Polymer Sensors Research Articles

Unveiling the fast adsorption and desorption of heavy metals on/off nanoplastics by real-time in-situ potentiometric sensing

Nanoplastics (<1 μm) can serve as a transport vector of environmental pollutants (e.g., heavy metals) and change their toxicities and bioavailabilities. Up to date the behaviors of adsorption and desorption heavy metals on/off nanoplastics are largely unknown. Herein, polymeric membrane potentiometric ion sensors are proposed for in-situ assessment of the real-time kinetics of heavy metal adsorption and desorption on/off nanoplastics. Results show that nanoplastics can adsorb and release heavy metals in a fast manner, indicating their superior ability in transferring heavy metals. The adsorption behaviors are closely related to the characteristics of nanoplastics and background electrolytes. Particle aggregation and increases in salinity and acidity suppress the adsorption of heavy metals on nanoplastics. The desorption efficiencies of different heavy metals are Pb2+ (31 %) < Cu2+ (40 %) < Cd2+ (97 %). Our proposed method is applicable for the detection of the plastic pollutants with size <100 nm and of the samples with high salinities (e.g., seawater). This work would provide new insights into the assessment of environmental risks posed by nanoplastics and heavy metals.

Self-powered porous polymer sensors with high sensitivity for machine learning-assisted motion and rehabilitation monitoring

Muscle contraction and relaxation inherently contains valuable information crucial for monitoring physical states, rehabilitation, and injury prevention. However, the majority of flexible wearable devices struggle to offer customizable sensors with high sensitivity, durability, and stability, resulting in suboptimal biofeedback performance. Herein, the machine learning-assisted smart motion and rehabilitation monitoring system (SMRMS) is demonstrated for full-body motion recognition and rehabilitation assessment using a designed porous triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) array. A theoretical model of porous materials is built to demonstrate the effect mechanism of porosity on TENG output. Through pore design on the tribolayer, theoretical simulation and experimental are performed to determine the key features of porous TENG sensors with high sensitivity (1.76 kPa−1), fast response time (50 ms) and high durability (over 100,000 cycles). A ring-shaped TENG (RS-TENG) is fabricated based on the porous TENG sensor, enabling real-time recording of leg/arm force without additional attachment. By integrating the RS-TENG array with a multichannel signal acquisition system, an SMRMS is designed to capture motion information during human subjects’ exercise and rehabilitation training. These data are then fused for machine learning analytics, resulting in significantly improved accuracy in motion pattern recognition (98.75 %) and rehabilitation monitoring (100 %). The simple, precise and durable porous sensors could help mitigate the risk of excessive exercise-induced muscle injuries, expanding self-powered wearable functionalities and adaptabilities.

Flexible Dual‐Channel Molecularly Imprinted Electrochemical Sensor for Simultaneously Monitoring Sweat Cortisol and Lactate Levels

AbstractWhile exercise offers significant potential to enhance overall well‐being, unscientific exercise practices often cause exercise fatigue, posing a threat to human health. Flexible sweat sensors have garnered considerable attention owing to their ability to continuously, non‐invasively, and dynamically monitor human health during exercise at the molecular level. Therefore, in this study, we constructed a flexible molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) sensor for the real‐time monitoring of cortisol and lactate levels in sweat using cortisol or lactate as template molecules and pyrrole (Py) as functional monomer. Prussian blue (PB) was embedded into the MIP as a built‐in redox probe, eliminating the need for an additional probe and facilitating the simultaneous quantification of cortisol and lactate concentrations. Moreover, the MIP‐doped platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) ehanced the electron transfer capability, further improving the sensitivity of the sensors. The fabricated flexibile cortisol and lactate MIP sensors demonstrated low limits of detection (LOD; 1.07 nM and 1.09 mM, respectively), high sensitivity (0.09 μA lg[nM]−1 and 1.28 μA lg[nM]−1), and exceptional stability and selectivity. The flexible MIP sensors could continuously and dynamically monitor changes in sweat cortisol and lactate concentrations, thus contributing to the advancement of next‐generation flexible sweat electrochemical sensors and providing a crucial tool for monitoring exercise fatigue.

