Tailoring Vertically Aligned Multi-Layer Graphene Arrays for Selective Recognition of Dopamine Neurotransmitter: An Amperometric Approach

The development of sensitive dopamine (DA) sensors has significantly contributed to our understanding of dopamine-related disorders and has enabled advancements in medical diagnostics and neuroscience research. Therefore, In the present work, a novel electrochemical sensing platform was developed using vertically aligned multi-layer graphene arrays (VA-MGA) for the selective detection of dopamine (DA). The preparation of high-quality VA-GA was achieved using the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition method, eliminating the need for an additional catalyst. The formation of VA-MGA was confirmed using various physiochemical techniques such as transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The modified electrode, made of VA-MGA, was utilized for the electrochemical detection of DA using cyclic voltammetry and amperometry i-t methods. The electrochemical oxidation response and sensitivity of DA at the VA-MGA electrode was found to be 10 and 3 times higher than that observed with an unmodified and commercially available multilayer graphene modified electrodes. The VA-MGA sensor exhibited excellent analytical parameters for DA detection, including a wide linear range of 10 nM to 180 μM and a low detection limit of 2 nM. The sensor also demonstrated remarkable sensitivity, storage stability, and selectivity for DA detection, which makes it highly suitable for accurate detection of DA in medical diagnostics and neuroscience research. Furthermore, the practical application of the VA-MGA sensor for DA detection was demonstrated in various real samples.