Tuning catalytic activity and sensitivity in urease‐based thin film biosensors using conjugated polymers and eugenol/biseugenol

Polymer International, vol. 75, pp. 609–617

Abstract

Abstract Thin films have emerged as promising platforms for biosensor development due to their versatility and tunable properties. Urease‐based systems are commonly used for urea detection owing to their high specificity and catalytic efficiency. In this study, spin‐coated thin films composed of conjugated polymers and urease were modified with eugenol and its dimeric derivative, biseugenol, to evaluate their influence on film performance. Photoluminescence analyses indicated molecular interactions between eugenol/biseugenol and the conjugated polymer, while enzymatic assays revealed enhanced catalytic activity compared with films containing only the polymer and urease. Capacitance measurements using an electrolyte–insulator–semiconductor (EIS) device demonstrated the films' sensitivity to urea, with the best response obtained for the film without eugenol or its dimeric derivative, biseugenol. These findings suggest that the incorporation of these bioactive compounds affects both the catalytic and sensing behaviors, probably due to modifications in film morphology or diffusion dynamics. © 2026 The Author(s). Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Authors 8

1. Thaísa da Silva de Souza

   Universidade Federal de São Paulo

   Affiliation as printed

   Laboratory of Hybrid Materials Federal University of São Paulo Diadema Brazil

2. Cléber Gomes de Jesus

   Universidade Federal de São Paulo

   Affiliation as printed

   Laboratory of Hybrid Materials Federal University of São Paulo Diadema Brazil

3. Paulo Vitor de Morais

   Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro

   Affiliation as printed

   Laboratory of Applied Nanomaterials and Nanostructures (LANNA), Institute of Exact Sciences, Natural and Education, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM) Uberaba Brazil

4. José Roberto Siqueira Junior

   Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro

   Affiliation as printed

   Laboratory of Applied Nanomaterials and Nanostructures (LANNA), Institute of Exact Sciences, Natural and Education, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM) Uberaba Brazil

5. M. J. Schöning Aachen Institute of Nano- and Biotechnologies (INB)

   FH Aachen · Forschungszentrum Jülich

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI‐3), Forschungszentrum Jülich Jülich Germany

   Institute of Nano‐ and Biotechnologies (INB), FH Aachen Jülich Germany

6. João Henrique Ghilardi Lago

   Universidade Federal do ABC

   Affiliation as printed

   Center of Nature and Human Sciences Federal University of ABC Santo André Brazil

7. Luciano Caseli

   Universidade Federal de São Paulo

   Affiliation as printed

   Laboratory of Hybrid Materials Federal University of São Paulo Diadema Brazil

8. Laura O. Péres corresponding

   Universidade Federal de São Paulo

   Affiliation as printed

   Laboratory of Hybrid Materials Federal University of São Paulo Diadema Brazil