High-performance uric acid detection using a hierarchical NiO nanostructure-based biosensor.

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials Engineering
• Biosensing Technology
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Biosensors are crucial for detecting biomarkers like uric acid (UA).
• Hierarchical nanostructures offer enhanced surface area and catalytic activity for biosensing applications.
• Enzyme conjugation with nanomaterials improves biosensor sensitivity and selectivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly sensitive and selective electrochemical biosensor for uric acid (UA) detection.
• To utilize hierarchical NiO nanostructures combined with uricase enzyme for improved biosensing performance.
• To evaluate the biosensor's potential for clinical diagnostic applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of hierarchical NiO nanostructures via a hydrothermal method.
• Construction of the biosensor on a screen-printed graphite electrode (SPGE) using NiO, uricase, and Nafion (Nf).
• Electrochemical characterization using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and performance evaluation in human serum and artificial saliva.

Main Results:

• The SPGE/NiO/uricase/Nf biosensor demonstrated rapid UA detection over a wide range (25-900 µM).
• Achieved high sensitivity (423.5 ± 2.6 µA mM⁻¹ cm⁻²) and a low detection limit (∼1.45 ± 0.12 µM).
• Exhibited excellent reproducibility (< 6.5% RSD), reusability (∼90.4% retention over 18 days), and anti-interference capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The synergistic effect of hierarchical NiO nanostructures and uricase enzyme enhances electron transfer and selective electrocatalytic activity for UA detection.
• The developed biosensor shows significant potential for accurate and reliable clinical diagnostics of UA.
• This study highlights the efficacy of combining nanomaterials engineering with enzyme conjugation for advanced biosensing platforms.