Determination of N-acetylcysteine via its effect on the aggregation of gold nanoparticles

The effect of thiol compounds on the kinetics of the aggregation of gold nanoparticles in the presence of the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide has been studied. It was applied to the determination of N-acetylcysteine using the stopped-flow mixing technique along with light scattering detection. The signal obtained was measured after about 5?s, and gave the analytical information for a calibration graph in the concentration range from 2.9 to 60???mol?L^?1 of N-acetylcysteine, and a detection limit of 0.87???mol?L^?1. The effect of other thiols on the system is also described. The relative standard deviation ranges between 0.6% and 3.5%. The method was applied to the determination of N-acetylcysteine in several pharmaceutical samples with recoveries that range from 97.7% to 101.1%.

Fluorescent sensing of nitrite at nanomolar level using functionalized mesoporous silica

Aminopyrene was covalently anchored onto mesoporous silica through serial post-grafting to obtain a fluorescent solid that can be used as a sensing material for the determination of nitrite. The latter, in acidic medium, reacts with the secondary amino groups on the material to form a non-fluorescent nitroso derivative. Based on the fluorescence quenching caused by this specific reaction, a method was developed for the determination of nitrite at nanomolar levels. The range for detection of nitrite in 1.5?mol.L^?1 HCl is linear between 1.50?nM to 0.45???M and 0.45???M to 2.22???M, the detection limit being 1.10?nM and 0.307???M respectively at an S/N of 3.

Chemically modified alumina nanoparticles for selective solid phase extraction and preconcentration of trace amounts of Cd(II)

We have developed a solid phase extraction method for the determination of cadmium ions in aqueous samples. It is based on the adsorption of Cd(II) on alumina nanoparticles coated with sodium dodecyl sulfate and modified with a newly synthesized Schiff base. Analytical parameters such as pH value, amount of adsorbent, type and concentration of eluent, flow rates of the sample and eluent, sample volume and matrix effects were optimized. Desorption is accomplished with 2?mol?L^?1 nitric acid. Cd(II) was then determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The maximum enrichment factor is 75. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the detection limit is 0.14???g?L^?1 in original solution. The adsorption capacity of the modified sorbent is 4.90?mg?g^?1 for cadmium ions. The method was applied to the determination of trace quantities of Cd(II) in water, wastewater, and biological and food samples with satisfactory results.

Determination of acetamiprid by a colorimetric method based on the aggregation of gold nanoparticles

A method was developed for the detection of the insecticide acetamiprid based on the strong interaction of the cyano group of acetamiprid with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The interaction results in the aggregation of gold nanoparticles and is accompanied by a color change from red to purple. The concentration of acetamiprid can be determined qualitatively and quantitatively by visually monitoring the color change or by using a spectrometer. Transmittance electron microscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy have been used to characterize the process. The experimental parameters were optimized with regard to the size of the AuNPs, pH, and incubation time. Under optimal experimental conditions, linear relationships between the logarithm of the concentration of acetamiprid and the absorbance were found over the range of 0.66 to 6.6???M for AuNPs with diameters of 22.0?±?1.0?nm and of 6.6?C66???M for AuNPs with diameters of 15.0?±?1.0?nm. This method was successfully applied to detect acetamiprid in vegetables.

A glassy carbon electrode modified with antimony and poly(p-aminobenzene sulfonic acid) for sensing lead(II) by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry

We have developed a sensor for the square wave anodic stripping voltammetric determination of Pb(II). A glassy carbon electrode was modified with a thin film of an antimony/poly(p-aminobenzene sulfonic acid) composite in air-saturated aqueous solution of pH 2.0. Compared to a conventional antimony film electrode, the new one yields a larger stripping signal for Pb(II). The conditions of polymerization, the concentration of Sb(III), the pH value of the sample solution, the deposition potential and time, frequency, potential amplitude, and step increment potential were optimized. Under the optimum conditions, a linear response was observed for Pb(II) in the range of 0.5 to 150.0 μg?L^?1. The detection limit for Pb(II) is 0.1 μg?L^?1.

Glassy carbon electrode modified with organic�Cinorganic pillared montmorillonites for voltammetric detection of mercury

A glassy carbon electrode modified with organic?Cinorganic pillared montmorillonite was used for voltammetric detection of mercury(II) in water. High sensitivity is obtained due to the use of the montmorillonites which displays outstanding capability in terms of adsorbing mercury ion due to its high specific surface and the presence of multiple binding sites. The experimental parameters and the effect of a chelating agent were optimized to further enhance sensitivity and selectivity. Linear calibration curves were obtained over the Hg(II) concentration range from 10 to 800???g?L^?1 for 5?min accumulation, with a detection limit of 1???g?L^?1. Simultaneous determination of Hg(II) and Cu(II) was also studied, and no interference was observed.

