Design and optimization of a novel Ti-MOF@PEDOT electrochemical sensor for precise dopamine quantification

Abstract

Dopamine is a critical neurotransmitter, and its dysfunction is strongly linked to various neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, depression, and schizophrenia. Current detection techniques exhibit limitations in clinical applications; therefore, developing a method with high sensitivity and rapid response for dopamine detection holds significant importance. In this study, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was synthesized via the solvent method, and a novel electrochemical sensor was constructed by integrating titanium metal–organic framework (Ti-MOF) with PEDOT through an in-situ synthesis strategy. This sensor combines the REDOX properties of Ti-MOF with the high conductivity of PEDOT, demonstrating exceptional sensitivity toward dopamine. The linear detection range spans from 8 to 400 μM, with a detection limit of 3.815 μM. In the presence of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA), and uric acid (UA), the sensor exhibits remarkable selectivity for DA. Repeatability testing reveals that the relative standard deviation of the sample response current is less than 5%, indicating high data consistency. Furthermore, after one month of storage, the senso’s response to DA decreases by only 12%, reflecting excellent reproducibility. Additionally, this study provides an in-depth analysis of the sensor’s REDOX mechanism, offering theoretical support for its optimization and practical application. The successful development of this sensor introduces an innovative, efficient, and highly sensitive approach for dopamine detection, thereby expanding the application scope of Ti-MOF in the field of electrochemical sensing.