Silver nanoparticles electrodeposited on electrochemically treated 3D sensor for nimesulide monitoring by amperometric detection with flow injection analysis.

The detection and quantification of pharmaceutical compounds in various matrices, including environmental and biological samples, has received a great deal of attention due to their potential impact on human health and the environment. In this study, we present an electrochemical approach for the determination of nimesulide, a commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in water supply, synthetic urine and drug samples. A 3D-printed electrochemical sensor was fabricated and modified by an electrochemical treatment in alkaline medium with KOH, followed by the electrodeposition of silver nanoparticles to improve its detection capabilities. The performance of the electrochemical sensor was evaluated by multiple techniques and a flow injection analysis with amperometric detection was applied for the quantification of nimesulide. The FIA-AMP system allowed for the efficient introduction of samples, promoting rapid analysis and minimizing memory effects. The sensor connected to the method showed good sensitivity (0.171 ± 0.002 µA L mol−1 cm−2) and improved stability (RSD < 7%) and its electrochemical responses were correlated with the concentration of nimesulide present in the samples tested, with recovery values in the 92 to 104% range. The method developed showed a good linear range from 5 to 25 µmol L−1 and a low detection limit of 0.81 µmol L−1, which makes it suitable for the quantitative analysis of nimesulide over a range of concentrations. The sensor applied to the determination of nimesulide offers a promising platform for the sensitive and selective detection of pharmaceutical compounds, contributing to greater safety and sustainability in these fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]