A novel electrochemical sensor based on a silver nanoparticle modified carbon ionic liquid electrode for selective and sensitive determination of levetiracetam in pharmaceutical tablets and blood plasma samples

An electrochemical sensor based on a silver nanoparticle (AgNP) modified carbon ionic liquid electrode (CILE) was prepared for the determination of ultra trace levels of levetiracetam (LEV) in human plasma and pharmaceutical tablets. The AgNPs were electrodeposited on the CILE surface using a double pulse potentiostatic technique, which can suitably control the size and morphology of AgNPs electrodeposited on the electrode. The AgNPs deposited on the CILE surface revealed an excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of LEV. The sensor exhibited a fast response towards LEV with a linear concentration range of 1–300 ng mL−1 and a limit of detection of 0.7 ng mL−1. The possible interference from several common ions and drugs that usually accompany LEV was tested. The method was successfully applied to the determination of LEV content in real samples such as tablets and human plasma samples with good recovery, and the obtained results were checked by HPLC. The proposed sensor is suitable for routine analysis of LEV in plasma samples to monitor the therapeutic or toxic levels of LEV and for drug pharmacokinetic studies.