A Chemosensor Based on Gold Nanoparticles and Dithiothreitol (DTT) for Acrylamide Electroanalysis

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Nanomaterials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Acrylamide (ACR) is a potential carcinogen found in various foods.
• Sensitive and selective detection methods for ACR are crucial for food safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid and simple electroanalytical method for acrylamide detection.
• To enhance detection sensitivity and selectivity using a modified gold electrode.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a gold electrode modified with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and dithiothreitol (DTT).
• Characterization of electrode surface properties using SEM and SPR.
• Electrochemical analysis using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV).

Main Results:

• The modified electrode exhibited increased surface roughness and stable DTT oxidation.
• A polymer layer formed on the electrode surface upon ACR exposure.
• DPV peak area showed inverse proportionality to ACR concentration.
• Achieved a limit of detection (LOD) of 3.11 × 10^-9 M and linearity from 1 × 10^-8 M to 1 × 10^-3 M.
• Validated the sensor with real food samples (potato chips, coffee).

Conclusions:

• The Au/AuNPs/DTT modified electrode provides a sensitive and selective platform for ACR electroanalysis.
• The developed sensor is suitable for practical monitoring of ACR in food products.