Facile preparation of poly(methylene blue) modified carbon paste electrode for the detection and quantification of catechin

Free radicals are formed as byproducts of metabolism, and are highly unstable due to the presence of unpaired electrons. They readily react with other important cellular components such as DNA causing them damage. Antioxidants such as (+)-catechin (CAT), neutralize free radicals in the blood stream. Hence there is a need for detection and quantification of catechin concentration in various food sources and beverages. Electro-oxidative properties of catechin were investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). A carbon paste working electrode modified by electropolymerizing methylene blue (MB) was fabricated. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques were used to study the surface morphology of the electrode. Quasi-reversible electron transfer reaction occurred at + 0.260 V through a diffusion controlled process. In comparison to the bare carbon paste electrode (CPE), there was a significant 5.3 times increment in anodic current sensitivity at the modified electrode at physiological pH. Our findings indicate that for the electro-oxidation of CAT, CPE is a better base material for electropolymerization of MB compared to glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Nyquist plot followed the theoretical shape, indicating low interfacial charge transfer resistance of 0.095 kΩ at the modified electrode. Calibration plots obtained by DPV were linear in two ranges of 1.0 × 10⁻³ to 1.0 × 10⁻⁶ and 1.0 × 10⁻⁷ to 0.1 × 10⁻⁸ M. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) was 4.9 nM and 14 nM respectively. Application of the developed electrode was demonstrated by detecting catechin in green tea and spiked fruit juice with satisfactory recoveries. The sensor was stable, sensitive, selective and reproducible. - Highlights: • Remarkable electrocatalytic oxidation of Catechin at poly(methylene blue) modified CPE • Complete elimination of signal due to Ascorbic acid gives it a distinct analytical advantage. • Carbon paste is a better base material for electropolymerization of methylene blue compared to GCE. • Highly sensitive method for the nano level quantification of CAT by differential pulse voltammetry • Successful application of the sensor for real sample analysis