In situ Determination of Phenylpyruvate in Urine Using a Phenylpyruvate-Selective Membrane Electrode Constructed with a Heptyl-4-trifluoroacetylbenzoate Neutral Carrier

Abstract

We constructed a phenylpyruvate-selective electrode using heptyl-4-trifluoroacetylbenzoate as a neutral carrier. The electrode permitted the determination of phenylpyruvate in urine in situ. Its sensitivity spanned the urinary levels of phenylpyruvate (2-12mM) reported for phenylketonuric patients. The results compared favorably with those obtained by colorimetry.