Advanced Sensor Materials for Drug Analysis

Nanomaterials play an important role in the fabrication of many devices and modified materials, due to their unique properties, such as large surface area/volume ratio, conductivity and high mechanical strength. In the present chapter, the applicability of nanomaterials in drug analysis is well investigated. The recent trends in the development of the electrochemical sensor platforms based on state-of-the-art nanomaterials such as metal nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, carbon nanomaterials, conducting polymer and nanocomposites are discussed. The unique synthetic approaches, properties, integration, strategies, selected sensing applications and future prospects of these nanostructured materials for the design of advanced sensor platforms are also highlighted. Various kinds of functional nanocomposites have led to the enhancement in voltammetric response due to drug - nanomaterials interaction at the modified electrode surface. So, different mechanisms for the extraordinary and unique electrocatalytic activities of such nanomaterials will be highlighted. Potential applications of electrochemical sensor platforms based on advanced functional nanomaterials for drug analysis are presented. High sensitivity and selectivity, fast response, and excellent durability in biological media are all critical aspects which will also be addressed. It is expected that the chemically modified electrodes with various nanomaterials can be easily miniaturized and used as wearable, portable and user friendly devices. This will pave the way for in-vivo onsite real monitoring of single as well as multi-component pharmaceutical compounds. The significant development of the nanomaterials based electrochemical sensor platforms is giving rise to a new impetus of generating novel technologies for securing human and environmental safety.