Developing a Novel Nanocomposite of Gold Nanowires/Reduced Graphene Oxide/Molecularly Imprinted Polyaniline for the Electrochemical Sensing of Metronidazole

Introduction: BIn the present study, a selective electrochemical sensor was developed to detect metronidazole (MTZ) through the modification of a screen-printed carbon electrode. Also, molecularly imprinted polyaniline (PANI) film layer/gold nanowire /reduced graphene oxide (GNW/rGO) was used to facilitate the charge transfer process and increase the specific surface area of the sensor. Materials and Methods: The molecularly imprinted PANI electropolymerization process and MTZ accumulation on the electrode were optimized using the response surface method. The modified screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results: The performance of the proposed electrochemical sensor was analyzed, and it proved to have a linear range of 0.03–980.0 nmolL-1 and a detection limit of 0.015 nmolL-1. The selectivity tests of the nanosensor showed its higher specificity for MTZ, as compared to other similar molecules. Furthermore, the developed sensor was successfully applied to detect MTZ in tablets and urine samples with a good recovery percentage. Conclusions: In comparison with other methods of MTZ detection, the proposed MIP-based electrochemical sensor offers a wider linear response and a lower detection limit.