Improved Performance for Acyclovir Sensing in the Presence of Deep Eutectic Solvent and Nanostructures and Polymer

Acyclovir is a synthetic deoxyguanosine analog that is used for the treatment of herpes simplex as well as varicella zoster virus infections. In this work, by incorporation of different deep eutectic solvents (DESs), ZnO nanoparticles, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into the carbon paste matrix, and electropolymerization of arginine at the resulted electrode, new sensor was designed for improved sensing of acyclovir. The effect of influential factors on the electrode quality was investigated. As a result, the carbon paste electrode modified with 5% ZnO, 5% MWCNTs, 5% DES (choline chloride-urea) and applying10 cycles in polymeric condition exerted remarkable enhancement for acyclovir in physiological media (pH = 7). Two linear ranges have been obtained for the acyclovir concentration within the ranges of 0.01-0.33 and 0.33-1.0 μM, with a detection limit of 0.007 μM. The excellent selectivity of sensor for the acyclovir determination was confirmed by discrimination of peaks for interferences (e.g. ascorbic acid, and guanine). Suitability of the fabricated sensor for acyclovir determination in pharmaceutical formulations and human fluid was confirmed with satisfactory results.