Palladium‑zinc ferrite varnished hydroxyapatite spherocuboids for electrochemical detection of carcinogenic food preservatives.

The demand for processed foods relies heavily on synthetic antioxidants like TBHQ and BHA to prevent spoilage. However, their excessive use poses health risks, prompting regulatory measures in many countries to ensure food safety. In this concern, a proficient electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous detection of tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) was designed. A comparatively greener hydroxyapatite (HAP) supported zinc ferrite (ZF) nanosensor was developed with conducting coating of Pd nanoparticles. A consolidated and mechanistic approach was opted to reduce the band gap and agglomeration the magnetic ZF nanoparticles. The interesting spherocuboidal morphology of the synthesized nanocomposite with good porosity enhanced the detection performance of the sensor. The proposed platform displayed good detection limits of both TBHQ and BHA (0.73 and 5.6 nM for TBHQ and BHA, respectively). The nanosensor successfully detected TBHQ and BHA in food samples proved its potential for the development of commercially competitive sensor.