Accurate biodetection of trace uranium by electrochemiluminescence and its application inIn vivo toxicokinetic dynamic research

Due to the technical barriers and complexity of biological detection equipment, the intensive study of the toxicokinetics of uranium has been limited. In other words, efficient biodetection system for accurately and conveniently uranium analysis is the core demand. In this study, an efficient monitoring system was developed for rapid visual detection of trace UO₂²⁺ in biological samples by using electrochemiluminescence (ECL) imaging technology. In detail, poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-(1-cyanovinylene-1,4-phenylene)] (CN-PPV) was prepared as polymer dots (Pdots), which give a low background signal and notable visual UO₂²⁺ response in accurate monitoring as well as high selectivity. This sensor was successfully applied to visual UO₂²⁺ detection in blood and urine in an oral uranyl metabolism rat model. The results showed that UO₂²⁺ concentration in rat blood reached the maximum 30 min after administration and then decreased rapidly. Even after 48 h, trace UO₂²⁺ could still be detected with the developed method, demonstrating its ultrahigh sensitivity and selectivity. This work is the first visualized UO₂²⁺ detection via ECL in biological samples. This ECL method for accurate trace UO₂²⁺ monitoring in biological samples indicates its wide field of application with good prospects such as nuclear forensics, evidence-based medicine, and toxicological research.