Efficient and fast detection of uric acid based on a colorimetric sensing method

Abstract

The uric acid (UA) level is an important physiological indicator of the human body, and its abnormality can lead to a series of diseases. Therefore, the immediate detection of uric acid concentration has broad application prospects. Commonly used methods for the analysis of uric acid include chromatography, high-performance capillary electrophoresis and electrochemical methods. However, these methods have the disadvantages of cumbersome sample pre-treatment, high cost, time-consuming, and the need for experimental instruments and professional operators, which are extremely unfavorable for the detection of uric acid and the diagnosis of related diseases in resource-limited areas. In this study, a portable visualization method was developed for the detection of uric acid using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) test strips. Uric acid enzyme specifically catalyzes the oxidation of uric acid to produce H₂O₂, which causes a significant change in the color of the H₂O₂ test strip. The response has good linearity in the range of 1 ∼ 50 μg mL⁻¹. Thus, it provides a simple, rapid, and cost-effective visualized bioassay for uric acid.