Comprehensive Insights into Electrochemical Nicotine Sensing Technologies

Abstract

Nicotine is a significant alkaloid prevalent in tobacco products. Given the addictive nature of tobacco products and the health risks associated with their consumption, precise and real-time monitoring of nicotine is necessary. Electrochemical sensors are low-cost and non-invasive devices for detecting various target molecules even at trace levels, affording such advantages as high sensitivity, portability, and rapidity. Nevertheless, reliable electrochemical detection of nicotine is highly challenging due to the active interferents present in complex sample matrices. Recent advances in electrochemical sensors have focused on developing chemically modified electrodes that mimic the oxidase activity of cytochrome P450, enhancing the selective detection of nicotine with improved sensitivity. Herein, we discuss several innovative materials and strategies for practical nicotine detection and quantification in real matrices. Our emphasis is on evaluating factors influencing the sensing performance of various electrode materials and electrochemical techniques used. The comprehensive information we present will help guide future research toward practical real-time monitoring of nicotine in tobacco products, emphasizing simplicity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in sensor design.