A novel low oxidation potential hydroxyurea sensor utilizing flower-shaped Zn and N co-doped porous carbon coupled with graphene oxide via one-step electrodeposition

Accurate monitoring of hydroxyurea (HU) dosage is imperative in the administration of anticancer drugs. Existing determination methods face challenges such as operational complexity, low sensitivity, or high oxidation potentials. In this study, a novel HU electrochemical sensor (Zn/N-PC/GO/GCE) was synthesized using flower-shaped Zn/N co-doped porous carbon (Zn/N-PC) with graphene oxide (GO) through a one-step electrodeposition . The sensor features a distinctive three-step oxidation process for HU with a low oxidation potential, attributed to an electrochemical activation electrode strategy and crucial Zn/N co-doping in Zn/N-PC. Three electrons involved oxidation process of HU and Zn/N-PC/GO adsorption energy through transferred electrons and density functional theory (DFT). Under optimized conditions, the sensor demonstrated a broad linear detection range (1–1000 μM) and an impressive limit of detection (LOD) of 0.52 μM. Applicability was confirmed by analyzing HU in tablet formulations, urine and serum samples. This study presents an innovative electrochemical method for accurate HU monitoring, elucidating a potential three-step oxidation mechanism.