Ratiometric and simultaneous electrochemical analysis of uric acid and xanthine using poly(methylene blue) and reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite-modified screen-printed electrode

This study introduces a facile and sensitive ratiometric electrochemical sensor based on the modification of a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) with poly(methylene blue) (PMB) and reduced graphene oxide-carbon nanotube (rGO-CNT) nanocomposites for the simultaneous detection of uric acid (UA) and xanthine (XT). PMB, used as an internal reference, was prepared <i>via</i> electropolymerization on the rGO-CNT/SPCE synthesized through electrodeposition/co-reduction. The PMB/rGO-CNT/SPCE was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical behavior of UA and XT on PMB/rGO-CNT/SPCE was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry (SWV). The optimal experimental parameters were determined by the Taguchi method. The sensor displayed a detection limit of 2.1 μM for UA and 1.3 μM for XT, and exhibited excellent selectivity and reproducibility, using ratiometric signals from SWV. Tests on real samples were conducted using the standard addition method with a bovine serum albumin solution and human serum. Furthermore, the PMB/rGO-CNT/SPCE sensor proved to be both environmentally friendly and practical. Therefore, the PMB/rGO-CNT/SPCE sensor is a reliable and effective tool for detecting UA and XT, applicable to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of related diseases.