Synergistic nanomaterials: zinc sulfide-polyaniline for ciprofloxacin electrochemical sensing

Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity, frequently employed in the treatment of diverse bacterial infections. Improper disposal practices of CIP can result in the accumulation of this substance within the natural environment. Hence, it has become imperative to establish expeditious and reliable techniques for the identification of CIP in order to effectively monitor its concentrations and uphold public health security. The electrochemical properties of zinc sulfide-polyaniline (ZnS-PANI) nanocomposite-modified electrodes were thoroughly examined in a systematic manner for the purpose of detecting CIP. This investigation was conducted using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methodologies. The optimal experimental conditions, including scan rate and varying concentrations, were selected in order to attain the highest possible sensitivity and stability of the electrode. The nanocomposite exhibited improved electrochemical activity within a linear range spanning from 50 to 0.75 μM, and a limit of detection of 0.5 µM. The experiment involved the detection of CIP in an environment of interfering substances, namely enrofloxacin (ENR), levofloxacin (LEV), and ofloxacin (OFL), and found to be selective for CIP.