Modified graphene sensor measures parkinson’s disease medications

A sensor modified with graphene nanoparticles was produced by the Iranian researchers from Gilan University to diagnose and measure Levodopa medications used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The sensor is able to measure very small amounts of levodopa without the need for pre-preparation process of the sample, and it has applications in medical industries and diagnosis tests. Dr. Majid Arvand, member of the Scientific Board of Faculty of Chemistry of University of Gilan, pointed to the fact that the usual methods in the detection of levodopa require analyses carried out by equipment that are costly and time-consuming, and said the aim of the research was to present highly sensitive sensors to measure levodopa by inexperienced user by using diagnosis kits, that have low diagnosis limit and high respond rate as well as being cost-effective. Results of the research showed that the produced sensor had very high sensitivity and surface area in comparison with other usual sensors that are being used. The reason is the specific shape of graphene nanoparticles and the presence of electron cloud on its surface, and also edgy cuts on the graphene which increase the kinetics of electron transfer during the electrochemical reaction. Among other characteristics of the sensor, mention can be made of carrying out analysis in physiological media without the need for pre-preparation process. The researchers also succeeded in the measurement of the medication in rat’s brain, which is very promising for the application of the sensor in human samples. “Results of the research can eliminate the need for costly methods and analysis devices. It can also ease and speed up the measurement process of the medication in patients who suffer from Parkinson’s,” Dr. Arvand added. Results of the research have been published in details in March 2013 in Electrochemistry Journal of Solid State, vol. 17, issue 3, pp. 775-784.