Determination of glucose and uric acid with bienzyme colorimetry on microfluidic paper-based analysis devices

In this work, we first employ a drying method combining with the bienzyme colorimetric detection of glucose and uric acid on microfluidic paper-based analysis devices (μPADs). The channels of 3D μPADs are also designed by us to get better results. The color results are recorded by both Gel Documentation systems and a common camera. By using Gel Documentation systems, the limits of detection (LOD) of glucose and uric acid are 3.81 × 10−5 M and 4.31 × 10−5 M, respectively one order of magnitude lower than that of the reported methods on μPADs. By using a common camera, the limits of detection (LOD) of glucose and uric acid are 2.13 × 10−4 M and 2.87 × 10−4 M, respectively. Furthermore, the effects of detection conditions have been investigated and discussed comprehensively. Human serum samples are detected with satisfactory results, which are comparable with the clinical testing results. A low-cost, simple and rapid colorimetric method for the simultaneous detection of glucose and uric acid on the μPADs has been developed with enhanced sensitivity.

► A low-cost and simple colorimetric method for the simultaneous detection of glucose and uric acid has been developed.
► The detection is realized by an amplified signal based on bienzyme system.
► This paper-based biosensor can significantly reduce the high background signal by employing a drying method.