Synergistic effect of chromium–nickel based organic frameworks toward an effective electrochemical determination of flutamide in environmental samples

An innovative electrochemical sensor has been developed using Cr–Ni bimetal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for detecting the anti-prostate cancer medication, flutamide, in environmental samples. The sensor utilizes a modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The Cr–Ni MOF-modified electrode demonstrated significantly higher peak currents compared to the bare GCE or electrodes modified with either Cr-MOF or Ni-MOF alone. This enhanced performance is attributed to superior conductivity, robust catalytic capabilities, and the synergistic interactions of bimetals within the organic framework assembly. The sensor was optimized for flutamide detection using differential pulse voltammetry in a phosphate buffer solution at pH 9. It achieved a linear detection range of 10 to 100 μM, a low detection limit (LOD) of 0.09 μM, and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.30 μM. The sensor also demonstrated high stability, specificity, and reproducibility.