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A glassy carbon electrode modified with silver nanoparticles and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes for voltammetric determination of the illicit growth promoter dienestrol in animal urine

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Abstract

An electroanalytical method for determining dienestrol (DNL) in bovine urine samples is described. A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with silver nanoparticles and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes was used as working sensor. The modified GCE displays substantial analytical improvements including an amplified signal, fast electron transfer kinetics, and resistance to fouling. The irreversible oxidation signal of DNL is pH-dependent. Best reactivity is found at pH 3.0, where a typical anodic peak is recorded at 0.8 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Square-wave voltammetry revealed a 8.4 nM detection limit (1.9 μg L−1), good repeatability and reproducibility (RSDs <5.0%), and good accuracy (93.2–99.4% recovery from spiked samples). The modified electrode is highly stable even in the presence of ions (Na+ and K+), urea and uric acid. The electrochemical sensor fulfills all requisites to be used as forensic device in surveillance of illegal livestock practices.

Schematic presentation of the construction of a glassy carbon electrode modified with silver nanoparticles and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes. This sensor exhibited a remarkable performance for voltammetric detection of the illicit growth promoter dienestrol in animal urine.

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the funding provided by the following Brazilian agencies: Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES; proc. 88881.140821/2017-01 and Finance code 001) and National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPQ; proc. 420261/2018-4 and 407891/2018-8). M.M.S. Lima Filho also thanks CAPES for the grant.

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Lima Filho, M.M.S., Correa, A.A., Silva, F.D.C. et al. A glassy carbon electrode modified with silver nanoparticles and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes for voltammetric determination of the illicit growth promoter dienestrol in animal urine. Microchim Acta 186, 525 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00604-019-3645-9

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