CeVO4–Wakefieldite Nanocubes Supported on a Triazine-Based 2D Polymer as an Electrochemical Sensing System for the Detection of Levofloxacin in Human Blood Serum

Abstract

Levofloxacin (LV), a third-generation fluoroquinolone, is commonly used to treat moderate to severe respiratory and urinary tract infections. LV exhibits certain adverse effects, including hepatotoxicity, photosensitivity, tendinitis, and peripheral neuropathy, along with several factors such as severe drug–drug interactions. Therefore, the development of a straightforward and sensitive LV sensor is of significant relevance. In this study, cerium vanadate, CeVO₄ (CeV), nanocubes were supported on a triazine-based two-dimensional (2D) conjugated polymer matrix, g-C₃N₄ (CN), to develop an interface-engineered nanocomposite-modified transducer for detecting LV in human blood samples. Additionally, the integration of CeV cubes over the CN sheets improved the electrochemically active surface area and electron transfer rate kinetics, which substantially improved the electrocatalytic activity of the proposed sensor. The sensor exhibits a wide linear range (0.025–276.35 μM), a low detection limit (6.60 nM), a quick response time (1.12 s), and excellent selectivity. In addition, the sensor proves its excellence in repeatability, reproducibility, and stability and successfully detects LV in human blood serum with an excellent recovery rate.