Rational construction of micro-plate-like iron oxide/aluminium oxide-fabricated screen-printed carbon electrode for the electrochemical detection of the antiandrogen drug

Abstract

As the rate of prostate cancer is increasing, the strategies and challenges for its treatment are attracting significant attention. In this case, nilutamide (NTM) is an antiandrogen drug employed for the treatment of prostate cancer; however, its over-usage may induce severe health issues. Thus, herein, we designed an electrochemical sensor for the detection of NTM in real samples to monitor its presence. The working surface of the sensor was based on binary metal oxide iron oxide/aluminium oxide (FeAlO) fabricated on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). The structure, surface morphology, and elemental properties of the synthesized FeAlO were characterized using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, and FESEM. The SPCE surface modified with FeAlO (FeAlO/SPCE) was analyzed using various electrochemical techniques for the optimized and sensitive detection of NTM. Significantly, the probe sensor exhibited excellent performance with a detection limit of 7.7 nM and a linear range of 0.029–634.7 μM, together with a sensitivity of 5.502 μA μM⁻¹ cm⁻². Additional studies proved that FeAlO/SPCE was recyclable using several independent electrodes. The interference study with the factors influencing NTM showed a response at a low concentration, indicating the excellent selectivity of the sensor. The stability and real sample experiment showed good results. Hence, FeAlO/SPCE will be an efficient electrode material for NTM sensing with more significant features facilitating advanced features.