An electrochemical sensor based on NH2-MWCNTS-CMC and ZIF-67 peroxidase-like nanocomposite for sensitive luteolin detection

Luteolin (Lut) is a flavonoid compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other biological properties. Lut has been used in many fields such as biomedicine and food safety. Therefore, the quantitative measurement of Lut is of great significance. In this study, an electrochemical sensor based on aminated multi-walled carbon (NH₂-MWCNTs), sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), ZIF-67 and chitosan (Chi) is developed for the measurement of Lut. NH₂-MWCNTs are better dispersed by CMC, and NH₂-MWCNTs are cross-linked with ZIF-67, which further improves the response and sensitivity of the electrode to the Lut due to the peroxide-like properties of ZIF-67. The detection limit and linear range of the electrochemical sensor for Lut are 2.1 nM and 0.1–7 μM, respectively. Dandelion is a traditional Chinese medicine plant containing Lut component. The prepared electrochemical sensor is also used to analysis Lut content in various parts of dandelion. The results show that the flowers part of dandelion exhibits the highest concentration of Lut; while, the leaves contain a moderate amount, and the roots are nearly devoid of Lut. These results are consistent with those obtained by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography. The electrochemical sensor has good stability and anti-interference ability, and has good potential application value in drug concentration detection and screening.

Graphical Abstract