Sequential injection for determination of gamma-aminobutyric acid based on its effect on second order light scattering of silver nanoparticles

Abstract

© 2016 Elsevier Inc. An automated sequential injection (SI) with second order light scattering (SOS) detection for determination of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was developed. Quantitation is based on electrostatic interaction between GABA and citrate-capped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). In acetate buffer at pH 3.8, the positively charged GABA induces the nanoparticles to aggregate. This results in a change of light scattering monitored using a spectrofluorometer. In this work, working standard solutions of GABA were prepared in-line by the SI system pumping appropriate volumes of a stock solution of GABA and acetate buffer into a holding coil. Solution of AgNPs was subsequently drawn into the coil. The reaction zone was then transferred to the spectrofluorometer, set with excitation and detection wavelengths at 300 and 600 nm, respectively. Under optimised condition, the SOS intensity was proportional to the concentration of GABA. As a result, a linear curve was obtained in the range of 100–400 mg L−1GABA, with a lower limit of detection of 39.6 mg L‐1. Good precision of analysis was achieved, with 0.6 and 3.3% relative standard deviation (RSD) for external calibration (n = 5) and standard addition (n = 3), respectively. The developed method was successfully applied for quantification of GABA in dietary supplements (2 samples) and samples of instant green tea (2 samples).