Fe2O3/MWCNTs modified microdialysis electrode for dopamine detection

Dopamine (DA) is an essential neurotransmitter which plays important roles in human's biological and cognitive processes, specifically learning, memory, emotions, and movements. Abnormality of dopamine level can signal the trace of neurological diseases. Dopamine detection, therefore, can be useful in detection of symptoms and diseases related to brain disorders such as Parkinson's and depression. This study aimed at examining usage of hematite iron oxide (Fe2O3) as electrochemical sensors for dopamine detection. Nanoparticulate Fe2O3 was synthesized, microstructurally examined, and tested for its electrocatalytic activities. The synthesized powder showed a single phase with an average particle size of 93.9 nm. Electrocatalytic activities of the powder, measured in dopamine hydrochloride solutions with concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 mu M, were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry technique. At applied voltage of 0.33 V, peak currents corresponding to oxidation reactions between dopamine and Fe2O3 electrode were detected. With sensitivity of Fe2O3 electrode in the range between 0.021 and 0.033 mu A mu M-1, the Fe2O3 nanoparticles exhibited fair sensing ability.