Carbon paste electrode modified with a binuclear manganese complex as a sensitive voltammetric sensor for tryptophan

We report on a carbon paste electrode that was modified with a binuclear manganese(II) complex by the drop-coating method. A study on the mechanism of the electro-oxidation of tryptophan (Trp) at this electrode indicated that it enables Trp to be determined with good sensitivity and selectivity. Second-order derivative linear sweep voltammetry at pH 4.1 revealed that a sensitive anodic peak appears at 812?mV (vs. SCE) whose current is proportional to the concentration of Trp in the concentration range from 0.1 to 1.0???mol?L^?1 and 1.0 to 80???mol?L^?1, with a detection limit (S/N?=?3) of 0.08???mol?L^?1 (60?s of accumulation). The method was applied to the determination of Trp in amino acid injection solutions with satisfactory results.

Label-free immunosensing of microcystin-LR using a gold electrode modified with gold nanoparticles

The hepatotoxic microcystins, especially microcystin?CLR (MC?CLR), are causing serious problems to public health and fisheries. We describe here a label-free amperometric immunosensor for rapid determination of MC?CLR in water sample. The sensor was prepared by immobilizing antibody on a gold electrode coated with L-cysteine-modified gold nanoparticles. The stepwise self-assembly of the immunosensor was monitored and characterized by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and differential pulse voltammetry. A 0.60?mmol L^?1 solution of hydroquinone was used as the electron mediator. The immunosensor was incubated with MC?CLR at 25?°C for 20?min, upon which the differential pulse voltammetric current changed linearly over the concentration range from 0.05 to 15.00???g L^?1, with a detection limit of 20?ng L^?1. The developed biosensor was used to determine MC?CLR in spiked crude algae samples. The recovery was in the range from 95.6 to 105%. This method is simple, economical and efficient, this making it potentially suitable for field analysis of MC-LR in crude algae and water samples.

Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetric determination of Cd and Pb at a bismuth glassy carbon electrode modified with Nafion, poly(2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes

A simple, cheap, and nonpolluting method was developed for the cloud point extraction of gold (Au) and palladium (Pd). It is based on the complexation reaction of Au and Pd with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoyl-5-pyrazolone (PMBP) and micelle mediated extraction of the complex using the non-ionic surfactant poly(ethylene glycol) mono-p-nonylphenyl ether (PONPE 7.5). Under the optimized experimental conditions, the enrichment factors are 16 and 17 for Au and Pd, respectively, for 15?mL of preconcentrated solution. The limits of detection are 3.8???g?L^?1 and 1.8???g?L^?1 for Au and Pd, respectively. The relative standard deviations are 1.4% for Au and 0.6% for Pd (n?=?11). The method was successfully applied to the determination of Au and Pd in certified reference materials and mine samples.

Hydrogen peroxide sensor based on glassy carbon electrode modified with ��-manganese dioxide nanorods

A solid bar microextraction (SBME) method containing sorbent materials 2?mg in the lumen of a porous hollow fiber membrane 2.5?cm for the extraction of carbamazepine, diclofenac and ibuprofen from river water samples is described. The desorbed analytes were analyzed using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. In order to achieve optimum performance, several extraction parameters were optimized. Of the sorbents evaluated, LiChrosorb RP-8 was the most promising. Under the optimized conditions, limits of detection from 0.7 to 0.9???g?L^?1, precisions from 5.5 to 6.4% and a correlation coefficient of 0.999 were obtained for the target drugs over a concentration range of 1?C200???g?L^?1. In comparison with the solid phase extraction, the SBME system offers distinct advantages due to its higher enrichment factors, lower consumption of organic solvents and time saving.

A cloud point extraction for spectrophotometric determination of ultra- trace antimony without chelating agent in environmental and biological samples

We report on a simple, sensitive and reliable method for the cloud point extraction of antimony (Sb) and its subsequent spectrophotometric detection. It is based on the color reaction of Sb (III) with iodide in acidic medium and subsequent micelle-mediated extraction of tetraiodoantimonate using a non-ionic surfactant in the absence of any chelating agent. The effects of reaction and extraction parameters were optimized. The calibration plot is linear in the range of 0.80–95?ng?mL^?1 of antimony in the sample solution, with a regression coefficient (r) of 0.9994 (for n?=?9). The detection limit (at SNR?=?3) is 0.23?ng?mL^?1, and the relative standard deviations at 10 and 70?ng?mL^?1 of antimony are 3.32 and 1.85?% (at n?=?8), respectively. The method compared favorably to other methods and was applied to determine antimony in seawater, anti-leishmania drug (glucantime), and human serum.

