Versatile inexpensive paper-based chemosensor to detects trimethylamine: A proof of concept

Abstract

The use of dyes like Eriochrome black T, Methyl red, and m-cresol purple in an affordable, disposable type fast paper sensor that can detect the presence of the lethal trimethylamine with a lower limit of detection (LOD) of 4.5 ppm by merely changing color was established in this work. The sensor can detect trimethylamine in open or closed environments with a detection time of below 2 seconds. With great selectivity and sensitivity, this visual paper sensor can detect trimethylamine at ambient temperature. The sensor is resistant to moisture at up to 90% relative humidity and is unaffected by acetone, benzene, ammonia, toluene, formaldehyde, and hydrogen peroxide. The sensor is highly durable (at least 6 months) and selective. Neither equipment nor expertize is required to operate this paper sensor. This sensor will significantly impact situations like monitoring the freshness of fish and diagnosing trimethylaminuria where fast detection of trimethylamine exposure is required.