Ultrasensitive and simultaneous detection for bioactive compounds of baicalein and chrysin in traditional Chinese medicine via Bi2MoO6-MWCNTs based sensing platform

The pursuit of rapid and sensitive detection methods for bioactive compounds in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a continuous quest in the field of natural product chemistry. Herein, we report the development of a novel nanocomposite material comprising bismuth molybdate (Bi₂MoO₆) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), which has been successfully applied to the ultrasensitive and simultaneous detection of the bioactive flavonoids baicalein and chrysin. These compounds, known for their potent anticancer and antioxidant properties, are prevalent in TCM and nutraceuticals. The Bi₂MoO₆-MWCNTs nanocomposite was meticulously characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV), revealing its structural and functional attributes. The optimized electrochemical sensor, based on a glassy carbon electrode modified with the nanocomposite, demonstrated remarkable sensitivity with a linear response range of 0.001–5.0 μmol·L⁻¹ for baicalein and 0.007–3.0 μmol·L⁻¹ for chrysin, alongside impressively low detection limits of 0.2 nmol·L⁻¹ and 1.4 nmol·L⁻¹, respectively. The sensor’s performance was further validated through its application in the analysis of human serum and Scutellaria baicalensis extracts, showcasing its robust repeatability, selectivity, and stability. This work not only advances the field of TCM analysis but also opens new horizons for the integration of hollow bimetallic oxides with carbon-based materials in electrochemical sensing, offering a strategic approach to the rapid assessment of bioactive constituents in complex matrices.