Two-dimensional glass/p-ATP/Ag NPs as multifunctional SERS substrates for label-free quantification of uric acid in sweat

Abnormal uric acid (UA) content in body fluids can fully reflect the status of metabolism and immunity in the body. We have developed a simple, efficient and label-free surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) method for UA detection. Briefly, p-aminothiophenol (p-ATP) was used as the internal standard molecule and linking molecule to prepare a glass/p-ATP/Ag NPs SERS substrate. The Raman characteristic peak of p-ATP at 1076 cm-1 can be used as an internal standard molecule to correct the signal fluctuation of UA detection. The results show that the SERS method owns a linear response with a ranging from 5 x 10-6 to 10-3 M of UA characteristic peak of both 693 cm-1 and 493 cm-1 with a determination coefficient (R2) of 0.9878 and 0.9649, respectively. Additionally, the SERS sensor has been further used for the analysis of UA in sweat and good recoveries were obtained for the sensing of sweat. We believe that the developed SERS substrate has potential for applications in healthcare monitoring.

Automated summary

In this study, a simple, efficient, and label-free surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) method was developed for the detection of uric acid (UA) content. The method showed a linear response to UA and good recoveries were obtained for the sensing of sweat. Therefore, the developed SERS substrate has potential applications in healthcare monitoring.