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A colorimetric probe for ascorbic acid based on copper-gold nanoparticles in electrospun nylon

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Abstract

We report on a colorimetric probe based on copper-gold alloy nanoparticles (NPs). The probe is capable of selectively detecting ascorbic acid (AA) as a result of the distance-dependent colour change of the nanoparticles immobilized in an electrospun nylon-6 nanofiber. The resulting white nanofibres undergo a colour change to blue as a result of the aggregation of the NPs induced by AA in the pH range 2–7. The probe is selective for AA even in the presence of dopamine, uric acid, saccharides, amino acids and certain organic acids. It covers the 1.76 x10−2 mg L−1 to 1.76 x105 mg L−1 concentration range, and exhibits a limit of detection of 1.76 x10−2 mg L−1 based on visual detection. Its application was demonstrated by the determination of ascorbic acid in fruit juices, urine, serum, and vitamin C tablets.

An electrospun colorimetric probe based on the growth of copper-gold alloy nanoparticles induced by ascorbic acid was developed. The white nanofiber turns blue in the pH range 2–7 and is selective for AA in the presence of possible interferences. Its limit of detection is 1.76 x10−2 mg L−1.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the MINTEK, DST/NIC. The authors would like to thank the University of Free State (Physics Department) for the XPS analysis and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (Physics Department) for SEM analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, P.O Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa

    Boitumelo Mudabuka, Dezzline Ondigo, Slyvestre Degni & Nelson Torto

  2. Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Advanced Material division, Mintek, Randburg, 2125, South Africa

    Sibulelo Vilakazi

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  1. Boitumelo Mudabuka
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  2. Dezzline Ondigo
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  3. Slyvestre Degni
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  4. Sibulelo Vilakazi
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  5. Nelson Torto
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Correspondence to Boitumelo Mudabuka.

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Mudabuka, B., Ondigo, D., Degni, S. et al. A colorimetric probe for ascorbic acid based on copper-gold nanoparticles in electrospun nylon. Microchim Acta 181, 395–401 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00604-013-1114-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00604-013-1114-4

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