Electrochemical cysteine determination in serum samples by Hg thin film sensor

Cysteine is a nonessential aminoacid, meaning that cysteine can be made in the human body. It is one of the few amino acids that contain sulfur. This allows cysteine to bond in a special way and maintain the structures of proteins in the body. Cysteine strengthens the protective lining of the stomach and intestines, which may help prevent damage caused by aspirin and similar drugs. In addition, cysteine may play an important role in the communication between immune system cells. In this study, glassy carbon electrodes modified with mercury (Hg) were used as working electrode. Mercury thin film on glassy carbon electrode was deposited by holding the electrode potential at -0.7 V; the measurement period for the coating process was 2 minutes. pH and temperature effects on the electrode response were carried out by working at different pHs and temperatures. The calibration graph for cysteine was drawn in the range of 5-120 μM cysteine. Repeatability and interferences studies were investigated. GSH had an interference effect of about 13% of cysteine response. Finally, the sensor was applied to real samples for cysteine determination and the method was validated by Ellman's reagent.