Analytical and Bioanalytical Electrochemistry

Analytical and Bioanalytical Electrochemistry

Nanocomposite-based Electrochemical Sensor for the Quantification of Totarol in Tetraclinis Articulata Extract

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Laboratory of Engineering and Applied Technologies, School of Technology, Beni Mellal, Morocco
2 Engineering and Applied Physics Laboratory (EAPL), Superior School of Technology, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal, Morocco
Abstract
Totarol, a bioactive diterpenoid well known for its potent biological activities, requires precise determination in plant matrices for pharmacological and quality control purposes. However, classical analytical techniques are limited by high costs, complex protocols, and environmental concerns, requiring the development of faster, more sensitive, and greener alternatives. This work presents an innovative carbon paste electrode (CPE) incorporating zinc oxide (ZnO) and magnesium ferrite (MgFe₂O₄) nanoparticles was designed to enable the electrochemical quantification of Totarol in Tetraclinis articulata (TA) extract. The electrochemical behavior of Totarol was studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and square wave voltammetry (SWV). The interaction between the both of nanoparticles and Totarol was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The ZnO:MgFe₂O₄-modified CPE demonstrated remarkable sensitivity towards Totarol, with a low LOD of 1.18 µM and excellent linearity (R² = 0.989) over a concentration range of 2.0 to 11.4 mM. The developed sensor enabled the accurate determination of Totarol in the studied plant extract, with a quantified concentration of 0.125 mM. These promising results reveal the potential of the proposed electrode as a simple, efficient, and reliable electrochemical platform for the rapid analysis of bioactive compounds in complex natural matrices.
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Volume 17, Issue 9 - Serial Number 9
December 2025
Pages 789-802

  • Receive Date 22 July 2025
  • Revise Date 23 December 2025
  • Accept Date 24 December 2025