A novel temperature-responsive electrochemical sensing platform for reversible switch-sensitive detection of acetamidophenol

A novel facile, quick, and temperature-controlled sensor was constructed based on a polystyrene-poly-N,N-diethyl acrylamide-polystyrene (PS-PDEAM)/carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite modified glass carbon electrode. The sensor achieves acetaminophen (AP) reversibility through better temperature sensitivity. PS-PDEAM shrinks when the temperature exceeds its lower critical temperature (LCST). When AP molecules pass through the modified interface, the electron transfer rate is accelerated, and the sensor is turned on. In the off state, the electrochemical response of AP cannot be detected. Under ideal experimental conditions, for composite modified films, there is a wide detection range of AP between 1.5-85.1 mu M and 85.1-235.1 mu M, and the limit of detection of acetaminophen is as low as 0.57 mu M (S/N = 3). This method has been successfully applied to the determination of AP in tablets, and shows high stability, good reproducibility and excellent anti-interference ability. The on-off sensor opens up a wide range of possibilities for the use of temperature-sensitive polymers in electro-catalysis, sensors, and environmental pollutant monitoring.

Automated summary

A novel sensor has been developed based on a composite-modified electrode, which is facile, quick, and temperature-controlled, for the reversible detection of acetaminophen (AP). The sensor shows improved temperature sensitivity, with the electron transfer rate accelerated when AP molecules pass through the modified interface, turning on the sensor. The detection of AP has a wide range and low limit, and the sensor demonstrates high stability, good reproducibility, and excellent anti-interference ability. This on-off sensor opens up possibilities for the use of temperature-sensitive polymers in electro-catalysis, sensors, and environmental pollutant monitoring.