Synthesis and Characterization of a Magnetic Molecular Imprinted Polymer for Tetracycline Quantification in Food Samples

AbstractIn the present work, we synthesized and tested a magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (mag‐MIP) sensor for the detection of tetracycline in food samples. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectrofluorometry were employed for tetracycline determination. The mag‐MIP was polymerized on the surface of Fe3O4@SiO2 magnetic nanoparticles using the following substances: 4 mmol of methacrylic acid as the functional monomer, 20 mmol of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the cross‐linking agent, 82.5 mg of benzoyl peroxide as the radical initiator, and 30 ml of acetonitrile as the solvent. The physicochemical characteristics of the proposed mag‐MIP, including adsorption capabilities and selectivity, were studied and compared with those of a magnetic non‐molecularly imprinted polymer (mag‐NIP). The analytical curve was constructed in the range of 1.0×10−5–8.0×10−5 mol L−1, LOD: 3.3×10−6, LOQ: 1.1×10−5 mol L−1. The results obtained from the adsorption analysis showed that the highest adsorption capacity of the mag‐MIP at equilibrium was 8.247 mg g−1 and that the tetracycline adsorption process followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model and pseudo‐second‐order reaction kinetics. The proposed mag‐MIP also exhibited good results when subjected to fluorescence analysis; an increase in tetracycline concentration resulted in an increase in the adsorption capacity, and this led to the effective removal of tetracycline with the reduction of fluorescence intensity. The applicability of the proposed mag‐MIP was evaluated in honey, cow milk, and egg samples through recovery tests conducted using samples containing spiked tetracycline concentration at two different concentration levels (1.7×10−5 and 2.5×10−5 mol L−1), where we obtained recovery percentages in the range of 73.2–87.2 % (HPLC) and 90.5–103.7 % (spectrofluorometry).

Novel Schiff base embedded in nanostructured molecularly imprinted polymers as OFF–ON fluorescent sensor for highly selective detection of rutin residues in fruit juice

This study aimed to create a fluorescent novel Schiff base polymer (SBP) sensor for the detection of rutin (RT) flavonoid based on nanostructured molecularly imprinted polymer (SBM), precisely designed template molecules, and site-specific post-imprinting modifications. The fabricated SBM sensor was characterized in detail, and the prepared SBM exhibited stable and sensitive reproducible fluorescence response and highly selective recognition capability for detecting trace amounts of RT. Besides, the influential factors, such as pH and incubation time were performed in the optimal extraction conditions. The calibration curve yields a linear range for the detection of RT under optimal conditions. The linear fluorescence response of SBM to RT was obtained in the concentration range of 1–200 μg L− 1 (R2 = 0.9988) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.024 μg L−1. The SBM presented satisfying recoveries with a relative standard deviation of less than 3.0 % (n = 7) in spiked samples. The sensor shows broad prospects in the quality evaluation and grading of functional foods, as it can rapidly identify and quantify RT in red raspberry and green tea samples.

Ultrasensitive and Highly Selective o-Phenylenediamine Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for the Detection of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid

Herein, we report an ultrasensitive and highly selective analytical methods to detect 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) using an o-phenylenediamine based molecularly imprinted polymer (o-PD-MIP) sensor. Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance (EQCM) is used to investigate both the kinetics and the mass of the electropolymerized o-phenylenediamine. Additionally, successful removal of the template from the imprinted cavities is confirmed by comparing the XP spectra of imprinted and o-PD-MIPs after various template removal procedures. The most effective method involves a 70:30 mixture of MeOH:H2O for 15 min under stirring. The o-PD-MIP sensor exhibits high sensitivity with a LoD of (3 ± 1) × 10−12 M, which is below the EU regulation limits for drinking water by six orders of magnitude, a linear range between 10 and 100pM, and an excellent selectivity. These results proved the effectiveness of template removal procedure by using a 70:30 MeOH:H2O mixture and are a proof-of-concept for ultrasensitive and selective 2,4-D detection in real samples.

