A robust and versatile micropipette tip-based miniaturized electrochemical cell for determination of carbendazim

Miniaturization of analytical devices is a new and perhaps the ultimate trend in analytical chemistry. However, many microfabrication techniques could be inaccessible for researchers from developing countries where research funding is routinely scarce. Thus, in this study, we describe an approach to fabricate an inexpensive and durable miniaturized electrochemical sensor using micropipette tips and metallic wires recovered from a damaged combined glass electrode and a conductance cell. The analytical performance of this device was evaluated for some selected electroactive compounds at static and hydrodynamic conditions either in aqueous or ethanol/aqueous solutions. The working electrode was modified with carbon nanotubes and the miniaturized device was used to determine the fungicide carbendazim in water and orange juice samples. Despite the simplicity and low cost of the proposed device, its analytical performance was comparable with more sophis-ticated electrodes, and its compatibility with flowing conditions and organic solvents suggests that it could be used as an amperometric detector in liquid chromatography or milifluidic devices. Therefore, we believe this study is valuable for research groups with funding limitations and it could be a way to include them in the field of microanalysis which is one of the most promising and exciting branches of Analytical Chemistry.

Automated summary

A cost-effective and durable miniaturized electrochemical sensor was developed using micropipette tips and recovered metallic wires, with a modified working electrode with carbon nanotubes. The device showed comparable analytical performance with more sophisticated electrodes, and its compatibility with flowing conditions and organic solvents suggests its potential use as an amperometric detector in liquid chromatography or microfluidic devices.