Amplification of urea detection based on pH-sensitive liposomes

Abstract

Abstract Background This study aimed to develop an amplification method of urea detection based on pH-sensitive liposomes. Results The urease covalently immobilized on the magnetic particles and the pH-sensitive liposomes encapsulating ferricyanide were added to the cyclic-voltammeter cell solution where urea was distributed. The conversion of urea into carbonic acid seemed to induce a pH decrease that caused a reduction in the electrostatic repulsion between the headgroups of weakly acidic 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-succinate. The reduction induced the liposomes to release potassium ferricyanide that was encapsulated inside. The effects of urea concentration and pH value were investigated. A specific concentration (0.5 mg/mL) of the urea solution was set to observe the response. The activity of urease was reversible with respect to the pH change between 7 and 5. The sensitivity of this detection was almost identical to the comparable techniques such as an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a field-effect transistor. Conclusion In summary, the methodology developed in this study was feasible as a portable, rapid, and sensitive method. How to cite: Kang MK, Park J-W. Amplification of urea detection based on pH-sensitive liposomes. Electron J Biotechnol 2021;51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2021.04.005