Trace Level Recognition of Sulfasalazine Electrooxidation Exploiting the Synergism of Carbon Nanotubes and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

The significance of sulfasalazine (SSZ) as a therapeutic agent has garnered paramount research interest in the design and fabrication of a viable sensor for the detection of SSZ. Herein, we demonstrate a new strategy for the sensitive determination of SSZ employing single walled carbon nanotubes decorated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles sensing platform for the first time. The synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles and the surface morphology of the developed sensor were investigated by exerting various analytical techniques. The optimization of operational parameters was effectuated. The developed sensor exhibited pronounced electrocatalytic activity for the electro oxidation of SSZ in the dynamic detection range of 25 nM-1.5 mu M manifesting noteworthy high sensitivity and phenomenal low detection limit of 18.6 mu A mu M-1 and 1.6 nM respectively. Apparent specificity in the presence of interferents along with remarkable stability and reproducibility were attained by the sensor. The prominence of the developed methodology was emphasized by the determination of SSZ in pharmaceutical formulations. Furthermore, the applicability of the developed electrode was established by utilizing it effectually for the first time to quantify SSZ in serum sample of patients undergoing pharmacological treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.