Raman spectroscopy‐based molecularly imprinted polymer sensor for sensitive detection of lysophosphatidic acid in serum

AbstractLysophosphatidic acid (LPA) has significant potential as a biomarker for diagnosis of ovarian cancer in female patients because it is present throughout all phases of the illness. Regrettably, there is not a clinically useful test for this biomarker yet. In this work, an ultra‐detection of LPA molecule by Raman spectroscopy‐based molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) in serum samples is reported. β‐CD was synthesized to facilitate the collection of Raman spectroscopy and combined with MIP to denote it as β‐CD‐MIP for the adsorption of LPA with high sensitivity and selectivity. Linear regression model in serum samples shows peaks at 1100 and 1116 cm−1, respectively. A satisfactory linear fit was seen with LPA concentration log I = 3.7 log C + 1255.74 and with spiked serum log I = 4.6 log C + 327.22, respectively. The literature survey suggests the threshold LPA level in healthy person is 1.50 μM/L whereas the LPA level rises in patients with benign ovarian cancer tumor as 7.90 μM/L. This LPA level rises to 16.99 μM/L in ovarian cancer patients. On the basis of the band intensity, the limit of detection of the β‐CD‐MIP sensor for LPA was recorded as 0.003 μM/L. The binding constant of β‐CD‐MIP for LPA in serum was 0.031–0.003 μM/L, respectively. β‐CD‐MIP gel was optimized, characterized, and successfully applied on spiked serum samples. The findings of this research show that this substrate has a lot of potential for ultradetection of trace amounts of LPA molecule from the serum samples. The MIP sensor is robust, recyclable, efficient, and selective.

Advanced fabrication of polymer waveguide interferometric sensor utilizing interconnected holey fibers

A universally applicable approach is proposed for the fabrication of fiber-optic polymer sensors. The hollow-core fibers (HCFs) with inner diameters of 30 µm, 50 µm, and 75 µm are spliced coaxially with dual-hole fiber (DHF) or photonic crystal fiber (PCF). Owing to the sized-matched air holes within HCF and DHF/PCF, an interconnected in-fiber microchannel is constructed, which facilitates rapid and complete filling of the HCF’s central hole with liquid glue. After the ultraviolet-induced polymerization, a polymer Fabry-Perot interferometer is achieved by cutting the HCF end with a desired cavity length. Besides, the interference visibility is significantly enhanced by adding a refractive-index-modulated polymer cap onto the cutting surface. Experimental results demonstrate the optimized interference spectra and the interconnection of the matched air-hole fibers. The polymer sensor exhibits a signal-to-noise ratio of 56.8 dB for detecting pulsed ultrasonic waves, which is more than twice that of a partially polymer-filled sensor. Due to the hermetically-sealed structure, the sensor probe presents constrained performance with a temperature sensitivity of 230.2 pm/°C and a humidity sensitivity of 93.7 pm/%RH, which can be further improved by releasing the polymer waveguide from fiber cladding. Based on interconnected holey fibers, the proposed approach has a uniform size-controlled polymer waveguide dimension with increased spectrum visibility, rendering it suitable for a diverse range of microstructure-matched optical fibers.

