Carbon Black Integrated Polylactic Acid Electrodes Obtained by Fused Deposition Modeling: A Powerful Tool for Sensing of Sulfanilamide Residues in Honey Samples

Abstract

Sulfanilamide (SFL) is used to prevent infections in honeybees. However, many regulatory agencies prohibit or establish maximum levels of SFL residues in honey samples. Hence, we developed a low-cost and portable electrochemical method for SFL detection using a disposable device produced through 3D printing technology. In the proposed approach, the working electrode was printed using a conductive filament based on carbon black and polylactic acid and it was associated with square wave voltammetry (SWV). Under optimized SWV parameters, linear concentration ranges (1–10 μmol L–1 and 12.5–35.0 μmol L–1), a detection limit of 0.26 μmol L–1 (0.05 mg L–1), and suitable RSD values (2.4% for inter-electrode; n = 3) were achieved. The developed method was selective in relation to other antibiotics applied in honey samples, requiring only dilution in the electrolyte. The recovery values (85–120%) obtained by SWV were statistically similar (95% confidence level) to those obtained by HPLC, attesting to the accuracy of the analysis and the absence of matrix interference.