A novel colorimetric method for detection of gamma-aminobutyric acid based on silver nanoparticles

Abstract

A novel, simple and rapid colorimetric method for determination of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was developed using a negatively charged citrate-capped silver nanoparticle (AgNP) probe. At an acidic pH of 3.8, GABA had a positive charge due to a protonation of amine groups. Therefore GABA could induce an aggregation of AgNPs due to electrostatic interaction. This caused a decrease in the surface plasmon resonance spectra of the colloidal solution at wavelength of 390 nm with a slight red shift. At the same time, the color of the suspension turned from yellow to green upon aggregation. Quantification of GABA was done spectrophotometrically. Under optimum conditions, the method showed a linear calibration in range of 100-500 mg L-1 GABA, with a detection limit of 57.7 mg L-1. The method was successfully applied to measure GABA quantities in dietary supplements.