Electrochemical study of zinc interactions with garlic sulfur ligands using differential pulse voltammetry

Understanding how metal ions complex with bio-derived ligands is crucial for developing sustainable approaches in environmental sensing and metal remediation. In this study, we examine the electrochemical interactions between zinc (II) ions and three key organosulfur compounds from garlic: diallyl disulfide (DADS), dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), and diallyl sulfide (DAS), using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). These interactions are shown by distinct shifts in zinc peak potential and decreases in current intensity, indicating complex formation. Evolving factor analysis (EFA) revealed two main electroactive species. Stability constants were determined using a combined soft/hard modeling approach, including curve fitting and the DeFord–Hume method, yielding log β1 values of 4.75 ± 0.41 (DADS), 5.23 ± 0.39 (DMDS), 4.50 ± 0.50 (DAS), and a log β2 value of 8.23 ± 0.43. These results highlight the ability of natural sulfur-containing ligands from garlic to influence zinc bioavailability, opening new possibilities for eco-friendly electrochemical sensors and bioinspired remediation technologies.