Lab-in-a-pencil graphite: A 3D-printed microfluidic sensing platform for real-time measurement of antipsychotic clozapine level

A novel lab-in-a-pencil graphite microfluidic sensing electrode (mu FSE) was fabricated for real-time flow injection measurement of the antipsychotic drug clozapine (Clz). A simple, low-cost, and reusable mu FSE was obtained by using 3D printing of a microfluidic chamber integrated with a flat pencil graphite without the need to utilize complex technologies. The mu FSE has tubular geometry with 800 mu m diameter, where the solution continuously flows in the holes of flat pencil graphite electrodes. Under optimized conditions, this device offers fast and effective Clz detection with good analytical features. A linear calibration curve in the range of 0.5 to 10 mu M Clz was obtained with good sensitivity (0.01275 mu A mu M-1) and detection limit (24 nM). Finally, we demonstrate the applicability of our lab-fabricated microfluidic electrochemical device by monitoring Clz in serum samples at low concentrations.

Automated summary

A novel lab-in-a-pencil graphite microfluidic sensing electrode (mu FSE) was fabricated for real-time flow injection measurement of the antipsychotic drug clozapine (Clz), using a simple, low-cost, and reusable method. The mu FSE has tubular geometry with 800 mu m diameter, providing fast and effective Clz detection with good sensitivity and detection limit.