Evaluation of a graphite-polyurethane composite electrode modified with copper nanoparticles as an amperometric flow detector in a wall-jet system for the determination of cysteine

Abstract

A graphite-polyurethane composite electrode (GPUE) was modified by electrodeposition of copper nanoparticles (CuNP) followed by electrochemical treatment in NaOH (GPUE-CuNP), in order to prepare an amperometric sensor for the determination of cysteine (Cys). Cyclic votammograms of Cys solutions at GPUE-CuNP allowed the description of a sequence of electrochemical reactions involving Cys oxidation and Cu0/Cu+ equilibrium, generating a stable Cys-Cu+ complex. The presence of these nanoparticles was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) data. Hence, the developed device was then used as a Cys amperometric flow detector in a wall-jet system, after evaluation of flow injection parameters in an undescribed approach. In this system, a limit of detection (LOD) of 4.24 μmol L-1 was obtained with an analytical frequency of 36 determinations h-1. Intra-day and inter-day reproducibility and repeatability of the modified surface was evaluated. Then the GPUE-CuNP performance was investigated in the determination of Cys content in food supplements. Interference tests were carried out with pyridoxine, ascorbic acid, tryptophan and SO42– ions. The main interference was attributed to the interaction of some of these substances with copper oxides.