Derivatization reaction-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for detection of trace acetone

• Trace volatile acetone was determined by coupling a derivatization reaction to SERS.
• Acetone without obvious Raman signal could be converted to SERS-sensitive species.
• It was used for the determination of acetone in urine samples.
• The present method is simple, convenient, sensitive, selective and reliable.

A facile method was developed for determination of trace volatile acetone by coupling a derivatization reaction to surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). With iodide modified Ag nanoparticles (Ag IMNPs) as the SERS substrate, acetone without obvious Raman signal could be converted to SERS-sensitive species via a chemical derivatization reaction with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4-DNPH). In addition, acetone can be effectively separated from liquid phase with a purge-sampling device and then any serious interference from sample matrices can be significantly reduced. The optimal conditions for the derivatization reaction and the SERS analysis were investigated in detail, and the selectivity and reproducibility of this method were also evaluated. Under the optimal conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) for acetone was 5 mg L−1 or 0.09 mM (3σ). The relative standard deviation (RSD) for 80 mg L−1 acetone (n=9) was 1.7%. This method was successfully used for the determination of acetone in artificial urine and human urine samples with spiked recoveries ranging from 92% to 110%. The present method is convenient, sensitive, selective, reliable and suitable for analysis of trace acetone, and it could have a promising clinical application in early diabetes diagnosis.

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