Application of an intensified diode array system to diagnosis of matrix effects and the rapid sequential determination of thiamine and riboflavin with fluorescence detection

The unique capabilities of a multiple wavelength spectrofluorometer based on an intensified diode array detector are used for diagnosis of matrix effects and for rapid sequential determination of two analytes. This system is used to investigate problems due to background fluorescence, blank reactions, and scattering for the determination of thiamine in cereal and urine samples by a fluorometric kinetic procedure. A novel determination of thiamine and riboflavin in vitamin pills is based on monitoring the native fluorescence of riboflavin over one wavelength region, and the rate of formation of fluorescent thiochrome from thiamine over another wavelength region, after a computer-controlled change in the pH of the reaction mixture.