Flow injection amperometric sensing of uric acid and ascorbic acid using the self-assembly of heterocyclic thiol on Au electrode

Au electrode modified with the self-assembled monolayer of a heterocyclic thiol, mercaptotriazole (MTz), is used for the electroanalysis of uric acid (UA) and ascorbic acid (AA). MTz forms a less compact self-assembly on Au electrode. The self-assembly of MTz on Au electrode favors the oxidation of UA and AA at less positive potential. Significant decrease (similar to 400 mV) in the overpotential and enhancement in the peak current for the oxidation of interfering AA with respect to the unmodified electrode is observed. The negative shift in the oxidation peak potential of AA favors electrochemical sensing of UA without any interference. Two well-separated voltammetric peaks for AA and UA are observed in their coexistence. The large separation between the two voltammetric peaks allows the simultaneous or selective sensing of the analytes without compromising the sensitivity. Linear response is obtained for a wide concentration range. This electrode could sense as low as 1 mu M of UA in the presence of 10-fold excess of interfering AA. No change in the sensitivity (0.012 mu A/mu M) of the electrode toward UA in the presence and absence of AA is observed. Reproducible and stable amperometric flow injection response was obtained upon repetitive injection.