Development of a multiphysics model to characterize the responsive behavior of urea-sensitive hydrogel as biosensor

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Biochemical Engineering
• Computational Modeling

Background:

• Biomaterials can deform in response to bio-stimuli.
• Urea-sensitive hydrogels respond to urea via urease ionization and denaturation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel biochemo-electro-mechanical model for urea-sensitive hydrogels.
• To numerically characterize hydrogel behavior under urea stimulus.

Main Methods:

• Developed a novel rate of reaction equation for urea hydrolysis.
• Incorporated effects of fixed charge groups, temperature, and pH on urease activity.
• Validated the model with published experimental data.

Main Results:

• The model accurately characterizes the responsive behavior of urea-sensitive hydrogels.
• Successfully predicted electrical potential and pH distribution patterns within the hydrogel.
• Demonstrated the hydrogel's potential for electrical power generation.

Conclusions:

• The developed model provides a robust framework for understanding urea-sensitive hydrogels.
• The study highlights an innovative method for generating electrical power using enzyme-induced gradients.
• This has implications for energy harvesting from urea-rich sources like human urine.