The role played by sensors consisting of smartphone and black box in analytical chemistry: Increase the achievability

Abstract

In recent years, smartphone-based rapid detection methods have emerged and gained popularity among a wide range of researchers. Smartphone are favoured due to their integration of diverse functions such as photography, positioning, internet connectivity, and high-performance operating systems. The presence of a black box ensures the stable and improved conversion and transmission of optical and electrical signals, which is crucial for detection tasks carried out in environments where the ideal laboratory environment may not be feasible or guaranteed. The objective of this review is to elaborate on the application of chemical analysis based on the combined effect of smartphone and black box. Initially, we analyzed the design factors and fundamental functions of the black box. Subsequently, we provided a detailed description of the process involving the black box's integration with cuvettes, paper bases, and microtiter plates (MTPs) for presenting and transmitting light signals, which are then processed and calculated by the smartphone. We also presented the conversion and application of light signals generated by special reaction vessels and the generation of electrical signals at electrodes through the black box. Finally, we discussed the challenges and prospects associated with the combination of smartphone and black box assay models.