Development of electrochemical sensors for the monitoring of serum uric acid and the study of inflammatory processes in endothelial cells.

• Grant number: 24/17909-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Mauro Bertotti
• Grantee: Douglas Philip Martinez Saraiva
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/00246-1 - Miniaturized large-scale devices for in-situ analysis: fabrication, characterization and applications, AP.TEM

Abstract

In the human body, uric acid plays an important antioxidant role; however, uncontrolled levels of this substance in the blood can cause various health problems. Many studies have already demonstrated a strong correlation between uric acid and inflammatory processes, and recent research has shown that this correlation is not just a matter of signaling. Uric acid itself can initiate inflammatory processes, such as the activation of the inflammasome pathway. The excessive presence of uric acid, associated with oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species, has been identified as a potential cause of diseases relevant to human health. Recent studies have also shown a correlation between high uric acid concentrations and increased mortality rates from cardiovascular problems.Thus, the need for proper monitoring of serum uric acid levels is becoming increasingly evident, not only from a scientific standpoint but also from a public health perspective. Additionally, there is a clear need for a better understanding of the inflammatory processes involving uric acid and reactive oxygen species, as these processes appear to be related to significant diseases.In this context, this project proposes the development of new materials for electrochemical sensing aimed at monitoring serum uric acid levels and studying the inflammatory processes related to this substance and other reactive oxygen species. For serum level monitoring, low-cost disposable sensors will be fabricated based on paper and laser pyrolysis, and coupled with a paper-based microfluidic system and hydrophobic barriers to eliminate common interferents. For the study of inflammatory processes, micrometer- and nanometer-sized electrodes will be developed to monitor the local dynamics of uric acid release and consumption, as well as reactive oxygen species, around endothelial cells. The sensors will be positioned with high resolution using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), and the experiments in cellular systems will be conducted during inflammatory processes and in the presence of drugs and inflammatory agents under different physiological and oxidative stress conditions.