Development of portable biosensor for non-invasive detection of uric acid as indicative of hyperuricemia

Abstract

High concentrations of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia) carries to serious health problems such as gastrointestinal disorders, hypertension, cardiovascular and renal diseases, and gouty arthritis. Currently the diagnosis of uric acid concentration found in the blood is done through laboratory examination, being invasive and time-consuming analysis. In this context, the main objective of this project is the development of a portable electrochemical biosensor for the analysis of uric acid concentration in saliva for rapid and noninvasive diagnosis. Therefore, disposable printed electrodes should be used in the construction of a sensorial platform for the uricase enzyme immobilization and uric acid electrochemical detection. The platform should be composed with polymeric nanomaterials, metal nanoparticles or carbono-based nanoparticles as electrochemical signal amplifiers. After biosensor optimization, a prototype should be developed for electrochemical signal acquisition and correlation with uric acid concentration in saliva samples according to the calibration curve. The prototype should be able to display the analyte concentration through the digital monitor. Furthermore, It is hoped to assist in establishing correlation between the uric acid level found in saliva and blood of people with hyperuricemia and population in general. This Project aims to start the researches activities of the proponent in the Biomedical Engineering Postgraduate Program from University Brazil (Itaquera Campus) where she is recently full Professor. (AU)