Synergistic innovation: MOF@GCN hybrid for electrochemical detection of flutamide—bridging experimental, computational, and real-world applications

Abstract

Electrochemical sensors are at the forefront of analytical technology, offering remarkable sensitivity and rapid response for detecting a wide range of chemical and biological compounds. Herein, a bimetallic metal–organic framework (MOF) is engineered and combined with graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) to demonstrate exceptional electrochemical performance toward the anti-cancer drug flutamide. A simple solvothermal method is used to synthesize MOF and GCN. These materials are then used as precursors to synthesize the MOF@GCN nanocomposite via a sonication method. The formation of the nanocomposite is confirmed using various characterization techniques like UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, XPS, TGA, SEM, and TEM. The electrochemical characterization is performed using EIS, and the electrochemical measurements are conducted using CV and LSV. The results obtained from the electrochemical parameters indicate good operational stability, high sensitivity, reliability, and excellent electrochemical conductivity. The LSV curves show linearity over a wide range of flutamide concentration levels (10 to 180 nM), a limit of detection of 17.56 nM, a limit of quantification of 53.23 nM, and an optimal sensitivity of 22.89 µA µM⁻¹ cm⁻². This electrical response of the sensor is attributed to the abundance of active sites, accelerated diffusion, and low rate of recombination. The real sample analysis conducted in biofluids and environmental samples also demonstrate good recovery for the flutamide analyte. The theoretical results obtained from the computational DFT analysis on the analyte are also in good agreement with the experimental results. In a wider perspective, the development of this electrochemical sensor promises significant advancements in health monitoring and environmental protection.

Graphical Abstract