Simultaneous Determination of Caffeic Acid and Ferulic Acid Using a Carbon Nanofiber-Based Screen-Printed Sensor

Abstract

This work aims to achieve the simultaneous qualitative and quantitative determination of two hydroxycinnamic acids (ferulic acid and caffeic acid) from standard solutions and from a phyto-homeopathic product using a carbon nanofiber-based screen-printed sensor (CNF/SPE). The two compounds are mentioned in the manufacturer’s specifications but without indicating their concentrations. The stability and reproducibility of the CNF/SPE were found to be effective and the sensitivity was high for both caffeic acid—CA (limit of detection 2.39 × 10−7 M) and ferrulic acid—FA (limit of detection 2.33 × 10−7 M). The antioxidant capacity of the compounds in the analyzed product was also determined by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method. The electrochemical method was efficient and less expensive than other analytical methods; therefore, its use can be extended for the detection of these phenolic compounds in various dietary supplements or pharmaceutical products.