Improved Long-Term Reproducibility for Pulsed Amperometric Detection of Carbohydrates via a New Quadruple-Potential Waveform

Abstract

A new quadruple-potential waveform is introduced for detection of carbohydrates using pulsed amperometry. The new waveform cleans the electrode by application of a potential more negative than the potential limit. In contrast to a commonly used triple-potential waveform, negative cleaning allows the time during which gold oxide is formed to be minimized, thus minimizing the dissolution and resulting recession of the gold working electrode as a result of gold oxide formation/reduction cycles. Preventing gold electrode recession is shown to improve long-term reproducibility. Waveform parameters were chosen to maximize signal-to-noise ratio and freedom from electrode fouling caused by matrix components in the sample. Compared to the triple-potential waveform, the quadruple-potential waveform shows similar minimum detection limits but greatly improved long-term reproducibility.