Precursor Modified Electrodes: Electrochemical Detection of Captopril

A fast and facile method for captopril determination is reported using an electrode modified to contain the precursor of a species which can selectively and suitably detect the target. Cyclotriveratrylene (CTV) is first incorporated into a carbon paste electrode then the precursor is converted into cyclotricatechylene (CTC) using voltammetric methods at the point in time when the captopril detection is sought. The resulting cyclotricatechylene (CTC) was used to mediate the electrochemical detection of the thiol containing drug, captopril, via electrocatalytic oxidation. Optimization towards the detection method was investigated by changing experimental conditions including pH and mediator loading. Optimal analytical parameters were determined in acidic conditions which gave a real measurable limit of detection of 1 µM for captopril detection.