Simple and rapid multicolor sensor for seminal plasma ROS detection based on synergistic catalytic etching of gold nanobipyramids dopped agarose composite gel

Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) in seminal plasma can trigger male infertility. Therefore, the development of simple and rapid ROS detection methods is urgently needed, particularly for the early self-screening of preconception couples. Herein, a gold nanobipyramid (Au NBP)-based colorimetric hydrogel for convenient and fast ROS detection is described. In the hydrogel, Au NBP is etched efficiently by ROS under the synergistic effect of Fe2+and I−, which finally causes color variations. Besides, agarose gel with the function of molecular sieve enables the separation of biomacromolecules, improving the interference resistance of the system and the stability of Au NBP. This chemical sensor can complete all the tests within 20 min, covering two detection range of 10–125 μM at relative low H2O2 concentration and 125–1000 μM at relative high H2O2 concentration, with the detection limits of 1.76 μM and 12.10 μM (S/N = 3) respectively. Furthermore, via visual observation of the color variations, it allows the initial interpretation of ROS concentration without any additional equipment. We applied this device to the detection of ROS in clinical seminal plasma samples and obtained promising results, demonstrating its potential for rapid and convenient detection in clinical applications. [Display omitted] •A home-based ROS self-testing sensor was successfully developed for infertile couples.•Synergistic catalysis facilitated the rapid detection of ROS at room temperature.•Agarose gel enabled the separation of complex sample without extra preparation.•The detection of ROS concentration was visually readable via the color variations of the gel.•The whole detection procedure was simple and instrument-free.