Electrogenerated chemiluminescence sensor for itopride with Ru(bpy)32+-doped silica nanoparticles/chitosan composite films modified electrode

A electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor for itopride was developed based on tris(2,2-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)32+)-doped silica (RuDS) nanoparticles/biopolymer chitosan composites membrane modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The RuDS nanoparticles (52 ± 5 nm) were prepared by a modified Stőber synthesis method and were characterized by electrochemical, fluorometric and transmission electron microscopy technology. The Ru(bpy)32+ encapsulation interior of the silica nanoparticle maintains its electrochemical activities and also reduces Ru(bpy)32+ leaching from the silica matrix when immersed in water due to the electrostatic interaction. The ECL analytical performances of this ECL sensor for itopride based on its enhancement ECL emission of Ru(bpy)32+ were investigated in details. Under the optimum condition, the enhanced ECL intensity was linear with the itopride concentration in the range of 1 × 10−8 to 2 × 10−5 g/mL (R = 0.9978). The detection limit was 3 × 10−9 g/mL, and the relative standard deviation was 2.3% for 8 × 10−8 g/mL itopride (n = 11). The method was successfully applied to the determination of itopride in pharmaceutical and human serum samples with satisfactory results. The as-prepared ECL sensor for the determination of itopride displayed good sensitivity and stability.