Analytical Sciences

Electrochemical Selective Detection of Uric Acid Using a Copper-modified Carbon Electrode

Hiroaki SAKAMOTO,*1 Ranko HATSUDA,*1 Kazuhiro MIYAMURA,*2 Haruki SHIRAISHI,*3 and Susumu SUGIYAMA*4

*1 Research Organization of Science & Engineering, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan
*2 R&D Center, Horiba Ltd., 2 Miyanohigashi, Kisshoin, Minami, Kyoto 601-8510, Japan
*3 Department of Biotechnology, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-Higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan
*4 Ritsumeikan-Global Innovation Research Organization, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan

The uric acid (UA) level in (human) serum is an important indicator of several diseases; however, its electrochemical detection is difficult because the oxidation potentials of UA and ascorbic acid (AA) are very close. In this study, we have developed a simple and efficient UA detection method using a copper-modified carbon electrode. The detection principle is based on the selective oxidation of AA by Cu(II), wherein Cu(II) reacts selectively with AA but not with UA. By performing this specific reaction on an electrode surface, we have successfully distinguished the oxidation potential of UA without AA interference.

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