Selective nano-sensing approach for the determination of inorganic phosphate in human urine samples

• Published in: Talanta (Oxford) Vol. 164; pp. 209 - 215
• Main Authors: Fadhel, Alaa A., Johnson, Madeleine, Trieu, Khang, Koculi, Eda, Campiglia, Andres D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.03.2017
• Subjects: Cetrimonium Compounds - chemistry; FRET; Gold - chemistry; Gold nanoparticles; Humans; Lanthanide sensor; Lifetime analysis; Limit of Detection; Metal Nanoparticles - chemistry; Nanotechnology - methods; Phosphate ions; Phosphates - chemistry; Phosphates - urine; Urinalysis - methods; Urine analysis; Phosphate ions; Lanthanide sensor; Lifetime analysis; FRET; Gold nanoparticles; Urine analysis
• ISSN: 0039-9140; 1873-3573
• DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2016.11.017

A novel sensing approach is presented for the analysis of phosphate ions in human urine samples. The new sensor is based on the fluorescence energy transfer between a luminescent probe ([Tb-EDTA]−1) and gold nanoparticles capped with a cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (Au NPs-CTAB). The strong affinity between CTAB receptors and phosphate ions results in a highly selective assay with minimum sample preparation steps. Possible chemical interference is monitored on real-time basis via luminescence lifetime analysis. The simplicity of analysis and the competitive limit of detection in the micro-molar concentration range provide a well-suited approach for routine monitoring of phosphate ions in numerous urine samples. [Display omitted] •Fluorescence energy transfer for direct sensing of phosphate ions in urine samples.•Micro-molar limit of detection with a two-step experimental procedure.•Luminescence lifetime monitoring of chemical interference.