Colorimetric sensing of iodide based on triazole-acetamide functionalized gold nanoparticles

We have modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with triazole acetamide to obtain a material for the sensitive and selective colorimetric determination of iodide. The functionalized AuNPs were prepared by a reductive single chemical step using a Cu(I)-catalyzed click reaction. The presence of iodide ions induces the aggregation of these AuNPs and results in a color change from wine-red to purple. The iodide-induced aggregation can be detected visually with bare eyes, but also by photometry. The detection limit is as low as 15 nM. The method displays excellent selectivity for iodide over other anions due to the selective interaction with the amido groups of the triazole. The method was applied to the determination of iodide in spiked lake waters.

Supramolecular�Cbased dispersive liquid�Cliquid microextraction: A novel sample preparation technique for determination of inorganic species

A new simple and sensitive method has been developed for the determination of trace levels of inorganic species in environmental water samples. It is based on the use of supramolecular?Cbased dispersive liquid?Cliquid microextraction (SM?CDLLME) prior to microsample introduction into FAAS. The ions are micro?Cextracted with coacervates composed of reverse micelles made from decanoic acid and dispersed in tetrahydrofuran?Cwater mixtures. Cobalt ion was used as a model ion, and 1?C (2?Cpyridylazo)?C2?Cnaphthol as the complexing agent. SM?CDLLME results from a combination of DLLME with coacervation?Cbased microextraction. It combines the advantages of DLLME with those of preconcentration based on coacervation and reverse micelles. Factors affecting the extraction efficiency of Co and its subsequent determination by FAAS were optimized. Under the optimized conditions and using 5.00?mL sample only, the enhancement factor is 58, the limit of detection is 4.2???g L^?C1, and the relative standard deviations for 100???g L^?C1 and 30???g L^?C1 of Co are 2.1% and 3.8%, respectively (n?=?6). The accuracy of the method was confirmed by parallel analyses using the ASTM reference method.

Voltammetric sensing of paracetamol, dopamine and 4-aminophenol at a glassy carbon electrode coated with gold nanoparticles and an organophillic layered double hydroxide

A differential pulse voltammetric method was developed for the simultaneous determination of paracetamol, 4-aminophenol and dopamine at pH 7.0 using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) coated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and a layered double hydroxide sodium modified with dodecyl sulfate (SDS-LDH). The modified electrode displays excellent redox activity towards paracetamol, and the redox current is increased (and the corresponding over-potential decreased) compared to those of the bare GCE, the AuNPs-modified GCE, and the SDS-LDH-modified GCE. The modified electrode enables the determination of paracetamol in the concentration range from 0.5 to 400???M, with a detection limit of 0.13???M (at an S/N of 3). The sensor was successfully applied to the stimultaneous determination of paracetamol and dopamine, and of paracetamol and 4-aminophenol, respectively, in pharmaceutical tablets and in spiked human serum samples.

Flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of trace amounts of Pb(II) and Cr(III) in biological, food and environmental samples after preconcentration by modified nano-alumina

A new solid-phase extraction sorbent was used for the preconcentration of Pb(II) and Cr(III) ions prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. It was prepared by immobilization of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine on nano-alumina coated with sodium dodecyl sulfate. The sorbent was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, N₂ adsorption and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and used for preconcentration and separation of Pb(II) and Cr(III) from aqueous solutions. The ions on the sorbent were eluted with a mixture of nitric acid and methanol. The effects of sample pH, flow rates of samples and eluent, type of eluent, breakthrough volume and potentially interfering ions were studied. Linearity is maintained between 1.2 and 350???g?L^-1 of Pb(II), and between 2.4 and 520???g?L^-1 of Cr(III) for an 800-mL sample. The detection limit (3?s, N?=?10) for Pb(II) and Cr(III) ions is 0.43 and 0.55???g?L^-1, respectively, and the maximum preconcentration factor is 267. The method was successfully applied to the evaluation of these trace and toxic metals in various water, food, industrial effluent and urine samples.