A highly selective multifunctional naphthalene-labeled polymer sensor for Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions in aqueous medium

In this work, the detection of Cu2+ and Fe3+ with naphthalene labeled poly(acrylic acid) (PAA150Np3) was investigated. Other metal ions such as Ag+, Li+, K+, Na+, Ba2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+ and Ni2+ were also considered to analyze the sensor performance. The fluorescence quenching of the naphthalene (Np) graft was assessed from the emission spectra and the fluorescence decays of PAA150Np3 in the presence of Cu2+ or Fe3+. The Stern-Volmer and Hill constants, as well as the detection limits of the studied ions were obtained considering the emissions of both the monomer and the excimer of Np. The polymer conformation was investigated by changing the metal ion concentration or the pH. The polymeric sensor showed high selectivity and sensitivity for Cu2+ or Fe3+. A static mechanism of fluorescence quenching was unveiled for the Np graft. A more stable complex formed between PAA150Np3 and Fe3+, as compared to the counterpart system with Cu2+. The sensor’s performance, including detection limit and selectivity of Cu2+ or Fe3+ ions, is higher than of most currently reported sensors. The study shows that the multifunctional fluorescent polymer sensor has the potential to be used in real-life samples, in bio-systems and environmental applications.

Chronopotentiometric Nanopore Sensor Based on a Stimulus-Responsive Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for Label-Free Dual-Biomarker Detection.

The development of sensors for detection of biomarkers exhibits an exciting potential in diagnosis of diseases. Herein, we propose a novel electrochemical sensing strategy for label-free dual-biomarker detection, which is based on the combination of stimulus-responsive molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-modified nanopores and a polymeric membrane chronopotentiometric sensor. The ion fluxes galvanostatically imposed on the sensing membrane surface can be blocked by the recognition reaction between the target biomarker in the sample solution and the stimulus-responsive MIP receptor in the nanopores, thus causing a potential change. By using two external stimuli (i.e., pH and temperature), the recognition abilities of the stimulus-responsive MIP receptor can be effectively modulated so that dual-biomarker label-free chronopotentiometric detection can be achieved. Using alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) as model biomarkers, the proposed sensor offers detection limits of 0.17 and 0.42 ng/mL for AFP and PSA, respectively.

Bibliometric analysis on conducting polymer sensors for ammonia gas detection using Scopus database

AbstractConducting polymers (CPs)‐based sensing materials have emerged as a prominent option for the sensitive detection of gaseous ammonia (NH3) due to their cost‐effectiveness, ease of production, and increased sensing performance. Although more than 1400 articles published in the past decades, no bibliometric analysis which can highlight the publication trend and research clusters within the scope of conducting polymer‐based sensors for ammonia detection (CPAD) is available in the literature. The aim of this bibliometric analysis is to document the research trends of CPAD during the last 27 years, since the inception of the first report on conducting polymer as potential NH3 gas sensor which has been published in 1994. The bibliometric analysis was carried out using VOSviewer and Publish or Perish software to analyze keywords trend, the impact of the scientific community, publishing trends among the authors, institutions, and countries. The review discovered that over 80% of the relevant papers produced after 1994, based on bibliographical examination of 1476 Scopus‐indexed articles. Citation analysis was used to identify key authors and articles that shaped the evolution of this literature. Overall, this bibliometric approach allows us to analyze the evolution of a CPAD field while also offering insights on the field's growing areas.

Facile green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: Relevance in localized surface plasmon resonance and molecular imprinted polymer sensor for detection of Tetrabromobisphenol A in electronic waste

The present study demonstrates evocatively the interest in prioritizing an environmental friendly approach. Green synthesis of metallic nano-particles is carried out, which is further incorporated with a technique known as Molecular Imprinted Polymers (MIP) to develop a highly sensitive cuvette-based localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) probe for the selective detection of a Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA). TBBPA is a hazardous phenolic compound, mostly found in electronic waste (E-waste), that is abundant on earth. We have fabricated an LSPR probe with the help of a transparent glass substrate. A layer of Silver nanoparticles has been decorated over the glass substrate which further has an MIP overlayer on it. The glass slide dimensions are so chosen that it can fit inside the cuvette along its one side. The absorbance spectra are then recorded for a concentration range of 0–500 ng/ml of TBBPA. The sensitivity and limit of detection of the proposed sensor have been found to be 0.228 nm/ng ml−1 and 4.68 ng/ml respectively. Also, the probe showed quite promising recovery percentage greater than 85 % in real samples. Hence, with the findings and outcomes our fabricated probe can be represented as a potential candidate in selective detection of TBBPA along with the benefits of low cost of fabrication, portable, and real-time monitoring.

