Simultaneous voltammetric determination of uric and ascorbic acids in urine

Abstract

Anodic voltammetric method for simultaneous determination of uric acid (UA) and ascorbic acid (AA) in urine has been developed with the use of a commercial working rotating glassy carbon electrode. UA may be determined in a sample diluted by the buffer supporting electrolyte (HOAc+NH 4OH; pH 5.1–5.2) ≈100 times, and AA-in a sample diluted ≈20 times. Before obtaining the analytical signal the electrode should be maintained in the diluted sample during 3 min at potential 0 V and the working electrode rotating 100 rpm, for achievement of the adsorption equilibrium of inhibitors from the urine matrix. For UA the electron transfer is close to reversible, for AA it is an irreversible one. Optimal voltammetric techniques are the square-wave for UA and the differential pulse for AA. Calibration curves, detection limits and recoveries for both determinations were evaluated as satisfactory.