A microfluidic paper-based colorimetric device for the visual detection of uric acid in human urine samples

The monitoring of uric acid (UA) as a clinically relevant toxic biomolecule is of particular importance for the diagnosis of various syndromes and for the monitoring of patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Owing to its speed, low consumption of materials, high sensitivity, convenience, and the easy detection of color changes, colorimetric methods have attracted a lot of attention compared to other methods. The use of nanoparticles has been suggested for the non-enzymatic POC detection of biological molecules such as UA. Here, a sensitive, quantitative, and rapid diagnostic method for UA using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is reported. The main purpose of this work is to introduce a suitable tool for future studies based on various types of AgNPs for the on-site detection of clinical samples and biomarkers using portable devices. In the present study, a novel μPCD made to measure UA was used in human urine samples. AgNPs with their peroxidase-like activity led to the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and a bluish-green color upon the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to ˙OH. UA also reduced the oxidized TMB. The proposed method showed linear responses from 500 to 10 000 μM (using silver citrate nanoparticles (Ag-Cit)), 50 to 10 000 μM (using Ag NPrs and Au@AgNPs), and 1 to 10 000 μM (using Ag NWs). The lower limits of quantification of the proposed method for the detection of UA using Ag-Cit, Ag nanoprisms, Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles, and Ag nanowires were 500, 50, 50, and 1 μM, respectively. As a result, the proposed assay system could potentially be utilized to detect UA in human urine samples.