Flexible cotton-AuNP thread electrode for non-enzymatic sensor of uric acid in urine

We report on the development of an electrochemical sensor platform based on modified cotton fibers for the non-enzymatic detection of uric acid (UA), an important biomarker for gout disease. To create the flexible electrode, a cotton thread was coated with carbon ink as a pre-conductive layer prior to direct electrodeposition of AuNPs. Then, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used to evaluate the sensor performances, and a linear detection range between 10 mu M and 5.0 mM of uric acid was obtained. The sensor has a detection limit of 0.12 mu M, which is sufficient for use in the patients suffering from gout disease which uric acid is higher than 4.46 mM. Furthermore, we found that the detection sensitivity of the platform was not affected by the presence of other physiological compounds present in human urine. The described platform has the potential for integration in a diaper hence enabling rapid detection and screening for gout disease.

Automated summary

A flexible electrochemical sensor platform based on modified cotton fibers was developed for the non-enzymatic detection of uric acid, showing high sensitivity and a linear detection range suitable for patients with uric acid levels higher than 4.46 mM. The sensor platform was also found to be unaffected by the presence of other physiological compounds in human urine, highlighting its potential for rapid detection and screening of gout disease when integrated into a diaper.