite was fabricated on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) that demonstrated superior voltammetric sensing towards NFT and FLT at pH 7.0. Interestingly, Re-Ru@f-MWCNT/GCE received two linear ranges, the limit of detection, with excellent sensitivity for NFT and FLT. Also, excellent selectivity for both individual and simultaneous detection of NFT and FLT was obtained in the presence of various potential interferences. Moreover, the fabricated sensor was studied to determine NFT and FLT levels in human urine and serum with the results showing good recoveries.

Automated summary

A new electrode platform using ultrafine rhenium-ruthenium nanoparticles decorated on functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes was developed for simultaneous electrochemical detection of nitrofurantoin and flutamide drugs. The composite showed superior voltammetric sensing capabilities for both drugs with excellent sensitivity and selectivity, even in the presence of potential interferences. The sensor also demonstrated good recoveries for NFT and FLT levels in human urine and serum, indicating its promising applications.