Background

The buildup of methylparaben (MP), a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative with endocrine-disrupting properties, in environmental sources, especially aquatic systems, has become a significant concern due to its adverse health effects, including allergic reactions, promoting the risk of developing cancer, and inducing reproductive disorders. Hence, introducing inexpensive and easy-to-use monitoring devices for rapid, selective, and sensitive detection and quantification of MP is highly desirable. In this context, electrochemical platforms have proven to be attractive options due to their remarkable features, such as ease of fabrication and use, short response time, and acceptable sensitivity, accuracy, and selectivity.

Results

In this regard, Zn-BTC metal-organic framework (MOF) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized with β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) were utilized to modify the matrix of a carbon paste electrode (CPE). The morphological and electrochemical characteristics of β-CD-MWCNTs/Zn-BTC/CPE were evaluated using conventional material characterization techniques and electroanalytical methods. The sensor exhibited two linear current responses in concentration ranges of 0.01 mM–0.3 mM and 0.3 mM–6 mM. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were calculated to be 3.8 μM and 11.5 μM, respectively. The device demonstrated excellent selectivity, repeatability, reproducibility, and stability over two weeks. Evaluating its applicability in real samples, including personal care products, tap and river water, and human blood serum, achieved recoveries in the range of 96.25 %–105 %, proving its reliability in environmental and industrial applications.

Significance

Overall, the proposed modified graphitic platform is not only a cheaper and more easily fabricable and applicable option for MP detection compared to other reported conventional and electrochemical devices but also demonstrates exceptional selectivity and satisfactory sensitivity among various reported electrochemical sensors. In addition, the developed electroanalytical tool can be employed for MP measurement in a broader range of real sample matrixes compared to alternative electrochemical platforms.

中文翻译：

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利用β-环糊精功能化多壁碳纳米管和 Zn-MOF 的协同作用检测内分泌干扰化学对羟基苯甲酸甲酯


对羟基苯甲酸甲酯 （MP） 是一种具有内分泌干扰特性的广谱抗菌防腐剂，由于其对健康的不利影响，其在水生系统中的积累已成为一个重大问题。因此，非常需要引入廉价且易于使用的监测设备来量化 MP。因此，Zn-BTC 金属有机框架 （MOF） 和用 β-环糊精 （β-CD） 功能化的多壁碳纳米管 （MWCNT） 被用来修饰碳糊电极 （CPE） 的基体。采用常规材料表征技术和电分析方法评价了 β-CD-MWCNTs/Zn-BTC/CPE 的形态和电化学特性。该传感器在 0.01 mM 至 0.3 mM 和 0.3 mM 至 6 mM 的浓度范围内表现出两种线性电流响应。检测限 （LOD） 计算为 3.8 μM。该设备在两周内表现出优异的选择性、重现性、重现性和稳定性。评估其在实际样品中的适用性，实现了 96.25% 至 105% 的回收率，证明了其在环境和工业应用中的可靠性。