Electrochemical determination of riboflavin in pharmaceuticals using unmodified screen printed carbon electrodes

In this study, we have devised an efficient and rapid approach to detect riboflavin (also known as Vitamin B2 or VB2) utilizing an unaltered screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). The unmodified screen-printed electrodes are created within the laboratory, where carbon ink is applied to a ceramic substrate. All experiments pertaining to the investigation of electrochemical behavior and the fine-tuning of crucial experimental parameters were conducted through cyclic voltammetry (CV). For quantitative assessments, square wave voltammetry (SWV) was employed. The findings indicate that unaltered SPCEs exhibit robust current signals during the riboflavin redox reaction. Riboflavin displays a distinct oxidation peak at − 0.136 V (vs. Ag/AgCl, 3.0 M KCl) in a Britton–Robinson buffer solution (BRBS) at pH 2, which was employed for quantification. The electrode demonstrates a broad linear range from 0.05 to 10 µM, boasting a detection limit of 0.03 µM. Repeatability stands at 1.45%, while reproducibility is 6.61%. Testing the influence of common interfering compounds yielded negligible results. The sensor effectively determines riboflavin content in pharmaceutical formulations without any prior treatment. This method presents an economical, modifier-free sensor with exceptional sensitivity and cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for rapid riboflavin quantification. Graphical Abstract