Relative humidity measurements of a thin-film humidity sensor in condensing conditions in the temperature range from −40 °C to 5 °C

In condensing conditions, metastable states such as supersaturation of water vapour and supercooling of liquid water are commonly observed in the free atmosphere. This study investigates the response of a polymeric thin-film humidity sensor under condensing conditions at various temperatures (−40 °C, −20 °C, −5 °C, and 5 °C) and different relative humidity (RH) levels. To ensure precise control of RH, a saturator-based humidity generator operating in a two-temperature mode is utilized. The condensing conditions are achieved in two ways: by increasing water vapour pressure (WVP) at a fixed temperature and by decreasing the temperature while maintaining a constant WVP. In general, when measuring RH under condensing conditions, the sensor indicates a temporary supersaturation state with an RH peak exceeding 100% before the onset of condensation. Subsequently, the RH value exhibits a delayed decrease when exposed to a non-condensing RH level. The experiments with a constant WVP demonstrate a lower likelihood of ice condensation compared to those with a constant temperature. This study demonstrates the measurement capability and behaviour of thin-film humidity sensors above 100% RH in the supersaturation states that are commonly observed in the free atmosphere at meteorologically-relevant temperatures.

PVC plasticized membranes modified with Fe3O4 nanoparticles for potentiometric sensing of sulfate

Potentiometric sensing is one of the most wide spread platforms for analysis of aqueous solutions. The development of potentiometric sensors for hydrophilic anions such as sulfate, phosphate and bicarbonate is a challenging problem, since their high hydration energy results in a low affinity for non-polar polymer membranes – a standard material for potentiometric sensor production.In this study we propose a new type of polymeric sensor membranes for ion-selective sensors with pronounced selectivity to hydrophilic anions. The membranes are based on inorganic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NP) embedded into plasticized poly(vinyl chloride). Six different formulations of membranes with various combinations of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and other membrane-active components were synthesized and characterized with a wide range of physico-chemical methods. Contact angle measurements, FTIR spectra, SEM and AFM imaging, magnetization hysteresis curves, ZFC/FC studies were performed. The obtained results proved the formation of nanocomposites and demonstrated a structure with “cavities” in membranes with embedded nanoparticles. Potentiometric sensitivity and selectivity of the developed sensors in aqueous solutions of SO42−, HPO42−, HCO3−, H2PO4−, NO3− and Cl−anions were studied. The developed sensors showed high sensitivity to sulfate ion (-22 mV/dec in the concentration range from 10−5 to 10−3 M) and low sensitivity to the typical interfering anions – chloride and nitrate (-14 mV/dec). The optimized sensor membrane composition demonstrated sulfate selectivity higher than that of commercially available ion-selective sensor formulations. The novel sensors were tested for quantification of SO42− in real samples of natural mineral water and the obtained content of sulfate was in a good agreement with the reference data (relative error < 3 %)

Development of Paper-Based Fluorescent Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Sensor for Rapid Detection of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus.

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a notifiable viral disease caused by Lumpy Skin Disease virus (LSDV). It is usually associated with high economic losses, including a loss of productivity, infertility, and death. LSDV shares genetic and antigenic similarities with Sheep pox virus (SPV) and Goat pox (GPV) virus. Hence, the LSDV traditional diagnostic tools faced many limitations regarding sensitivity, specificity, and cross-reactivity. Herein, we fabricated a paper-based turn-on fluorescent Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MIP) sensor for the rapid detection of LSDV. The LSDV-MIPs sensor showed strong fluorescent intensity signal enhancement in response to the presence of the virus within minutes. Our sensor showed a limit of detection of 101 log10 TCID50/mL. Moreover, it showed significantly higher specificity to LSDV relative to other viruses, especially SPV. To our knowledge, this is the first record of a paper-based rapid detection test for LSDV depending on fluorescent turn-on behavior.

