AMPEROMETRIC ASSAY OF VITAMIN-C USING AN ASCORBATE OXIDASE ENZYME ELECTRODE

An oxygen electrode of the Clark type, coated by a thin, active layer of chemically insolubilized ascorbate oxidase from squash peelings specifically detects by measuring oxygen uptake 10 to 400 μg of ascorbic acid in 3 ml of phosphate buffer. The record of current response to substrate addition lasts 1-2 min. The ascorbic acid values determined in various samples of fruit juices are in good agreement with the data obtained by titration and polarography. The suitable composition of the membrane and its lifetime and stability during long-term storage are described; optimal reaction conditions of vitamin C determination and the possibilities of interference of other compounds are also examined. Of the 35 phenols, aromatic amines and acids tested chlorogenic acid only can cause a positive error provided that the enzyme membrane has been prepared from ascorbate oxidase of high purity.