Design of La@ZnO/AuNPs/GO nanocomposites as an electrochemical sensor for acetaminophen detection

This study was aimed to design an innovative and highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for Acetaminophen analysis. La@ZnO/AuNPs/GO nanocomposite was synthesized via hydrothermal approach for the detection of acetaminophen in pharmaceutical products and biological samples. Characterization of La@ZnO/AuNPs/GO was conducted using UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray powder diffraction, EIS and electrochemical determination was carried out by DPV and CV. Voltammetric results showed an increased oxidation peak current due to fast electron transfer, which confirmed the oxidation of acetaminophen. DPV was performed for different concentrations of acetaminophen in the range of 0.5–1750 μM. LOD and LOQ for La@ZnO/AuNPs/GO were 0.45 μM and 1.50 μM respectively, for AP detection. The sensor demonstrated a remarkably wide linear detection range, a low detection limit, sustained stability over 25 days, minimal interference, rapid determination capabilities, excellent reproducibility, and consistent repeatability for precise Acetaminophen quantification. These findings indicate that La@ZnO/AuNPs/GO is an exceptional electrode material for identifying the electrocatalytic activity of low-level Acetaminophen. • La@ZnO/AuNPs/GO for enhanced electrochemical detection of Acetaminophen (AP). • Voltammetric studies reveal increased oxidation peak current (rapid electron transfer and efficient AP oxidation). • Low limit of detection (LOD) of 18.57 μM and quantification (LOQ) of 56.26 μM for AP. • Wide linear detection range (0.5–1750 μM). • La@ZnO/AuNPs/GO demonstrates stability, minimum interference, rapid determination, and high reproducibility.