Copper nanoparticles applied to the preconcentration and electrochemical determination of β-adrenergic agonist: An efficient tool for the control of meat production

• This is the first report for preconcentration and electrochemical detection of zinterol.
• Metal copper nanoparticles on a screen-printed carbon electrode to improve the LOD.
• Mesoporous shuttle like oxide copper nanoparticles for the preconcentration step.
• The experimental optimization was performed using a central composite design.
• Low LOD, fast response time, wide linear range, good selectivity and reproducibility.

A novel method for preconcentration and electrochemical detection of zinterol in bovine urine samples was developed. In order to improve the limit of detection, the surface of a screen-printed carbon electrode was modified with electrodeposited metal copper nanoparticles. The experimental electrodeposition optimization was performed using a central composite design (CCD), involving the variables: precursor concentration, potential and time applied. Copper nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Mesoporous shuttle-like copper oxide nanoparticles were used for the preconcentration step to avoid interferences with many compounds present in the sample matrix. The optimal working conditions for the preconcentration approach were found by means of both two-level fractional factorial and CCD designs. The obtained enhancement factor for a sample volume of 30 mL was 35 fold. The calibration curve showed linearity between 0.5 and 45 ng mL−1 and the limit of detection was 0.16 ng mL−1. The intra and inter assay coefficients of variability were below 4% and 5%; respectively.

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