Advanced Sensor Materials for Drug Analysis

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Nanomaterials play an important role in the fabrication of many devices andmodified materials, due to their unique properties, such as large surface area/volumeratio, conductivity and high mechanical strength. In the present chapter, theapplicability of nanomaterials in drug analysis is well investigated. The recent trends inthe development of the electrochemical sensor platforms based on state-of-the-artnanomaterials such as metal nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, carbonnanomaterials, conducting polymer and nanocomposites are discussed. The uniquesynthetic approaches, properties, integration, strategies, selected sensing applicationsand future prospects of these nanostructured materials for the design of advancedsensor platforms are also highlighted. Various kinds of functional nanocomposites haveled to the enhancement in voltammetric response due to drug - nanomaterialsinteraction at the modified electrode surface. So, different mechanisms for theextraordinary and unique electrocatalytic activities of such nanomaterials will behighlighted. Potential applications of electrochemical sensor platforms based onadvanced functional nanomaterials for drug analysis are presented. High sensitivity andselectivity, fast response, and excellent durability in biological media are all criticalaspects which will also be addressed. It is expected that the chemically modifiedelectrodes 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 realmonitoring of single as well as multi-component pharmaceutical compounds. Thesignificant development of the nanomaterials based electrochemical sensor platforms isgiving rise to a new impetus of generating novel technologies for securing human andenvironmental safety.