A novel electrochemical sensor based on Pickering-droplet-derived Cu-MOF microcapsules for simultaneous determination of dopamine and paracetamol

A novel electrochemical sensing platform was developed based on copper-based metal-organic framework (Cu-MOF) microcapsules synthesized via a Pickering emulsion templating approach, where carbon nanoparticles used as solid emulsifiers to enhance electrode interfacial interactions and material conductivity. This design synergistically combines the superior catalytic activity of Cu-MOF with the conductive carbon matrix. The Cu-MOF microcapsules were applied in the modification of a glassy carbon electrode to obtain an electrochemical sensor for simultaneous detection of dopamine and paracetamol. This sensor showed the good sensing performance with a broad linearity range (2–1600 μM for dopamine and 2–6500 μM for paracetamol) and low detection limits (1.69 μM for dopamine and 1.81 μM for paracetamol at S/N = 3). This platform also demonstrated excellent reproducibility (RSD < 3%) and selectivity against common interferents, highlighting its potential for practical applications in real sample detection.