Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: H013
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.H013
Published online: 22 April 2026
The effect of metformin concentration on the course of differential capacitance curves of the double layer of the mercury electrode – acetate buffer at pH=4 and pH=5 containing metformin
Magda Małys* and Dorota Gugała-Fekner
Faculty of Chemistry UMCS, 2 Maria Curie-Sklodowska Sq., 20-031 Lublin, Poland
Corresponding author: magdamalys01@gmail.com
Metformin, primarily known as an antidiabetic drug, has gained considerable interest in recent years among scientists studying aging. Studies have shown that metformin can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce oxidative stress, and influence metabolic pathways associated with longevity. However, not everyone can or wants to take medications, especially without medical indications. In light of this, research explaining the mechanism of action of this organic substance in the body is crucial. The electric double layer formed in the immediate vicinity of the charged membrane-biological fluid interface can be considered similar to that formed at the electrode-electrolyte solution interface. The aromatic nature of metformin suggests a possible adsorption mechanism on the electrode surface; at low concentrations in solution, a planar orientation of the molecule on the electrode surface would be expected. Furthermore, the presence of the -NH2 group suggests metformin’s complex-forming properties. Adsorption studies of metformin on a mercury electrode were conducted in acetate buffers at pH=4 and pH=5. The organic substance used in the study exhibits basic properties, therefore, acetate buffer, which adsorbs poorly on mercury, was used as the base electrolyte.
A CGHMDE electrode with a constant droplet surface area was used to measure differential capacitance. Mercury electrodes possess properties that their substitutes cannot achieve. These include ideal polarizability and a reproducible surface area, which is why these electrodes are widely used. Concerns about the use of mercury in research laboratories also appear to be unfounded, as under proper mercury handling conditions, its harmful effects on the human body are minimal. Differential capacitance curves for the electrode-acetate buffer double layer at pH=4 and pH=5 without metformin and in solutions with increasing metformin concentrations were determined at a frequency of 800 Hz. Observing changes in the differential capacitance curves allows for a qualitative assessment of the adsorption system. The presented results concern metformin adsorption in the concentration range from 1·10-5 to 1·10-3 mol dm-3.
Keywords: acetate buffer; electrode CGHMDE; electroreduction; metformin
How to cite
Małys M., Gugała-Fekner D., 2026. The effect of metformin concentration on the course of differential capacitance curves of the double layer of the mercury electrode – acetate buffer at pH=4 and pH=5 containing metformin. In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.H013