A facile nano-iron oxide sensor for the electrochemical detection of the anti-diabetic drug linagliptin in the presence of glucose and metformin

Background A highly sensitive sensor for the electrochemical determination of an antidiabetic drug Linagliptin (LG) was constructed using carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe 2 O 3 NPs). The electrochemical performance of LG was examined analytically, and some dynamics were considered for the first time. Results This work indicates that the oxidation reaction of LG on CPE/Fe 2 O 3 NPs is a one electron and one proton process, which is controlled by both diffusion and adsorption. The simultaneous determination of LG with glucose and metformin (MET) was also considered by square wave voltammetry in universal buffer pH 7.4. Experimental results specify a linear relation between LG peak current and its concentration in the range of 0.03 to 86 μg/ml, leading to a detection limit of 8.0 ng/ml. Conclusion This novel sensor was successfully used to determine LG in commercialized tablets and in spiked urine samples.