Hybrid metal-organic frameworks decorated with gold nanoparticles for EC-SERS detection of uremic toxins

Uremia can lead to complications such as anemia, metabolic acidosis, and cardiovascular diseases. Traditional methods for detecting uremic toxins, although highly accurate, are costly and time-consuming. In contrast, electrochemical-surface enhanced Raman scattering (EC-SERS) detection offers speed, convenience, and sensitivity advantages. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have high specific surface areas and micropores, providing more active sites for electrochemical detection and the ability to adsorb and concentrate analyte molecules, thereby enhancing detection sensitivity. This makes MOFs potentially applicable in EC-SERS detection. In this study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were in situ reduced on the surface of the metal–organic framework ZIF-67 and deposited on LIG form an AuNPs/ZIF-67/LIG EC-SERS sensor. The Co²⁺ in ZIF-67 enables redox reactions, while laser-induced graphene provides excellent conductivity, combining the two to achieve sensitive and quantitative EC-SERS detection of uremic toxins. The concentration of 2.5 M of AuNPs coated on the ZIF-67/LIG sensor exhibits the optimal SERS enhancement for uremic toxins (detection limits of 10 ^-4M for p-cresol and 5 × 10^-3M for creatinine) and high quantitative analysis capability in CV measurements. The AuNPs(2.5 M)/ZIF-67/LIG sensor realizes dual-function detection through Raman and electrochemical measurements, offering a new alternative for monitoring and detecting chronic kidney disease and uremic toxins.