Facile green preparation of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles using papaya leaf extract for electrochemical detection of acetaminophen in Zerodol P and Dolo drops

This study reports the green synthesis of ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles using a papaya extract by combustion method with papaya leaf extract as a fuel. Structural, physical and chemical properties of the nanoparticles were characterized using advanced spectroscopic and analytical techniques, such as X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and mapping, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–Vis absorbance spectroscopy (UV–Vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Development of eco-friendly electrochemical sensor for detection of AC drug. Electrochemical assessment of drug was done using bare GCE and drop casting GCE/ZnFe₂O₄. The electrochemical study revealed that ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles facilitated electron transfer, resulting in enhanced redox peak currents and reduced peak potentials. The GCE/ZnFe₂O₄ sensor exhibited a low detection limit of 0.5274 µM and a broad linear response range from 0.1 to 40 µM. In real sample analysis, the sensor demonstrated good recovery rates, indicating its accuracy in detecting and quantifying AC in pharmaceutical samples, such as Zerodol P and Dolo drops. Additionally, the sensor displayed acceptable reproducibility, stability, selectivity, sensitivity and reliability towards AC. The study underscores the effectiveness of ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles in enhancing the electrochemical performance of sensors, contributing to advancements in sensor technology for pharmaceutical analysis.