Titanium nanoparticle anchored functionalized MWCNTs for electrochemical detection of ractopamine in porcine samples with ultrahigh sensitivity

We develop a disposable electrochemical sensor using a titanium nanoparticles (Ti NPs)-anchored functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (Ti@f-MWCNTs) composite as electrochemical sensing interface for the detection of ractopamine (RAC). The sensor demonstrated superior electrochemical sensing ability with a broad linear response range (0.01-185 mu M) and ultralow detection limit (0.0038 mu M). In addition, the stability, repeatability, reproducibility, and anti-interference ability of the Ti@f-MWCNTs sensor were satisfactory. The practicability of the sensor was effectively employed for the determination of RAC in porcine samples including pork, pig urine, and pig serum with substantial recoveries in the range of 92%-99% and a relative standard deviation of less than 5%.

Automated summary

In this study, a disposable electrochemical sensor using a titanium nanoparticles-anchored functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube composite as the sensing interface was developed for the detection of ractopamine. The sensor exhibited superior electrochemical sensing ability with a wide linear response range and ultra-low detection limit, as well as satisfactory stability and anti-interference ability.