Upconversion-nanoparticle-functionalized Janus micromotors for efficient detection of uric acid

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology and Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Development of micro/nanomotors for active detection of analytes.
• Need for efficient and rapid diagnostic tools in biomedical applications.
• Challenges in analyte detection due to limited surface interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer enzyme-functionalized Janus micromotors for uric acid detection.
• To utilize self-propulsion for enhanced analyte interaction and detection efficiency.
• To explore the potential of these micromotors in bioassay applications.

Main Methods:

• Asymmetric immobilization of uricase enzyme onto silicon particles to create Janus micromotors.
• Functionalization with upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) for luminescence-based detection.
• Utilizing the biocatalytic decomposition of uric acid as a propulsion mechanism.

Main Results:

• Successfully prepared enzyme-powered Janus micromotors capable of active motion.
• Demonstrated rapid and efficient detection of uric acid in urine.
• Observed enhanced detection efficiency due to increased UCNP-analyte interaction from motor motion.

Conclusions:

• Janus micromotors offer a promising platform for simultaneous analyte detection and self-propulsion.
• The dual function of uric acid as fuel and target significantly improves detection.
• This technology holds potential for developing advanced micro/nanodevices for bioassays and diagnostics.