Application and prospect of carbon nanomaterials in electroanalysis for detection of illicit drugs in sports

Abstract

Illicit drug abuse to enhance athletic performance undermine integrity of sports. Detecting banned substances is challenging owing to rapid clearance and evasion via masking agents. Chromatography techniques are constrained by cost, analysis times and portability impeding on-site testing. Electroanalytical sensors incorporating carbon nanomaterials demonstrate vast promise as rapid, sensitive and cost-effective complementary screening tools. Exceptional conductivity, electrocatalysis and functionalization potential of graphene, carbon nanotubes and fullerenes allow parts-per-billion detection limits matching immunological assays for stimulants and anabolics. Aptamer integration also imparts target specificity. Nevertheless, translation from lab prototypes to commercial devices needs optimization of green synthesis protocols and surface stabilization for reliable reproducibility. Coupling to microfluidics and machine learning data harmonization can enable automated sampling, multi-marker testing and wireless result archiving at decentralized point-of-care. Overall, miniaturized nanosensors adequately sensitive for divide cutoff concentrations aid anti-doping enforcement through early interventions, chelation therapy and deterrence against proliferation of doping culture among athletes.