Simultaneous detection of antibacterial sulfonamides in a microfluidic device with amperometry

A highly sensitive and robust method for simultaneous detection of five sulfonamide drugs is developed by integrating the preconcentration and separation steps in a microfluidic device. An ampetrometry is performed for the selective detection of sulfonamides using an aluminum oxide–gold nanoparticle (Al2O3–AuNPs) modified carbon paste (CP) electrode at the end of separation channel. The preconcentration capacity of the channel is enhanced by using the field amplified sample stacking and the field amplified sample injection techniques. The experimental parameters affecting the analytical performances, such as pH, % of Al2O3, volume of AuNPs, buffer concentration, and water plug length are optimized. A reproducible response is observed during the multiple injections of samples with RSDs<4%. The calibration plots are linear with the correlation coefficient between 0.991 and 0.997 over the range between 0.01 and 2025 pM. The detection limits of five drugs are determined to be between 0.91 (±0.03) and 2.21 (±0.09) fM. The interference effects of common biological compounds are also investigated and the applicability of the method to the direct analysis of sulfonamides in real meat samples is successfully demonstrated. Long term stability of the modified electrode was also investigated.

► Field amplified sample stacking and the field amplified sample injection.
► Separation of sulphonamides in a microfluidic device.
► Highly sensitive detection of sulphonamides using an Al2O3–AuNPs modified carbon paste electrode.