Facile Synthesis of 3D Printed Tailor-Shape Electrode PLA-GnP for Electrochemical Sensing

Additive manufacturing (AM) makes enormous advancements in technology and materials development, thus requires attention in developing functionalized printed materials. AM can assist in manufacturing complex designed tailored-shaped electrodes efficiently for electrochemical sensing in the food industry. Herein, we used commercial fused deposition modelling (FDM) filament, polylactic acid (PLA) for FDM 3D printing of self-designed electrode with minimal time and cost compared to commercial electrodes. Surface functionalization on the 3D printed PLA electrode was done using GnP to enhance the electrical conductivity. Scanning electron microscopy confirms the homogenized surface coating of GnP that provides electron flow behaviour for the 3D printed electrode. The electrochemically functionalized 3D printed electrode was tested against standard 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) with known concentrations and characterized using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry methods. Results showed a basis for promising application to detect and quantify 3-MCPD, a food contaminant known for its potential of being carcinogenic. Fabrication of functionalized 3D printed polymer electrodes paves way for the development of complete 3D-printable electrochemical systems.