Desenvolvimento de plataforma eletroquímica impressa em 3D para determinação eletroanalítica de ciprofloxacina

Abstract

3D printing emerges as an innovative technology for the fabrication of customized analytical devices, offering advantages such as low cost, speed, and versatility. In this work, we applied this technology to the development of an integrated electrochemical platform for the determination of ciprofloxacin (CIPRO), a broad-spectrum antibiotic whose presence in water bodies represents an environmental risk. The rationale lies in the need for sensitive, sustainable analytical methods that simplify the analytical steps, integrating sample preparation and detection into a single system. The overall objective was to use 3D modeling and printing to create a functional and economical electrochemical cell capable of performing in situ dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) and subsequent electroanalysis of CIPRO. Specific objectives included: designing and manufacturing the 3D-printed device; optimizing microextraction conditions with deep eutectic solvents (DES); and applying voltammetric techniques for analyte detection and quantification. The device was fabricated by fused deposition modeling (FDM) using ABS filament, with electrodes made of CB-PLA conductive filament, and incorporated a mechanical stirring system to promote extraction. DES composed of proline and citric acid (1:2) was used as the green extraction solvent. Among the voltammetric techniques evaluated (cyclic, square wave, and differential pulse – VPD), VPD was selected for its higher sensitivity. After optimization of instrumental parameters and pH, an adequate electrochemical response for CIPRO was obtained. The analytical curve, constructed in the range of 0.010 to 0.150 µmol L⁻¹, showed good linearity (correlation coefficient of 0.985), with detection and quantification limits of 0.011 and 0.036 µmol L⁻¹, respectively. It is concluded that the developed 3D printed electrochemical platform proved to be effective, integrated, and low-cost for the determination of CIPRO in aqueous matrices. The system reduces the number of analytical steps, simplifies the procedure, and shows potential for applications in environmental monitoring, in addition to opening perspectives for the development of portable devices for in situ analysis.