Disposable and cost-effective printed circuit board based sensing technology for rapid detection of alkaline phosphatase

Abstract

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a key biomarker for liver function; however, current detection methods often require bulky and costly instrumentation, which limits their utility at the point-of-care (PoC). In this study, we introduce a low-cost, portable electrochemical sensor platform based on a printed circuit board (PCB) electrode with a hard gold surface finish, designed for simple and rapid ALP detection. The sensor quantifies enzymatically produced ascorbic acid using chronoamperometry, enabling a straightforward readout of ALP concentration. In contrast to many reports which do not fully document electrode optimization, this work transparently demonstrates the systematic development of functional PCB electrodes, from early prototypes through to optimized gold-deposited devices. The resulting platform exhibited a clear, concentration-dependent response to ALP across a clinically relevant range (50–2000 U/L), consistent with typical enzyme kinetics. Importantly, the sensor maintained reliable performance in both Tris buffer and 10 % human serum, underscoring compatibility with complex biological matrices and demonstrating direct clinical translatability. By relying solely on straightforward PCB engineering without any complex nanomodifications or surface chemistry, this work presents a practical alternative to conventional lab-based assays, bridging the gap between laboratory accuracy and point-of-care accessibility for decentralized liver function monitoring