Stabilization of Sensing Assay within Polyelectrolyte-Coated Alginate Microspheres for Optical Urea Sensing

A new absorbance-based enzymatic biosensor for determination of urea (in the range 0.01 to 6.7 mM) is described. Quantification using cresol red dye, immobilized in the nanofilm coatings assembled on alginate microspheres to immobilize the urease enzyme, has been accomplished using ratiometric absorbance measurements. The effect of salt concentration in polyelectrolyte nanofilms (on the stability of dye molecules) and buffer pH (on the enzyme stability) are reported. The results demonstrate excellent stability of sensing assay within alginate microspheres. Urea-sensing experiments demonstrate the potential to develop an optical urea sensor that is stable over a month.