3D printed graphite-based electrode coupled with batch injection analysis: An affordable high-throughput strategy for atorvastatin determination

Abstract

This work integrated a lab-made conductive graphite/polylactic acid (Grp/PLA, 40:60% w/w) filament into a 3D pen to print customized electrodes (cylindrical design). Thermogravimetric analysis validated the incorporation of graphite into the PLA matrix, while Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy images indicated a graphitic structure with the presence of defects and highly porous, respectively. The electrochemical features of the 3D-printed Gpt/PLA electrode were systematically compared to that achieved using commercial carbon black/polylactic acid (CB/PLA, from Protopasta®) filament. The 3D printed Gpt/PLA electrode "in the native form" provided lower charge transfer resistance (Rct = 880 Ω) and a more kinetically favored reaction (K⁰ = 1.48 × 10^-3 cm s^-1) compared to the 3D printed CB/PLA electrode (chemically/electrochemically treated). Moreover, a method by batch injection analysis with amperometric detection (BIA-AD) was developed to determine atorvastatin (ATR) in pharmaceutical and water samples. Using the 3D printed Gpt/PLA electrode, a wider linear range (1-200 μmol L^-1), sensitivity (3-times higher), and lower detection limit (LOD = 0.13 μmol L^-1) were achieved when compared to the CB/PLA electrode. Repeatability studies (n = 15, RSD <7.3%) attested to the precision of the electrochemical measurements, and recovery percentages between 83 and 108% confirmed the accuracy of the method. Remarkably, this is the first time that ATR has been determined by the BIA-AD system and a low-cost 3D-printed device. This approach is promising to be implemented in research laboratories for quality control of pharmaceuticals and can also be useful for on-site environmental analysis.

Keywords: 3D-pen; Additive manufacturing; Batch injection analysis; Carbon composite material; Environmental; Pharmaceutical.