A portable and affordable paper electrochemical platform for the simultaneous detection of sunset yellow and tartrazine in food beverages and desserts

Herein a simple method to fabricate an electrochemical paper-based analytical device using a cost-effective conductive ink based on graphite powder and nail polish, supported on cardboard is described for the simul-taneous electrochemical determination of tartrazine (TZ) and sunset yellow (SY) by Differential Pulse Voltam-metry (DPV). The electrochemical method was optimized and presented excellent analytical performance with low detection limits of 2.38 and 2.09 mu mol/L for SY and TZ, respectively, a wide linear range from 4.0 to 60.0 mu mol/L, and adequate precision (RSD less than 6.8 %). Furthermore, the proposed method did not require a complex sample treatment step (only simple dilution) and, it was applied in the determination of both colorants in samples of isotonic, juice, powdered juice, freeze pop, and gelatin, with satisfactory selectivity in relation to other food ingredients found in the analyzed samples. Thus, the disposable device demonstrated to be an excellent alternative tool for the analysis of both colorants in food samples.

Automated summary

A simple method was developed to fabricate an electrochemical paper-based analytical device using cost-effective conductive ink for simultaneous determination of tartrazine and sunset yellow. The optimized method showed excellent analytical performance with low detection limits, a wide linear range, and good precision. This disposable device proved to be a great alternative tool for the analysis of both colorants in food samples, with satisfactory selectivity.