Wearable potentiometric tattoo biosensor for on-body detection of G-type nerve agents simulants

Abstract

A new wearable potentiometric tattoo biosensor for real-time on-body monitoring of G-type nerve agents simulant is described. The skin-worn flexible biosensor responds rapidly and selectively to the fluorine-containing organophosphates (OP) nerve agent simulant diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP, a model OP analyte) in both liquid and vapor phases. The epidermal potentiometric OP biosensor relies on the pH-sensitive polyaniline (PANi) coating on a flexible printed transducer for monitoring the proton release during the enzymatic hydrolysis of DFP by enzyme organophosphate hydrolase (OPH). The sensing electrodes are screen printed on a temporary tattoo paper and are interfaced to a conformal electronic interface that provides wireless data transmission. The skin-worn OP potentiometric sensor can withstand severe mechanical strains without compromising its analytical performance. The biosensor displays a wide dynamic range, fast response and high selectivity towards DFP (including efficient discrimination against organophosphate pesticides), and good reproducibility. The attractive performance of the new wearable biosensor indicates considerable promise for on-body threat detection towards rapid warning regarding potential exposure to G-series nerve agents.