Point-of-care metabolic testing is a critical tool for managing chronic diseases like diabetes and gout in India. Traditional methods often require complex blood processing and plasma separation. However, a new study introduces a metal-organic gel (MOG) based device that simplifies this procedure. This MOG-μPAD can directly quantify multiple biomarkers from whole blood samples without needing extensive pretreatment.

The Cu/Co-MOG serves a dual role in this analytical platform. First, it replaces expensive and unstable natural peroxidases as a robust catalyst. Second, it acts as an efficient filter to remove red blood cells. Therefore, clinicians do not need to separate or dilute plasma before testing. Specifically, the device utilizes a colorimetric reaction where metabolites produce hydrogen peroxide. This peroxide then oxidizes a chromogenic agent to create a visible color for analysis.

Advantages for Point-of-care metabolic testing

Consequently, users can quantify biomarkers like glucose and creatinine using a simple smartphone. Furthermore, the device supports simultaneous detection of four key metabolic indicators. These include glucose, uric acid, xanthine, and creatinine. This multiplexing capability allows for a comprehensive metabolic profile in one run. Moreover, the device remains stable during storage and offers high sensitivity. To conclude, this technology provides a cost-effective and easy-to-use solution for clinical monitoring in resource-limited settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main advantage of the MOG-μPAD over traditional assays?

The MOG-μPAD eliminates the need for plasma separation or dilution. It uses a metal-organic gel to filter red blood cells and catalyze reactions directly from whole blood samples.

Which metabolic biomarkers can this device detect simultaneously?

The device can simultaneously quantify glucose, uric acid, xanthine, and creatinine. This allows clinicians to monitor the pathogenesis and progression of multiple metabolic disorders concurrently.

How are the results interpreted on this platform?

The results are based on colorimetric changes. The device generates a colored product, ox-TMB, which the user quantifies using a standard smartphone camera and analysis software.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only... Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

Kong B et al. A Metal-Organic Gel Actualized Microfluidic-Paper Analysis Device for Detecting Multiple Blood Biomarkers of Metabolic Diseases in Point-of-Care Testing. Anal Chem. 2026 Jun 05. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5c07488. PMID: 42247218.

Rusling JF et al. Paper Microfluidics for Point-of-Care Blood-Based Analysis and Diagnostics. ACS Sens. 2021.

Behbahan et al. Microfluidic paper-based devices combined with metal-organic frameworks for detection. PMC. 2025.