Enhanced electrochemical detection of cardioselective beta-blocker acebutolol using coaxially electrospun gold nanograins decorated tin oxide nanofibers

Utilization of heterostructured nanomaterials is an effective method to enhance the the performance of electrochemical electrodes. In this study, a heterostructured nanocomposite consisting of gold nanograins and tin oxide nanofibers (Au NGs/SnO2 NFs) was synthesized by using a designed coaxial electrospinning strategy to construct an electrochemical platform based on a disposable screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) for the detection of acebutolol. The morphological, structural, and surface properties of the synthesized Au NGs/SnO2 NFs nanocomposite were thoroughly investigated using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. The analytical results demonstrate that the Au NGs/SnO2 NFs/SPCE enables the detection of acebutolol with an ultra-low limit of detection of 0.002 µM and an acceptable sensitivity of 2.485 µA µM−1 cm−2 within a satisfactory working range from 0.01 to 364.5 µM. These performance metrics surpass those of the reported electrochemical sensors. The electrocatalytic performance of the Au NGs/SnO2 NFs nanocomposite for electrochemical sensing is significantly enhanced by the synergistic effect of strongly coupled heterojunctions between SnO2 NFs and Au NGs. Additionally, the distinctive morphology of the Au NGs/SnO2 NFs nanocomposite provides numerous exposed electro-active sites, which promote efficient charge transfer and enhance overall electrochemical performance. The proposed electrochemical sensor demonstrates negligible signal interference from potential interference compounds along with improved selectivity and satisfactory reproducibility for acebutolol detection. The practicability of the Au NGs/SnO2 NFs/SPCE is demonstrated by detecting acebutolol spiked in environmental samples with the desirable recovery rates. These remarkable performance highlights the prospective candidacy of the Au NGs/SnO2 NFs nanocomposite-based electrochemical sensor for accurate detection of acebutolol in biomedical and environmental fields. •Au NGs/SnO2 NFs nanocomposites are prepared by coaxial electrospinning and calcination.•It is applied for electrochemical detection of beta-adrenoceptor blocker acebutolol.•Its superior performance includes low LOD, high sensitivity and a wide linear range.•Its high selectivity and reproducibility facilitate reliable and accurate detection.•Sensing acebutolol spiked in enviromental samples confirms its good practicability.