Sensitive Hyaluronidase Biosensor Based on Target-Responsive Hydrogel Using Electronic Balance as Readout.

The development of simple but sensitive methods for hyaluronidase (HAase) detection has been paid a great deal of attention because HAase is a potential cancer marker. In this work, a novel system coupled with a controlled release system has been designed for HAase determination without complex analytical instruments and skilled technicians. Pt@SiO nanoparticles (NPs), which can catalyze the breakdown of HO into O and HO, was embedded in the hydrogel constructed by polyethylenimine (PEI) and hyaluronic acid (HA). In the presence of HAase, the hydrogel was broken down as HAase can catalyze the degradation of HA and hence the Pt@SiO NPs in the hydrogel was released. The released Pt@SiO NPs mixed with HO solution in a drainage device, and then O was generated due to the decomposition of HO, resulting in an enhancement of pressure in the drainage device because of the low solubility of O. A certain amount of HO overflowed from the drainage device because the difference of the pressure between the inner and outer of the drainage device. The overflowed HO was collected by a tube, and its amount was easily measured by an electronic balance. The weight of the HO has a linear relationship with the HAase concentration in the range of 1-60 U/mL (120 min enzymatic hydrolysis time) and 0.2-10 U/mL (240 min enzymatic hydrolysis time). The developed system has been applied to detect the activity of HAase in urine samples with satisfied results.