Sensitive Sensor Research Articles

Biphasic Liquid Metal Composite for Strain Sensor with High Stretchability and Sensitivity

Strain measurement is crucial for the safety and stability of engineering activities. With the increasing demand for sensors and large strain measurement in engineering monitoring, the study on the large strain measurement is deepening. However, the conventional strain sensors based on rigid conductive materials have limited flexibility and low stretchability, and the research of large strain and flexible sensors in engineering still lacks. In this work, a highly stretchable and sensitive flexible strain sensor based on liquid metal‐Nickle microparticles (LMN) composite is developed to detect large strain. The LMN composite, featuring uniformly dispersed Nickle microparticles within the liquid metal matrix, is deposited onto the elastomer Ecoflex base material.The LMN composite based‐sensor exhibits high sensitivity (GF = 16.14644 at strain of 200%), large stretchability (up to 200%) and low hysteresis. The theoretical relationship between the relative resistance changes and strain is derived, and the theoretical derivation is compared with experimental data to verify the accuracy of theoretical derivation. Additionally, the LMN composite based‐sensors can be used to detect pressure and bending signals in engineering. This work highlights the potential of LMN composite in broad applications and can facilitate the application of flexible sensing devices in engineering.

Flexible piezoelectric pressure sensor based on BaTiO3-CNT/RTV composite film with filter paper microstructures for monitoring hand motions

Flexible piezoelectric sensors are widely used in various applications such as physiological signal monitoring and human-computer interaction. The present study introduces a BaTiO3-CNT/RTV piezoelectric sensor fabricated using a filter paper template. It incorporates micro-scale fiber stacking and a 1% CNT doping in the microstructure, resulting in a notable enhancement of sensor sensitivity, increasing it from 0.07 V N−1 to 0.69 V N−1, representing an almost tenfold improvement. Furthermore, the study investigates the influence of affecting factors like the flexible substrate of the sensing film, thickness, and mass fractions of various materials on the output voltage. The sensor exhibits superior characteristics such as good repeatability under 5000 cyclic loads, high elongation at break, fast response (80 ms) and recovery times (90 ms), and good linearity. It also demonstrates outstanding sensitivity (12 mV/10°) when monitoring different finger bending states, enabling real-time, sensitive, and reliable hand motion tracking. This sensor holds promising prospects for future developments in the fields of intelligent grasping and sign language translation.

Top-Down Design Method of a Time Domain Accelerometer with Adjustable Resolution

A top-down design methodology and implementation of a time domain sensor is presented in this paper. The acceleration resolution of the time domain sensor is equal to the time-measurement accuracy divided by the sensor sensitivity. Combined with the sensitivity formula, the acceleration resolution is proportional to the vibration amplitude, the time-measurement accuracy, and the third power of the resonant frequency. According to the available time-measurement accuracy and the desired acceleration resolution, the parameters including the vibration amplitude and the resonant frequency were theoretically calculated. The geometrical configuration of the time domain sensor device was designed based on the calculated parameters. Then, the designed device was fabricated based on a standard silicon-on-insulator process and a matched interface circuit was developed for the fabricated device. Experimental results demonstrated that the design methodology is effective and feasible. Moreover, the implemented sensor works well. In addition, the acceleration resolution can be tuned by adjusting the time-measurement accuracy and the vibration amplitude. All the reported results of this work can be expanded to other time domain inertial sensors, e.g., a gyroscope or tilt sensor.

Innovative Thermocatalytic H2 Sensor with Double-Sided Pd Nanocluster Films on an Ultrathin Mica Substrate

Innovative Thermocatalytic H₂ Sensor with Double-Sided Pd Nanocluster Films on an Ultrathin Mica Substrate

A non-invasive blood glucose detection using a slotted microstrip antenna sensor

Abstract A novel highly sensitive and compact slotted microstrip antenna sensor is designed consisting of slots with defected ground structure (DGS). The substrate used in the design of antenna is FR-4 of concise dimensions 30 × 30 × 1.6 mm3 and the developed antenna resonates at 3 GHz. The human finger consisting of several layers namely bone, blood, fat and skin is modelled in the EM simulation (CST) environment resulting in finger phantom. The finger phantom is situated at different locations on proposed antenna for evaluating the concentrations of glucose from 0 to 1000 mg/dL and the corresponding shift in frequencies are estimated. For detection of glucose concentration in human blood, the obtained frequency shifts in the proposed work are used. In this proposed work, at the top side of proposed antenna, the finger phantom is situated, an uttermost shift in frequency of 48 MHz, sensitivity of 48 KHz/(mg/dL) and a least possible shift in frequency of 24 MHz, sensitivity of 24 KHz/(mg/dL) are obtained.

Hydrothermal Synthesis of SnO2 with Different Morphologies as Sensing Materials for HCHO Detection.

