Design of highly selective, and sensitive screen-printed electrochemical sensor for detection of uric acid with uricase immobilized polycaprolactone/polyethylene imine electrospun nanofiber

Uric acid (UA) plays a significant role in nerve center, human metabolism, and kidney system. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a simple, rapid, and sensitive detection method for UA. In recent years, researchers have been highly attracted by nanomaterials with satisfactory functions in electrochemical applications. In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL)/polyethylene imine (PEI) nanofiber membranes were prepared and used for the immobilization of uricase (UOx). The prepared membranes were characterized in terms of structure, composi-tion, and morphology. Afterward, the quantum dot screen printed electrode (QD SPCE) was modified with PCL/ PEI nanofiber membranes with and without methylene blue (MB) as an electron mediator. The electrochemical performance of the developed sensors was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltam-metry (DPV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Under the optimal conditions, the modified sensors provided a broad linear range (5.0-52.0 mu M) for the electrochemical detection of UA. Limit of detection (LoD) values were determined as 3.96 mu M and 1.85 mu M for the PCL/PEI/UOx/QD SPCE and PCL/PEI/UOx/MB/ QD SPCE, respectively. The four-week stability results showed the change in current for the PCL/PEI/UOx/QD SPCE and PCL/PEI/UOx/MB/QD SPCE to be 92% and 87%, respectively. Additionally, in the mixed interference test remaining current ratios for UA were 95% and 82% for the PCL/PEI/UOx/QD SPCE and PCL/PEI/UOx/MB/ QD SPCE, respectively. Most importantly, the effectiveness of the electrodes was also verified in real sample detection with satisfactory recovery (similar to 98-112%). Overall, the results showed that the PCL/PEI/UOx/QD SPCE and PCL/PEI/UOx/MB/QD SPCE have the advantages of simplicity, high sensitivity, and good selectivity for UA determination.

Automated summary

In this study, PCL/PEI nanofiber membranes were prepared and used for the immobilization of uricase, allowing for a simple, rapid, and sensitive detection method for UA in electrochemical applications.