An electrochemical biosensor of Sn@C derived from ZnSn(OH)6 for sensitive determination of acetaminophen

In this study, Sn@C composite was fabricated from ZnSn(OH)6 through a green thermal calcination method. For the first time, this composite was used as a modifier on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to construct an electrochemical biosensor to detect acetaminophen (AC). The Sn@C sensor exhibited distinctly enhanced performance in electrochemical response to AC compared with bare GCE, GCE modified with Sn and GCE modified with graphene. The linear range is 0.2-100 mu M and the limit of detection (LOD) is 0.020 mu M based on DPV analysis. The excellent electrochemical behavior can be ascribed to the outstanding conductivity of metal Sn and carbon, and the strong adsorption of the carbon layer to AC. Most importantly, the chemical interaction between Sn and C through Sn-C bond facilitated the electron transfer process in the electrooxidation of AC. Finally, the Sn@C sensor was successfully applied in pharmaceutical samples and spiked serum samples to detect AC with satisfactory recoveries.

Automated summary

In this study, a Sn@C composite was fabricated and used as a modifier on a glassy carbon electrode to construct an electrochemical biosensor for the detection of acetaminophen (AC). The Sn@C sensor exhibited significantly enhanced electrochemical response to AC, with a wide linear range and low detection limit. The excellent electrochemical behavior can be attributed to the conductivity of Sn and carbon, as well as the strong adsorption of the carbon layer to AC.