Nanomolar Level Detection of Uric Acid in Blood Serum and Pest-Infested Grain Samples by an Amphiphilic Probe

Abstract

A pyrene-based amphiphilic receptor has been utilized in the nanomolar detection of uric acid at physiological pH in water. The compound shows a unique concentration-dependent modulation in optical response towards uric acid. In intramolecu-lar/static excimer form (low concentration range), it displays ratiometric response, while a ‘turn-off’ sensing is observed specifically in the presence of intermolecular/dynamic excimer (high concentration range). The present protocol is then employed for the estimation of uric acid in blood serum samples of healthy individuals. Bland-Altman analysis in comparison to clinically approved uricase assay indicated the high accuracy of the present method. Additionally, the extent of insect infestation in storage-old grain samples was determined by measuring the uric acid content of their aqueous extracts. Low-cost color strips were developed for on-site detection of uric acid without involving any sophisticated instrument or trained personnel.