A wide-range UAC sensor for the classification of hyperuricemia in spot samples

Hyperuricemia is recognized as a risk factor for chronic diseases, yet its classification is hindered by the need for cumbersome 24-hour urine samples. Current diagnostic methods require multiple samples and are not widely adopted in clinical settings. While uric acid levels in blood are commonly measured, integrating urine uric acid data is essential for calculating uric acid clearance (UAC), a key metric for managing HUA. Prior research has shown that UAC provides insights into renal and metabolic function, but no prior work had resolved the issue of single-sample UAC measurement. This gap motivated the development of a sensor that can detect uric acid in both blood and urine using a single spot sample. The challenge lies in achieving high selectivity and wide detection ranges while minimizing sample volume. No prior work had resolved the issue of integrating pH calibration into such a sensor. The need for a portable and efficient UAC measurement tool remains unmet in point-of-care diagnostics.

The study aimed to develop a sensor that can measure uric acid in both blood and urine using a single spot sample. This approach addresses the limitations of current diagnostic methods that require multiple samples and extended collection times. The sensor was designed to detect uric acid in small volumes with high selectivity and wide linear range. A key objective was to integrate pH calibration to improve accuracy in variable sample conditions. The study also sought to validate the sensor’s performance against clinical instruments. The researchers proposed that this sensor could enable point-of-care UAC measurement. The goal was to simplify HUA classification and improve clinical decision-making. The study’s success would depend on demonstrating strong correlation with existing clinical methods.

The researchers developed a pH-sensitive urate oxidase-modified electrochemical sensor with a filter membrane. This sensor was designed to detect uric acid in both blood and urine samples. The filter membrane helped separate the uric acid from interfering substances. The sensor’s selectivity was tested against other compounds to ensure accurate measurements. The detection limit was evaluated to determine the lowest uric acid concentration the sensor could detect. The linear range was assessed to confirm the sensor’s ability to measure a wide range of uric acid concentrations. The impact of sample pH was calibrated to ensure consistent readings across different conditions. The sensor’s performance was validated using blood and urine samples from 87 patients.

The sensor demonstrated high selectivity for uric acid with a detection limit of 0.25 μM in 5 μL spot samples. The linear range of the sensor was 2.5–7000 μM, covering a wide spectrum of uric acid concentrations. The sensor’s results showed a strong linear correlation with clinical instruments, with a correlation coefficient higher than 0.980. The pH calibration improved the sensor’s accuracy in variable sample conditions. The sensor’s performance was validated using blood and urine samples from 87 patients. The results indicated that the sensor could reliably measure uric acid in both sample types. The sensor’s small sample volume requirement makes it suitable for point-of-care testing. The findings suggest that the sensor could be used for UAC measurement in clinical settings.

The sensor’s high selectivity and wide linear range make it a promising tool for UAC measurement. The strong correlation with clinical instruments supports its potential use in diagnosing HUA. The sensor’s ability to measure uric acid in both blood and urine using a single spot sample is a significant advancement. The pH calibration feature enhances its accuracy in variable sample conditions. The sensor’s performance was validated using patient samples, demonstrating its clinical relevance. The study’s findings suggest that the sensor could improve HUA management in point-of-care settings. The sensor’s small sample volume requirement makes it suitable for use in clinics and at home. The authors propose that this sensor could broaden the application of UAC measurement in clinical diagnostics.