Development of a low-cost zirconium molybdate bimetallic center electrochemical sensor for simultaneous enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin detection in food samples

Abstract

A bimetallic zirconium molybdate (ZMO) nanostructure was prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. It was characterized as a selective, non-enzymatic electrochemical sensing platform for the simultaneous detection of enrofloxacin (ENR) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) for the first time. Comprehensive structural and morphological characterizations confirm the formation of nanoflakes with a rough, interconnected architecture and uniform elemental distribution, providing abundant active sites for electrochemical reactions. The enhanced sensing performance was attributed to the synergistic redox activity of Zr and Mo species, which facilitated rapid electron transfer and strong analyte interaction. The sensor demonstrated excellent sensitivity with detection limits of 0.014 μM for ENR and 0.019 μM for CIP, along with remarkable selectivity in the presence of interfering species. Furthermore, the sensor demonstrated excellent reproducibility, stability in repeated measurements, and recovery from spiked real food samples, indicating its potential for practical use. The resulting sensor offers an effective and cost-effective approach for in situ monitoring of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, supporting food safety assurance initiatives and combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.