Electrochemical determination of capsaicin in pepper samples using sustainable paper-based screen-printed bulk modified with carbon black

Sustainable development goals reported in 2030 Agenda established the global challenges in different fields including agrifood, health, and climate change. Smart electrochemical eco-designed sensors can support the achievement of some goals thanks the capability to detect analyte on site using cost-effective instrumentation by unskilled personnel. Herein, we report the first office paper-based sensor fabricated by merging cost-effective technique namely screen- and wax-printing with cheap materials namely paper and carbon black for sustainable detection of capsaicin. By using differential pulse and square wave voltammetry capsaicin was detected at potential close to 0.5 V observing a linear range from 0.20 to 8.0 μmol L−1 and from 0.080 to 6.0 μmol L−1, sensitivity of 1.11 A mol−1 L and 1.97 A mol−1 L, and detection limit of 0.085 μmol L−1 and 0.028 μmol L−1, respectively. The accuracy of the paper-based device was assessed determining capsaicin in tabasco sauce, black pepper, and red pepper by recovery study, obtaining recovery values ranging from 93% to 110%. The analytical features achieved demonstrated the suitability of this paper and carbon black-based analytical tool for application in agrifood sector, boosting the sustainable management of quality control in food commodities.