A simple urine biomarker assay

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A new electrochemical assay could help reveal signs of intestinal bacterial imbalance, cancer and other health problems.

The chemical 4-hydroxy-phenylacetate (4-HPA) is found in urine. It is a potential biomarker for imbalances in gut bacteria and for neural disorders and some cancers.

Now, a team led by researchers from Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology in Thailand has developed a test to detect 4-HPA.

The team created a simple biosensor that exploits a bacterial enzyme that works together with 4-HPA to modulate a key energy metabolism pathway, with hydrogen peroxide produced as a by-product. In the presence of 4-HPA, more hydrogen peroxide is thus produced, which can be easily measured via an electrochemical readout.

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