New microfluidic paper-based analytical device for iron determination in urine samples.
Francisca T S M Ferreira1, Karina A Catalão1, Raquel B R Mesquita2
1CBQF - Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina - Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Rua Diogo Botelho 1327, 4169-005, Porto, Portugal.
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
|October 16, 2021
Summary
A new microfluidic paper-based analytical device (µPAD) quantifies iron in urine. This simple, disposable device offers accurate iron measurement, aiding biomarker analysis.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biomarker Detection
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Iron is a vital micronutrient and a potential biomarker in human health.
- Accurate iron quantification in biological samples like urine is crucial for health monitoring.
- Existing methods for iron analysis can be complex and time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, disposable microfluidic paper-based analytical device (µPAD) for quantifying iron in urine.
- To establish a cost-effective and accessible method for iron determination.
- To validate the device's performance against established analytical techniques.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a colorimetric reaction involving iron(II) and bathophenanthroline.
- Employed hydroxylamine for the reduction of iron(III) to iron(II).
- Incorporated a sample blank assessment to mitigate interference from urine color.
Main Results:
- The µPAD achieved iron quantification in the range of 0.07-1.2 mg/L.
- Demonstrated a limit of detection of 20 µg/L and a limit of quantification of 65 µg/L.
- Showed high accuracy with a relative deviation below 9.5% compared to atomic absorption spectrometry.
Conclusions:
- The developed µPAD is a suitable tool for accurate iron quantification in human urine samples.
- The device offers a stable and reliable analytical method with minimal interference.
- This technology presents a promising approach for point-of-care iron biomarker monitoring.
