Usage of carbon nanomaterials for determination of ascorbic acid and uric acid in electrochemical sensors

Ascorbic acid and uric acid are two important compounds that play a significant role in biochemical processes and have effects on health. Ascorbic acid, also known as Vitamin C, is often added to many foods and beverages for its antioxidant properties to enhance the appearance of products and is essential for various metabolic reactions in the body. Uric acid is a natural waste product of the metabolic breakdown of purines. Normal levels of uric acid in blood and urine range from 0.14 to 0.4 mmol/dm³ and 1.5 to 4.5 mmol/dm³, respectively. Elevated levels of uric acid in plasma can lead to hyperuricemia, which may increase the risk of diseases like gout and cardiovascular disorders. Low levels of uric acid have been associated with diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's in literature studies. Today, various analytical methods are used for the determination of ascorbic acid and uric acid, including techniques such as colorimetry, polarography, chromatography, and spectrophotometry. However, the cost factors of these methods are often high. Analysis with electrochemical sensors provides faster results and is more cost-effective compared to traditional methods. Electrochemical sensors, a type of sensor used in chemical analysis, work by converting electrochemical reactions on an electrode into a signal. Our experimental studies have explored the feasibility of using carbon nanomaterials in electrochemical sensors for the simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid and uric acid. The carbon nanomaterials synthesized in our research are in the form of nanospheres with zero-dimensional properties. Carbon nanospheres offer advantages such as a large surface area, high strength, chemical resistance, and high electrical conductivity. Due to their superior properties, they are functionally used in a wide range of fields, providing advantages in applications for electrochemical sensors. In the scope of the research, various carbon nanomaterials were synthesized and analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), SEM/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm methods. Sensitivity and selectivity tests for the determination of ascorbic acid and uric acid were conducted on the produced nanomaterials. The data obtained from the study were compared with results from the literature, demonstrating the successful use of carbon nanomaterials in electrochemical sensors for the determination of the relevant analytes. The research project contributes fundamental knowledge that may lead to further studies in related fields, highlighting the potential of carbon nanomaterials as a viable alternative for the simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid and uric acid in electrochemical sensor applications.