3D printed copper embedded carbon electrochemical sensors for the determination of total sugars to diagnose intestinal malabsorption

Patel, Bhavik (2025) 3D printed copper embedded carbon electrochemical sensors for the determination of total sugars to diagnose intestinal malabsorption. [Data Collection]

Project Description

Malabsorption occurs when there is difficulty digesting or absorbing key nutrients, such as sugars, from food. This condition often affects younger children or individuals with bowel disorders, but it is more prevalent in the elderly. Early diagnosis of sugar malabsorption can aid in effective management; however, the widely used faecal Benedict's reagent test for total sugar measurement frequently yields false-positive results and lacks sensitivity. Therefore, a more robust assay is needed for the detection of total faecal sugars. We developed a dual-extruded 3D-printed electrode composed of copper polylactic acid (Cu/PLA) and carbon black polylactic acid (CB/PLA) in a helix design, referred to as the DE electrode. This electrode demonstrated enhanced stability compared to copper film-deposited CB/PLA electrodes. It was capable of detecting both monosaccharides and disaccharides, with greater sensitivity toward monosaccharides.The DE electrode was able to detect slightly variations in total sugar levels when the concentration and presence of different sugars was altered, whereas the Benedict's reagent failed to detect such subtle variations. The DE electrode proved more effective in detecting total sugars within faecal pellet samples compared to the Benedict's reagent test. Using the DE electrode, we observed a higher amount of total sugar in faecal pellets from 24-month-old animals than in those from 12-month-old animals. Overall, the DE electrode offers a reliable approach for monitoring total sugar levels in stool and serves as an effective tool for the diagnosis and prognosis of malabsorption.