Electrochemical determination of homocysteine using carbon nanotubes modified paste electrode and isoprenaline as a mediator

Homocysteine (HCy) is an important amino acid containing thiol group and is known as a risk factor in relation to ischemic heart disease and stroke. In this study the electrochemical determination of homocysteine (HCy) has been described using isoprenaline hydrochloride (ISP) as a mediator on multiwall carbon nanotubes modified paste electrode (MWCNTPE). Electrochemical behavior of homocysteine was investigated by cyclic voltarrtmetry and chronoamperometry. The cyclic voltammograms showed that the electrocatalytic oxidation of homocysteine occurs in the presence of ISP on the surface of MWCNTPE at a potential about 640 mV. Also, results showed that the oxidatation peak current of HCy at the modified carbon nanotubes electrode was more than unmodified electrode. The diffusion coefficient and the kinetic parameters including electron transfer coefficient and rate constant of electrocatalytic reaction were determined using electrochemical approaches. Linear sweep voltammetry results showed that electrocatalytic oxidation peak current of HCy had linear dynamic range in the range of 5.0 to 800 μmol L −1 with a detection limit of 3.3 μmol L −1 in pH 3.5 (universal buffer).