Multicommutation flow analysis system for non-enzymatic lactate determination based on light-driven photometric assay

A fully-mechanized bioanalytical system for the photometric light-driven lactate determination is presented. The system is based on highly integrated four diode flow-through cell in which two UV-LEDs are used for the photochemical reduction of Fe(III) in the presence of lactate whereas LED-photodiode system allows the photometric detection of Fe(II)-Ferrozine complex to be registered. The developed multicommutation flow analysis system consisting of bifunctional optoelectronic device (photodegradation of Fe(III)-lactate complex and detection), solenoid micropumps and microvalves, is fully controlled and powered by the Arduino-compatible electronics. In consequence, independent and precise control of crucial parameters of the assay, including irradiation time and current supplying UV-LEDs is possible. Under optimized condition the system is useful for the lactate determination in the sub-milimolar range of concentration (6.0–300.0 μmol/L) with satisfactory sensitivity (597.1 AU·L/μmol) and detection limit (3.4 μmol/L), significant reduction of sample and reagents consumption (1.25 μL or 0.5 μL for 40- and 100-fold dilution of human serum samples, respectively) and high sample flow throughput (24 detections per hour). As the system offers the monitoring of detection process, the kinetic discrimination of effects from potential interferents is possible, improving the assay selectivity. The practical utility of the designed system was confirmed by its used for analysis of human serum standards. The recovery values were in the range of 92.1–104.2%. As the limit of quantitation offered by the system is significantly lower than physiological lactate levels, the serum samples have to be diluted what results in further decrease of both sample volume required for analysis and nonselective effects from matrix.