Breakthrough in Nanotechnology: Development of Electrochemical Sensor for Urea Determination

Researchers from Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) have developed a novel electrochemical sensor using nickel nanoparticles to detect urea levels in biological fluids. This innovation has the potential to provide rapid and reliable nutritional information regarding body metabolism and/or renal condition. The sensor, which utilizes a simple arrangement of a nickel-nanoparticle-modified glassy carbon electrode, has shown excellent detection capacity in the presence of possible interferents in both samples.

Key Takeaways:

• The electrochemical sensor developed by the researchers uses nickel nanoparticles to detect urea levels in biological fluids.
• The sensor has a linear response in the range of 0.085 to 3.10 mmol L-1 with a limit of detection of 60.0 μmol L-1 and limit of quantification of 198.0 μmol L-1.
• The sensor has recovery rates from 105% to 111% for urea determination in biological fluid samples.
• The proposed method is relatively easy to operate and has a good degree of reliability and satisfactory sensitivity for monitoring urea.
• The sensor's excellent detection capacity makes it suitable for use in the presence of possible interferents in both samples.
• The development of this sensor has the potential to provide rapid and reliable nutritional information regarding body metabolism and/or renal condition.
• The researchers used a simple arrangement of a nickel-nanoparticle-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE/NiNPs) for the sensor.
• The sensor was tested on hemodialysis wastewater and dialysate, and showed good recovery rates for urea determination.
• The researchers at Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) received funding from the National Council of Technological and Scientific Development, Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel, and Sao Paulo Research Foundation.

Statistics:

• Limit of detection: 60.0 μmol L-1
• Limit of quantification: 198.0 μmol L-1
• Linear response range: 0.085 to 3.10 mmol L-1
• Recovery rates: 105% to 111% for urea determination in biological fluid samples

Sources:

• NewsRx. New Nanoparticles Study Findings Have Been Reported from Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) (Non-enzymatic Electrochemical Sensor Modified By Nickel Nanoparticles for Urea Determination In Biological Fluids). Health & Medicine Week. June 27, 2025; p 2599.
• Non-enzymatic Electrochemical Sensor Modified By Nickel Nanoparticles for Urea Determination In Biological Fluids. Processes, 2025;13(5):1306.