Differential pulse voltammetric determination of paracetamol in tablet and urine samples at a micro-crystalline natural graphite–polystyrene composite film modified electrode

A new extremely sensitive method for the determination of paracetamol by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) using a micro-crystalline natural graphite–polystyrene composite film modified electrode (CFE) was developed. The experimental parameters, such as pH of Britton–Robinson buffer and potentials for regeneration of the electrode surface, were optimized. Under optimized conditions in Britton–Robinson buffer (pH 4.0), linear calibration curves were obtained in the range of 0.02–100 μmol l−1 of paracetamol. The limit of determination was 0.034 μmol l−1 which shows high sensitivity of the developed method. The method was applied for the determination of paracetamol in pharmaceutical formulations and in human urine model samples.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Voltammetric determination of drug paracetamol. ► Utilization of a carbon film modified electrode. ► Determination of the paracetamol in tablet samples and urine model samples. ► Limit of quantification for the developed method in submicromolar concentrations.