A two-step assay based on electro-activation for rapid determination of methylglyoxal in honey and beer

Methylglyoxal (MGO), a dicarbonyl compound in living organism, food and environment, has been associated with disease diagnosis and human health. The current electrochemical detection methods rely on the use of advanced materials. In this work, a non-advanced materials two-step assay including electrode electro-activation and MGO detection was developed. In the section of electro-activation, an activation method of GCE for MGO detection was established; and the composition changes on GCE surface caused by electro-activation, including functional groups and surface defects, have been carefully studied. The effect of carbonyl and surface defects induced by electro-activation on MGO detection was discussed. In section of MGO detection, the raise of background current caused by electro-activation was minimized by background subtraction; and the effect of interferences can be weakened by adjusting pH. The MGO signal on proposed activated GCE improved 20-fold than bare GCE. The recoveries were 72.38-109.16% in honey and beer, and RSDs were 0.24-9.63% without significant difference with HPLC method and comparable with advanced material modified sensors. (c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study developed a two-step assay using non-advanced materials for the detection of methylglyoxal (MGO). The effect of electrode electro-activation on the composition changes of the GCE surface and MGO detection was investigated. The MGO detection signal was enhanced through background subtraction and pH adjustment.