Electrochemical biosensor for rapid quantification of hyaluronic acid using a carbohydrate-binding module as the...

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is increasingly incorporated into functional foods, and its rapid quantification is essential for quality control and process monitoring. Here, an electrochemical biosensor was developed using a carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) as the molecular recognition element. The immobilized CBM selectively binds HA at the electrode interface, forming an insulating complex that modulates electron transfer and generates a concentration-dependent electrochemical signal. The biosensor enables rapid HA determination within 10 min and exhibits a broad working range of 5-10,000 μg/mL. The platform exhibits analytical selectivity toward HA and supports reliable quantification in the evaluated matrices. The method was successfully applied to food samples and fermentation broths, showing good agreement with the conventional carbazole assay. Integration with a portable system supports the feasibility of on-site HA measurement. This CBM-based biosensor provides a rapid and reliable strategy for HA detection, with practical potential in food systems and biomanufacturing.