Smartphone based highly sensitive visualized detection of acid phosphatase enzyme activity

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Diagnostics

Background:

• Point-of-care (POC) technologies require sensitive, fast, and affordable methods for practical applications.
• Acid phosphatase (ACP) is a significant biomarker in various biological and pathological processes.
• Existing ACP detection methods may lack the speed, sensitivity, or portability needed for widespread POC use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a smartphone-based RGB analysis system for sensitive and rapid detection of acid phosphatase (ACP) enzyme activity.
• To utilize Au@Ag core-shell nanostructures for signal amplification and colorimetric detection of ACP.
• To establish a cost-effective and portable platform for ACP quantification.

Main Methods:

• A smartphone-based RGB analysis system was designed for colorimetric detection.
• Acid phosphatase (ACP) activity was measured by the conversion of l-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AAP) to ascorbic acid (AA).
• Ascorbic acid (AA) reduced Ag+ to form Au@Ag core-shell nanostructures, inducing a color change from pink to yellow.

Main Results:

• A linear correlation was established between the RGB parameter and ACP concentration.
• The developed method achieved a sensitive detection limit of 0.1 U L-1 for ACP.
• The sensing strategy demonstrated suitability for detecting ACP in real serum samples.

Conclusions:

• The smartphone-based RGB analysis system provides a sensitive and rapid method for ACP detection.
• The use of Au@Ag core-shell nanostructures enables a visually discernible color change for ACP quantification.
• This protocol offers a promising, affordable, and portable solution for on-site ACP detection in complex biological samples.