Integrating cobalt aluminate nanoparticles with functionalized carbon nanotubes for enhanced detection of oxicam-type piroxicam in pharmacological and biological real samples

Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like Piroxicam (PXM) from the oxicam family, which is commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis considered a strong painkiller. It exhibits deleterious effects for kidney failure and gastrointestinal disorders while consuming an over intake of PXM. Thus, it is necessary to monitor PXM in the pharmacological samples frequently. The current study was performed to evaluate the determination of PXM by rapid analysis as an electrochemical sensor. This technique involves the use of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) enhanced with cobalt aluminate (CAO) nanoparticles prepared by the sol-gel method and interconnected with surface functionalization carbon nanotube (f-CNT) via ultrasonication as a nanocomposite to leverage signal amplification strategies. As a result, the current signal significantly increased the electron-rich centers on the electrode surface, as investigated by electrochemical active surface area (EASA). The voltammetry analysis generates an enhanced electrochemical oxidation signal for PXM detection. The CAO@f-CNT/GCE sensor was capable of exhibiting a wide linear range (0.01 – 188.5 μM) with high sensitivities by different pulse voltammetry (DPV) methods. The lower limit of detection is calculated to be (4 nM), which is significantly lower than that achieved in previous literature. The proposed sensor displayed the strong synergistic interactions between CAO and f-CNT providing a more active site of PXM detection. f-CNT increases the electron transfer and large surface area due to the surface functional groups which contribute to improved electrical conductivity. This combined effect leads to excellent selectivity, reproducibility, repeatability, and stability. The feasibility of using this modified CAO@f-CNT/GCE for PXM determination for pharmacological and biological as real samples has also been validated with acceptable recoveries. Hence, the CAO@f-CNT nanocomposite opens a potential candidate for NSAID determination to prevent human health.