Solid-state real-time colorimetric sensing of ultra-trace copper ions using aqueous compatible chromatic probe imbued porous polymer monolithic sensor

In this work, we design an aqua-compatible and sustainable chromatic sensor for the selective detection of copper ions in aqueous solutions for application in industrial quality control and environmental analysis. The solid-state chromatic sensor is fabricated through the uniform decoration of an indigenously synthesized unique chromoionophoric probe (TMAP), i.e., (2,2′-(((1E,1′E)-thiophene-2,5-diylbis(methaneylylidene)) bis(azaneylylidene))diphenol) onto a bimodal macro-/meso‑porous polymer monolith, poly(2VP-co-DVB), i.e., poly(2vinylpyridine-co-divinylbenzene), to exploit the possibility of solid-state colorimetric ion sensing. The polymer monolith and sensor materials' topography and morphology are characterized through p-XRD, FE-SEM, XPS, EDX, TEM, SAED, TGA, FT-IR and BET/BJH analysis. The ion-sensing is accompanied by a discernible color transition from vivid yellow to subdued red, with a detection and quantification limit value of 0.20 and 0.51 μg/L for Cu2+, respectively. The sensor affirms a fast detection (≤60 s) for Cu2+, with a linear signal/colorimetric response in the concentration range of 3–100 μg/L. The parameters such as sensor dosage, chromatic receptor dose, pH, temperature, sensing kinetics and reusability are optimized for reliable and reproducible ion-sensing. The solid-state sensor reveals excellent selectivity and sensitivity for Cu2+, and its practical utility with environmental/industrial samples proves its utility as a portable sensor kit for real-time on-site analysis for ultra-trace Cu2+.

Environmentally friendly anti-biofouling polymeric membrane potentiometric sensors based on imprinted receptors

Polymeric membrane potentiometric sensors using molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) receptors are an ideal tool for determination of organic ionic species. However, their applications in complicated samples are very limited because of occurrence of sensor biofouling. Herein, for the first time, we describe a simple but environmentally friendly strategy to improve anti-biofouling performance of MIP-based potentiometric sensors. The non-toxic, environmentally friendly anti-fouling agent is doped into the polymeric membrane. The released organic biocidal agent from the polymeric membrane can kill the microorganisms adhered to the sensing membrane surface, and the formation of biofilms can thus be prevented. As a proof-the-concept experiment, an all-solid-state MIP-based potentiometric ceftiofur sensor is selected as a model. Capsaicin, a naturally occurring alkaloid derived from chillis, is chosen as a non-toxic biocide agent. Another widely used biocide agent 4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (DCOIT) with low toxicity is also used as a comparison. Compared to the undoped electrode, the capsaicin-doped MIP sensor exhibits remarkably improved anti-biofouling abilities in terms of the low survival rates and the low adhesion rates of the bacterial cells and microalgae. Especially, the capsaicin-based electrode displays similar anti-fouling and response properties to the DCOIT-based one. It can be anticipated that such anti-fouling strategy may lay the foundation for development of “green” anti-fouling sensors, which are urgently required in marine monitoring and clinical diagnosis.

