Nanosheets help in the detection of uric acid in urine

Question 1

what is Mass Spectrometry?

Answer 1

• analytical technique that is used to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions
• provides valuable information about the composition and structure of molecules.
• finds applications in drug testing to carbon dating.
• Using mass spectrometry, researchers can ionise or break down the compound into simple ions and then identify the molecules based on their masses.

Question 2

Current prevelant process for Mass Spectrometry?

Answer 2

• requires electrical potential of a few kilo volts, heat or high energy ultraviolet lasers (UV-lasers).

Question 3

New method created by researchers?

Answer 3

• By simply flowing raw urine (about 5 microlitre) over the nanostructured surface and measuring the corresponding current, the team detected the uric acid in the urine of a healthy individual.
• usable for alcohol detection
• can also check glucose in blood, toxic chemicals in any liquid, pesticide or any contaminants in drinking water.

Question 4

significance

Answer 4

• It can even detect very low levels.
• The current wet chemical or reagent-based methods are lengthy and require skilled labour.
• It is cost-effective, and that is needed is simple paper coated with nanostructures.
• By just flowing the liquid and studying the spectrum, molecular detection has now been made simple and easy.