A novel nanosponge-hydrogel system-based electrochemiluminescence biosensor for uric acid detection

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Uric acid (UA) detection is crucial for diagnosing conditions like gout and kidney disease.
• Existing biosensors often face challenges with sensitivity and stability.
• Developing efficient and reliable UA detection methods remains an active research area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly efficient electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor for sensitive uric acid (UA) detection.
• To utilize a novel nanosponge-hydrogel system incorporating molybdenum disulfide quantum dots (MoS₂ QDs) and urate oxidase (UAO).
• To evaluate the biosensor's performance in real clinical serum samples.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a nanosponge composed of polylactic acid glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles loaded with MoS₂ QDs and UAO.
• Immobilization of the nanosponge within a biocompatible acrylamide-based hydrogel matrix.
• Utilizing the catalytic activity of UAO to generate H₂ O₂, which enhances the ECL signal of MoS₂ QDs.
• Characterization of the nanosponge-hydrogel structure and its electrochemical properties.

Main Results:

• The nanosponge-hydrogel system demonstrated a seven-fold enhancement in ECL signal due to abundant ester and amide groups.
• The developed biosensor achieved sensitive UA detection in the range of 100–500 μmol/L.
• A low limit of detection (LOD) of 20 μmol/L was achieved for UA.
• Successful application of the biosensor in real clinical serum samples with good analytical performance.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanosponge-hydrogel based ECL biosensor offers a highly efficient platform for UA detection.
• The unique structure provides enhanced ECL signal and stability for biosensing applications.
• This biosensor shows significant potential for clinical diagnostics and monitoring of UA levels.