Nanostructured interfaces containing MWCNT and nitro aromatics: a new tool to determine Nimesulide

Abstract

A novel type of multiwalled carbon nanotube-modified glassy carbon electrode with an entrapped nimesulide drug was constructed. The new electrode surface was characterized by scanning electrochemical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, using cyclic voltammetry, the electrochemical behaviour of nimesulide on the modified electrode was studied in detail, and this material was used as a sensor for the drug. The analytical parameters of this sensor were adequate, with a recovery value of 98.4% and detection and quantification limits of 1.6 nM and 5.5 nM, respectively. Finally, the developed sensor was applied successfully to determine the drug in commercial tablets.

The method developed herein represents an unconventional way to perform voltammetry, where the electroactive species (nimesulide) is trapped in the electrode phase instead of dissolved in solution. This method is especially recommended for drugs that have low solubility in water.