In a groundbreaking development that could revolutionize pharmaceutical quality control, researchers have successfully demonstrated the use of disposable boron-doped diamond thin film electrodes for the electrochemical sensing of theophylline, a commonly used drug for respiratory issues. This innovative approach, published in the journal *Functional Diamond* (which translates to *Functional Diamond* in English), opens new avenues for fast, precise, and accurate monitoring of drug concentrations in real-world samples.
The study, led by Jelena Ostojić from the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Belgrade, focuses on the voltammetric behavior of theophylline using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and compares differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) for practical applications. The results are promising, showing that the homely printed sensor with a boron-doped diamond electrode significantly enhances the electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of theophylline in sulfuric acid.
“Our findings indicate that both DPV and SWV methods can effectively detect theophylline within the same concentration range,” Ostojić explained. “However, the SWV method showed slightly better analytical parameters, with a detection limit of 0.24 µM and a quantification limit of 0.73 µM. This makes it a highly sensitive and reliable method for pharmaceutical analysis.”
The practical applicability of this method was demonstrated through the detection of theophylline in pharmaceutical formulations. The tests, performed in triplicate using the standard addition method, showed excellent agreement with the declared values. This suggests that the proposed sensor could serve as a satisfactory alternative for fast, precise, and accurate monitoring of theophylline concentration in real samples.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. The ability to use disposable sensors for electrochemical sensing could significantly reduce costs and improve the efficiency of quality control processes in the pharmaceutical industry. Moreover, the potential for further modification and technology transfer for miniaturization and disposable sensing could lead to even more innovative applications in the future.
As Ostojić noted, “This research not only advances our understanding of electrochemical sensing but also paves the way for the development of more efficient and cost-effective quality control methods in the pharmaceutical sector.”
The study’s findings, published in *Functional Diamond*, highlight the importance of continued research in this field. The development of disposable sensors with enhanced electrocatalytic activity could have a profound impact on various industries, including pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, and beyond. As the technology evolves, we can expect to see even more innovative applications that leverage the unique properties of boron-doped diamond thin film electrodes.