Simultaneous Electrochemical Examination of Ractopamine and Clenbuterol Employing Carbon Dots Derived from Rice Straw

In this study, rice straw-based carbon dots (RSCD) synthesized via a hydrothermal method were effectively utilized for modifying glassy carbon electrodes in differential pulse voltammetry to determine ractopamine (RTP) and clenbuterol (CLB) simultaneously. The structural, optical, and elemental properties of RSCD were characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, tunneling electron microscopy, UV–vis, photoluminescence spectra, and energy-dispersive X-ray elemental mapping. The RSCD-modified glassy carbon electrode (RSCD/GCE) demonstrated enhanced electrochemical outcome in cyclic voltammetry tests and differential pulse voltammetry tests, compared to bare GCE. The RSCD/GCE showed distinct oxidation peaks for RTP (+0.88 V) and CLB (+1.88 V), indicating high selectivity. The method stated a broad linear concentration range of 0.1–92 μM with limits of detection of 0.09 μM for RTP and 0.03 μM for CLB. Interference studies revealed negligible impact from common ions and organic substances. The RSCD/GCE demonstrated good repeatability, reproducibility, and stability over a week. This study underscores the potential of RSCD/GCE as a working electrode for reliable and sensitive DPV determination of β -agonists residue in food safety applications.