Anodic stripping voltammetric determination of silver ion at a carbon paste electrode modified with carbon nanotubes

A carbon paste electrode (CPE) was modified with multi-wall carbon nanotubes and successfully applied to the determination of silver ion by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. Compared to a conventional CPE, a remarkably improved peak current response and sensitivity is observed. The analytical procedure consisted of an open circuit accumulation step for 2?min in ?0.4?V, this followed by an anodic potential scan between +0.2 and?+?0.6?V to obtain the voltammetric peak. The oxidation peak current is proportional to the concentration of silver ion in the range from 1.0?×?10^?8 to 1.0?×?10^?5?mol?L^?1, with a detection limit of 1.8?×?10^?9?mol?L^?1 after an accumulation time of 120?s. The relative standard deviation for 7 successive determinations of Ag(I) at 0.1???M concentration is 1.99%. The procedure was validated by determining Ag(I) in natural waters.

Label-free sandwich type of immunosensor for hepatitis C virus core antigen based on the use of gold nanoparticles on a nanostructured metal oxide surface

We report on the construction of a label-free electrochemical immunosensor for detecting the core antigen of the hepatitis C virus (HCV core antigen). A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified with a nanocomposite made from gold nanoparticles, zirconia nanoparticles and chitosan, and prepared by in situ reduction. The zirconia nanoparticles were first dispersed in chitosan solution, and then AuNPs were prepared in situ on the ZrO₂-chitosan composite. In parallel, a nanocomposite was synthesized from AuNPs, silica nanoparticles and chitosan, and conjugated to a secondary antibody. The properties of the resulting nanocomposites were investigated by UV-visible photometry and transmission electron microscopy, and the stepwise assembly process was characterized by means of cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. An sandwich type of immunosensor was developed which displays high sensitivity to the HCV core antigen in the concentration range between 2 and 512?ng?mL^?1, with a detection limit of 0.17?ng?mL^?1 (at S/N?=?3). This immunosensor provides an alternative approach towards the diagnosis of HCV.

Determination of mercury(II) in water samples using dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and back extraction along with capillary zone electrophoresis

We have developed a method for the determination of mercury in water samples that combines dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) with back-extraction (BE) and detection by capillary zone electrophoresis. DLLME is found to be a simple, cost-effective and rapid method for extraction and preconcentration. The BE procedure is based on the fact that the stability constant of the hydrophilic chelate of Hg(II) with L-cysteine is much larger than that of the respective complex with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol. Factors affecting complex formation and extraction efficiency (such as pH value, concentration of the chelating agent, time of ultrasonication and extraction, and type and quantity of disperser solvent) were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the enrichment factor is 625, and the limit of detection is 0.62???g?L^?1. The calibration plot is linear in the range between 1 and 1,000???g?L^?1 (R ²?=?0.9991), and the relative standard deviation (RSD, for n?=?6) is 4.1%. Recoveries were determined with tap water and seawater spiked at levels of 10 and 100???g?L^?1, respectively, and ranged from 86.6% to 95.1%, with corresponding RSDs of 3.95?C5.90%.

Amperometric determination of L-tyrosine by an enzymeless sensor based on a carbon ceramic electrode modified with copper oxide nanoparticles

We report on the electrochemical formation of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) at a carbon ceramic electrode (CCE) as a highly-porous substrate. A copper film was deposited on the surface of the CCE and derivatized in situ to give CuO-NPs by potential cycling between ?0.8 and 0.35?V in strongly alkaline solution. The electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The CuO-NPs exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of L-tyrosine (L-Tyr) in responding linearly in the 2 to 1,350???M concentration range, an associated detection limit (S/N?=?3) of 160?nM, and a sensitivity of 0.61?A?M^?1?cm^?2.

Ultrasound- assisted emulsification microextraction for separation of trace amounts of antimony prior to FAAS determination

We describe a simple and rapid method for the ultrasound-assisted microextraction of antimony using the solidified floating organic drop method. The effects of pH, type and volume of the extractant, time of sonication, amount of chelating agent, type and amount of surfactant were investigated and optimized. Bromopyrogollol red is acting as the chelating agent. Antimony(III) ion was extracted into finely dispersed droplets of undecanol after ion-pair formation with the water soluble chelator and the cationic detergent benzyldimethyltetradecylammonium chloride. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry was used for the detection. The resulting calibration is linear in the concentration range from 4.0 to 900?ng?mL^-1 of Sb(III) with a correlation coefficient of 0.9981. The enrichment factor is 67, the detection limit is 0.62?ng?mL^-1, and the relative standard deviation is?±?3.6% (at 100?ng?mL^-1; for n?=?10). The method was successfully applied to the determination of antimony in water samples.