Nanogold based electrochemical sensor for determination of norepinephrine in biological fluids

A stable layer of gold nano particles (AuNPs) was deposited on the surface of indium tin oxide (ITO) and was used as an electrode for the detection of norepinephrine (NE) by square wave voltammetry (SWV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). This modified electrode exhibits potent and persistent electron-mediating behavior and a well-defined oxidation peak towards NE was observed. The peak potential of NE was observed at less positive potential with increase in peak current as compared to bare ITO and bare gold electrodes. NE exhibited two quasi-reversible couples at AuNPs modified ITO over the potential range from -0.6 to 0.8V in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) (pH 7.2). At optimal experimental condition, the catalytic oxidative peak current was responsive with the NE concentrations ranging from 100 nM to 25 mu M. The detection limit was found to be 87 nM. Also, the effect of pH revealed that the oxidation of NE at the AuNPs modified ITO involved the transfer of equal number of protons and electrons. The interfering effect of common coexisting metabolites in blood and urine has also been reported. The modified electrode exhibited high stability and reproducibility. A comparison of results with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) signalizes a good agreement. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.