A gold nanocluster-based sensor for sensitive uric acid detection

In this report, we developed a highly sensitive and selective sensor for the detection of uric acid. Gold nanoclusters were synthesized with bovine serum albumin as the template material. Under the catalysis of urate oxidase, hydrogen peroxide was generated, which quenched the fluorescence from the gold nanoclusters. Furthermore, excessive iodide was found capable of enhancing this quenching effect, which significantly improved the sensitivity of the detection. Under an optimized condition, the extent of quenching was found linearly related to uric acid concentration in the range of 0.7-80 mu M, and uric acid as low as 120 nM could be detected. With simple dilutions, blood samples could be analyzed, and satisfactory recoveries were obtained. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.