Investigation of voltammetric behavior and electroanalytical determination of anticancer epirubicin via glassy carbon electrode using differential pulse and square wave voltammetry techniques

Abstract

The electrochemical oxidation of epirubicin was investigated using cyclic, differential pulse and square wave voltammetry at glassy carbon electrode. The aim of the study was to determine epirubicin levels in pharmaceuticals via electrochemical methods. The oxidation process was quasi-reversible over the pH range studied and exhibited diffusion controlled electrode process. All experimental parameters have been optimized under the optimum conditions. The oxidation peak current was linearly proportional to the concentration of epirubicin in the range of 2×10-7-3.6×10-5 M with a detection limit of 4.1×10-8 M and 4.9×10-8 M by differential pulse and square wave voltammetry, respectively. These unique properties make the sensor suitable for the analysis of the trace amounts of epirubicin in pharmaceutical preparations. The proposed methods were applied to commercial preparations. Differential pulse and square wave voltammetry techniques were compared with t-test and F-test.