According to Iran Nanotechnology Initiative Council, Iranian researchers have developed a simple and cost effective method to design a laboratorial sample of sensor with high selectivity and sensitivity. The produced sensor showed highly successful performance in the measurement of anti-diabetes drug in drug and real samples.
Measurement of metformin is very important since it is the most commonly used anti-diabetes drug in the world. The structure of the sensors consists of a carbon paste electrode modified with a combination of nanostructured porous silica functionalized with copper ions.
The performance of the sensor was very satisfying in the measurement of metformin anti-diabetes drug in the tablet sample of the medication and also in urine and blood samples as real samples. Therefore, it can be expected to use the designed sensor in various medical and pharmaceutical industries after carrying out complementary studies and mass production of the product.
The sensor was produced through a relatively simple method without the need for complicated laboratorial processes. It also enables measurement of the desired drugs at low cost due to its very high sensitivity and selectivity. The lack of the need for the application of highly toxic and pollutant chemicals such as organic solvents in the measurement of the drugs is another advantage of the designed sensor.
Results of the research have been published in Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, vol. 221, 2015, pp. 807-815.