The electrocatalytic activity of a supramolecular assembly of CoTsPc/FeT4MPyP on multi-walled carbon nanotubes towards L-glutathione, and its determination in human erythrocytes

The electrocatalytic activity of a supramolecular complex based on cobalt(II) phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate and iron(III) tetra-(N-methyl-4-pyridyl)-porphyrin adsorbed on multi-walled carbon nanotubes for the oxidation of L-glutathione (GSH) was investigated at pH 7.4. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry were used to characterize the morphologies and composition of the materials. The modified electrode displayed efficient electrocatalytic activity in terms of oxidation of GSH at an oxidation potential of 0 V (versus Ag/AgCl). Cyclic voltammetry and amperometry indicated that the oxidation involves 2-electrons, with a heterogeneous rate constant of 4.9 x 105 mol-1 L s-1. The response is linear from 2 to 210 μmol L-1, the sensitivity is 1570 μA L mmol-1, the detection limit is 0.03 μmol L-1, and the relative standard deviation of 110 μmol L-1 GSH was 2.6% (n=10). The modified electrode was applied to the determination of GSH in erythrocytes and the results were in agreement with those obtained by a method reported in the literature. (author)