Skip to content

Electrochemical Sensor of Levofloxacin on Boron-Doped Diamond Electrode Decorated by Nickel Nanoparticles

MetadataDetails
Publication Date2022-08-10
JournalIndonesian Journal of Chemistry
AuthorsPrastika Krisma Jiwanti, Irfansyah Rais Sitorus, Grandprix T.M. Kadja, Siti Wafiroh, Yasuaki Einaga
InstitutionsAirlangga University, Keio University
Citations12
AnalysisFull AI Review Included

Technical Documentation & Analysis: NiBDD Electrochemical Sensor for Levofloxacin

Section titled “Technical Documentation & Analysis: NiBDD Electrochemical Sensor for Levofloxacin”

This document analyzes the research on Nickel-decorated Boron-Doped Diamond (NiBDD) electrodes for Levofloxacin (LEV) detection, highlighting the critical role of high-quality MPCVD BDD and connecting the experimental requirements directly to 6CCVD’s advanced material and fabrication capabilities.


  • Application Focus: Development of a highly sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor for the detection of Levofloxacin (LEV), a critical fluoroquinolone antibiotic, in biological and environmental samples.
  • Core Material: The sensor utilizes a Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) electrode synthesized via Microwave Plasma-Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (MPCVD).
  • Functionalization: The BDD surface was functionalized through anodic oxidation (creating OBDD) followed by electrodeposition of Nickel Nanoparticles (Ni NPs) to form the catalytic NiBDD working electrode.
  • Performance Enhancement: Square Wave Voltammetry (SWV) proved significantly superior to Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV), achieving a 56% lower Limit of Detection (LOD).
  • Key Analytical Metrics: The optimized sensor demonstrated excellent reproducibility (Relative Standard Deviation of 1.45%) and a low LOD of 5.11 ”M.
  • Real-World Validation: The NiBDD electrode successfully analyzed LEV in human urine samples, showing high recovery (93.91 ± 0.02%), confirming its viability for clinical and environmental monitoring.

The following hard data points were extracted from the experimental results and methodology:

ParameterValueUnitContext
Diamond Synthesis MethodMPCVDN/AUsed CORNES Model AX 5400
Diamond Material TypeBoron-Doped Diamond (BDD)N/AUsed for electrochemical sensing
Boron Doping Level1% (B/C)Optimized for conductivity
Substrate MaterialSi (111)N/AUsed for BDD growth
Working Electrode Area0.04cm2Geometric area used for measurement
Nickel Content (EDS)1%Found on the NiBDD surface
Optimal pH for Detection5.5N/AMaximized anodic current response
Linear Detection Range30-100”MLevofloxacin concentration
Limit of Detection (LOD)5.11”MCalculated using the optimized SWV method
Reproducibility (RSD)1.45%Based on 10 daily measurements
Real Sample Recovery93.91 ± 0.02%Detection accuracy in human urine
SWV Pulse Amplitude50mVOptimized electrochemical parameter
SWV Frequency50HzOptimized electrochemical parameter
SWV Step Potential12mVOptimized electrochemical parameter

The fabrication and testing of the NiBDD electrochemical sensor involved precise MPCVD growth and subsequent electrochemical surface modification:

  1. BDD Synthesis: 1% (B/C) BDD film was deposited onto a Si (111) substrate using a Microwave Plasma-Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (MPCVD) system.
  2. Pretreatment and Oxidation (OBDD): The BDD electrode was ultrasonicated, followed by anodic oxidation using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) in 0.1 M H2SO4 (40 cycles, -2.5 V to 2.5 V). This step converted the surface to Oxygen-Terminated BDD (OBDD).
  3. Nickel Nanoparticle Electrodeposition: Nickel Nanoparticles (Ni NPs) were deposited onto the OBDD surface via chronoamperometry in 1 M NiSO4 solution for 250 seconds at a potential of -1.2 V.
  4. Characterization: The resulting NiBDD electrode was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) to confirm topography and 1% Ni content.
  5. Electrochemical Analysis: Levofloxacin detection was performed using Square Wave Voltammetry (SWV) in 0.1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte, optimizing parameters to maximize sensitivity (50 mV pulse amplitude, 50 Hz frequency, 12 mV step potential).

This research demonstrates the high value of MPCVD Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) for advanced electrochemical sensing. 6CCVD is uniquely positioned to supply the materials and customization required to replicate, scale, and extend this research.

Research Requirement6CCVD Solution & CapabilityEngineering Advantage
High-Purity BDD MaterialHeavy Boron Doped PCD Wafers. 6CCVD provides high-quality MPCVD Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) and Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) with precise, controllable Boron doping levels (e.g., 1% B/C used here). Our BDD ensures the wide potential window and low background current critical for sensitive voltammetry.Guaranteed material consistency and precise doping control, essential for reproducible sensor performance and low LODs.
Custom Dimensions & GeometryPlates/Wafers up to 125mm & Precision Laser Cutting. The study used a small 0.04 cm2 electrode area. 6CCVD supplies BDD wafers up to 125mm in diameter and offers in-house laser cutting services to achieve any custom geometric area or shape required for R&D or device integration.Seamless scaling from small-scale research prototypes to large-area commercial production electrodes.
Surface Functionalization PreparationUltra-Smooth Polishing (Ra < 5nm PCD) & Surface Engineering. Uniform nanoparticle deposition (like the Ni NPs used here) requires an extremely smooth surface. 6CCVD provides highly polished BDD surfaces, optimizing the substrate for subsequent electrochemical modification (anodic oxidation/metal deposition).Enhanced surface quality promotes uniform catalyst loading, improving sensitivity and stability of the final NiBDD sensor.
Metalization for Contact/CatalysisCustom Metalization Services (Au, Pt, Pd, Ti, W, Cu). While the researchers electrodeposited Ni, 6CCVD offers internal metalization capabilities for creating robust electrical contacts or pre-depositing adhesion layers (e.g., Ti/Pt/Au) necessary for integrating the diamond chip into a device package.Expedite fabrication by receiving pre-metalized BDD electrodes, ready for final functionalization or integration.

To replicate or extend this research, 6CCVD recommends:

  • Heavy Boron Doped PCD Wafers: For cost-effective, large-area electrochemical applications requiring high conductivity and stability.
  • Custom Metalized BDD Electrodes: For researchers requiring specific contact pads or adhesion layers prior to their own nanoparticle deposition steps.

6CCVD’s in-house PhD team possesses deep expertise in MPCVD diamond synthesis and electrochemical applications. We can assist engineers and scientists with material selection, doping optimization, and surface preparation protocols for similar Electrochemical Sensor projects targeting pharmaceutical or environmental pollutants.

For custom specifications or material consultation, visit 6ccvd.com or contact our engineering team directly. Global shipping (DDU default, DDP available) ensures timely delivery of specialized diamond materials worldwide.

View Original Abstract

Levofloxacin (LEV) was known as one of the fluoroquinolone antibiotics that widely used as an antibacterial agent. Monitoring of LEV is important due to its negative side effect on humans. The determination of LEV was studied for the first time on nickel modified on a boron-doped diamond (NiBDD) electrode using the square wave voltammetry (SWV) method to improve the catalytic and sensitivity of the sensor. The response was linear in the range of 30-100 mM LEV. LEV sensor on NiBDD was found to be selective in the presence of urea, glucose, and ascorbic acid interferences. Good reproducibility with % a relative standard deviation of 1.45% (n = 10) was achieved. Therefore, the NiBDD electrode could be potentially applied for the real detection method of LEV.