A novel composite of covalent organic framework and molecularly imprinted polymer with 1,1′-bis(allylcarbamoyl)ferrocene as cross-linker for ratiometric electrochemical detection of 5-hydroxytryptamine

A novel covalent organic framework and molecularly imprinted polymer (COF-MIP) composite, incorporating 1,1′-bis(allylcarbamoyl)ferrocene (AC-Fc) as a cross-linker, was synthesized through free radical polymerization for the ratiometric electrochemical detection of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). The AC-Fc cross-linker was synthesized using 1,1′-ferrocenedicarboxylic acid as a reactant. Subsequently, the COF-MIP was prepared using surface imprinting technique, employing AC-Fc as the cross-linker, COF as the supporter, and 5-HT as the template. The COF-MIP was employed in the development of a ratiometric electrochemical sensor for 5-HT. Upon 5-HT introduction, the peak current of 5-HT exhibited a concentration-dependent increase, while that for ferrocene (Fc) remained nearly constant. By utilizing Fc and 5-HT peak currents as reference and indicator signals, respectively, 5-HT was quantitatively determined. The ratio of I5-HT/IFc for the COF-MIP sensor was 4.69, 3.69, and 1.98 times higher than those of non-imprinted polymer (NIP), traditional MIP, and COF-NIP sensors, respectively. The ratiometric sensor with COF-MIP demonstrated a linear ratiometric signal (I5-HT/IFc) in response to 5-HT concentrations within the range of 0.2–10 µM, with a detection limit of 0.03 µM. The relative standard deviation of the non-ratiometric and ratiometric sensors was 8.7% and 2.7%, respectively. This methodology was successfully employed for the detection of 5-HT in human serum.

Development of an Immunocapture-Based Polymeric Optical Fiber Sensor for Bacterial Detection in Water.

Conventional methods for pathogen detection in water rely on time-consuming enrichment steps followed by biochemical identification strategies, which require assay times ranging from 24 hours to a week. However, in recent years, significant efforts have been made to develop biosensing technologies enabling rapid and close-to-real-time detection of waterborne pathogens. In previous studies, we developed a plastic optical fiber (POF) immunosensor using an optoelectronic configuration consisting of a U-Shape probe connected to an LED and a photodetector. Bacterial detection was evaluated with the immunosensor immersed in a bacterial suspension in water with a known concentration. Here, we report on the sensitivity of a new optoelectronic configuration consisting of two POF U-shaped probes, one as the reference and the other as the immunosensor, for the detection of Escherichia coli. In addition, another methos of detection was tested where the sensors were calibrated in the air, before being immersed in a bacterial suspension and then read in the air. This modification improved sensor sensitivity and resulted in a faster detection time. After the immunocapture, the sensors were DAPI-stained and submitted to confocal microscopy. The histograms obtained confirmed that the responses of the immunosensors were due to the bacteria. This new sensor detected the presence of E. coli at 104 CFU/mL in less than 20 min. Currently, sub-20 min is faster than previous studies using fiber-optic based biosensors. We report on an inexpensive and faster detection technology when compared with conventional methods.

Analysis of atorvastatin in environmental waters: Validation of an electrochemical molecularly imprinted polymer sensor with application of life cycle assessment

The widespread presence of pharmaceuticals in wastewater effluents after treatment stands as a significant challenge faced in the field of wastewater management and public health. Governments and the scientific community have worked to meet this urgent need for effective solutions. Nevertheless, the development of detection strategies for pharmaceutical monitorization capable of delivering rapid, on-site, and sensitive responses remains an ongoing necessity. In this work, the performance of a previously developed molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) based electrochemical sensor for detecting atorvastatin (ATV) in wastewater effluents and surface waters is presented. A simple preconcentration method followed by electrochemical measurements by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH = 7), was implemented. The analytical results were validated with those obtained on a set of 16 water samples by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Additionally, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to compare the environmental impact of both methodologies. The results obtained demonstrated that ATV detection using MIP-sensor was reliable when compared to the results found by UHPLC-MS/MS presenting a robust linear correlation coefficient of 0.843. The LCA results show that the novel MIP-sensor technique has lower associated environmental impacts than UHPLC-MS/MS, when the current analytical protocol for pharmaceuticals detection is applied. These findings highlight the potential of the developed MIP-sensor as an eco-friendly analytical tool for routine analysis and point-of-care monitoring of ATV in WWTP wastewater and surface water samples.