Flexible and disposable electrodes based on SnO2 nanoparticle/Nb2CT nanosheet composites for selective and ultrasensitive detection of propofol

A disposable electrochemical sensor for the detection of the propofol (PPF), an anesthetic drug, has been developed using a composite of SnO2 nanoparticle and Nb2CTx MXene (SnO2/Nb2CTx). The SnO2/Nb2CTx is modified on a flexible carbon cloth for highly sensitive and selective electrochemical detection of PPF. The ratio of SnO2 in the composite was optimized to get enhanced sensor response to cover the analyte range from 1 μM to 300 μM with a limit of detection of 0.24 µM. The developed sensor possesses the requisite sensor parameters viz. selectivity, sensitivity, reproducibility, and storage stability. Based on the flexibility analysis, it is confirmed that the developed sensor works for the detection of PPF on a flexible platform as well. The real sample analysis done by spiking PPF in human artificial serum further proves that the developed PPF sensor can effectively detect PPF in serum samples. Over all, the developed sensor improves patient safety by ensuring that they receive the appropriate amount of medication at the right time minimizing the risk of adverse effects associated with over-sedation or under-sedation.