Electrochemical Detection of Nitrofurantoin using Green Synthesized Silver-doped Palladium Nanocluster-Modified Sensor

Aim: This study presents a novel green synthesis approach for successfully fabricating silver-doped palladium nanoclusters (Ag-Pd NCs) using the aqueous leaf extract of Strobilanthes kunthiana as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Background: The environmentally benign method offers a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical synthesis, circumventing hazardous chemicals and minimizing the generation of toxic byproducts. Objective: The successful green synthesis of Ag-Pd NCs using Strobilanthes kunthiana leaf extract and their application as an efficient electrochemical sensing platform for determining nitrofurantoin (NFT). Method: The synthesized Ag-Pd NCs were extensively characterized by using diverse analytical techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Results: As-synthesized Ag-Pd NCs were employed as a sensing platform for electrochemical detection of NFT, an important antibiotic widely used in clinical applications. The electrochemical method demonstrated a remarkable sensitivity of about 1.56 μA μM⁻¹ cm⁻², the lowest detection limit (LOD) of 3.2 μM and a linear range of determination from 5 to 210 μM. This new electrochemical sensor exhibited excellent stability and reproducibility, making it suitable for practical applications in real-world samples. Conclusion: The green synthesis of Ag-Pd NCs using Strobilanthes kunthiana leaf extract and their application as an efficient electrochemical sensing platform for detecting NFT was demonstrated. The combination of green synthesis and advanced electrochemical sensing underscores the potential of these nanomaterials in developing environmentally friendly sensors for pharmaceutical analysis and clinical diagnostics. The findings presented herein will contribute to the growing field of green nanotechnology and sustainable sensor development for advanced healthcare and environmental monitoring.