Academic researchers in Iran succeeded in the production of a nanosensor by using a simple method and cheap materials to measure some types of drugs concurrently.

Results of the research have applications in foodstuff and medical industries.

Dopamine, melatonin, methionine and caffeine are drugs or foodstuff, which cannot be measured on normal electrodes of gold, platinum or graphite at the same time. Therefore, it is very important to produce a sensor to measure these species at the same time.

According to the researchers, a nanosensor has been produced in this research that enables the simultaneous measurement of these species in real samples.

The sensor can be used in diagnosis and therapeutic centers in the simultaneous and individual measurement of dopamine, melatonin and caffeine. In order to achieve this objective, an electrochemical nanosensor was produced based on carbon paste electrode modified with zinc oxide nanorods and appropriate chemical modifier.

The application of zinc oxide nanorods increases the sensitivity of the sensor and modifies the detection limit due to their unique properties, including high ratio of surface to volume and appropriate electrical conductivity. Among the other advantages of the produced nanosensor, mention can be made of the simplicity and quick production method, low detection limit and the ability to be reused.

Results of the research have been published in Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, vol. 208, issue 1, 2015, pp. 195-203.