Morphology regulation is an effective strategy for improving the sensor sensitivity of transition metal oxide nanostructures. In this work, SnO2 with three different morphologies (nanorods, nanoparticles, and nanopillars) has been synthesized by a simple one-step solvothermal process with the addition of various solute ratios at 180 °C for 6 h for detecting formaldehyde (HCHO) at the optimum working temperature of 320 °C. Compared to nanorods and nanopillars, the created SnO2 nanoparticles exhibit a much faster response time and sensitivity than other samples, showing the fastest recovery time (18 s) with the highest sensitivity of 6-100 ppm of the HCHO gas. The sensing mechanism of the sensors is investigated by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) methods and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, revealing that the pore size distribution and amount of OV and OC improve the charge transfer and HCHO adsorption of nanoparticle sensors. Such an effect of morphology control on sensing performance paves an idea for the development of different structure-based HCHO sensors.

Flexible Strain Sensors Based on an Interlayer Synergistic Effect of Nanomaterials for Continuous and Noninvasive Blood Pressure Monitoring.

The continuous, noninvasive monitoring of human blood pressure (BP) through the accurate detection of pulse waves has extremely stringent requirements on the sensitivity and stability of flexible strain sensors. In this study, a new ultrasensitive flexible strain sensor based on the interlayer synergistic effect was fabricated through drop-casting and drying silver nanowires and graphene films on polydimethylsiloxane substrates and was further successfully applied for continuous monitoring of BP. This strain sensor exhibited ultrahigh sensitivity with a maximum gauge factor of 34357.2 (∼700% sensitivity enhancement over other major sensors), satisfactory response time (∼85 ms), wide strange range (12%), and excellent stability. An interlayer fracture mechanism was proposed to elucidate the working principle of the strain sensor. The real-time BP values can be obtained by analyzing the relationship between the BP and the pulse transit time. To verify our strain sensor for real-time BP monitoring, our strain sensor was compared with a conventional electrocardiogram-photoplethysmograph method and a commercial cuff-based device and showed similar measurement results to BP values from both methods, with only minor differences of 0.693, 0.073, and 0.566 mmHg in the systolic BP, diastolic BP, and mean arterial pressure, respectively. Furthermore, the reliability of the strain sensors was validated by testing 20 human subjects for more than 50 min. This ultrasensitive strain sensor provides a new pathway for continuous and noninvasive BP monitoring.

A Simple Structure of High Sensitivity of Plasmonic Photonic Crystal Fiber Sensors with Minimal Air Hole Density in Fiber Cladding

A Simple Structure of High Sensitivity of Plasmonic Photonic Crystal Fiber Sensors with Minimal Air Hole Density in Fiber Cladding

Green synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots from ascorbic acid and their application in sensing and biological imaging

A simple, highly efficient, and environmentally friendly one-step method has been developed to synthesize fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) with the assistance of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Here H2O2 acts as a green accelerator to promote the preparation of CDs, while temperature plays a critical role in controlling the entire synthesis process. The prepared CDs demonstrate monodispersion, with an average diameter of ∼6.8 nm, superior stability, and excitation-dependent photoluminescent (PL) behavior. The PL mechanism of the CDs was investigated using time-resolved PL decay, revealing that the PL originates from both the defect state and the intrinsic state of the CDs. Furthermore, the CDs show significant promise as pH sensors and versatile nanothermometry devices, owing to their remarkable sensitivity to both pH and temperature, as demonstrated by the pronounced dependence of their steady-state fluorescence emission spectra. It’s worth noting that temperature and pH sensors present significant reversibility, sensitivity, and linearity. More importantly, the CDs display low cytotoxicity, good biocompatibility, and the ability to enter human breast cancer Bcap-37 cells, making them highly suitable candidates for cellular imaging and labeling.

Design, fabrication, and evaluation of a novel highly sensitive tuning fork pressure sensor for precise liquid level measurement

This article investigates the under-explored potential of utilizing a thin stainless-steel diaphragm coupled with a quartz tuning fork sensor for liquid depth measurements. The focus is on monitoring molten salt fluid levels in nuclear reactors and concentrated solar power systems. Addressing a literature gap, the research explores cantilever-type configurations of a double-ended quartz tuning fork resonator, with a no-load resonance frequency of 17.37 kHz, on thin stainless-steel diaphragms for fluid depth measurement at room temperature. As the fluid depth increases, hydro-static pressure acting on a 20 μm diaphragm causes deflection, bending a tuning fork. The resulting change in resonance frequency correlates with fluid depth. Experimental setups assess the tuning fork’s sensitivity to strain and bending, revealing strain sensitivity of 7.83 Hz/μ strain (450.78 ppm/μ strain) and bending sensitivity of 0.09 Hz/μm (5.18 ppm/μm). The pressure sensor assembly, tested in a water tank, exhibits a sensitivity of −0.28 Hz/mm (−16.12 ppm/mm) in a single cantilever-type configuration. Despite a limited linear range, it effectively measures water depth changes as small as 0.7 mm. Exploring a double cantilever-type configuration yields a sensitivity of 0.07 Hz/mm (4.03 ppm/mm) with a broader linear range. The article discusses the reasons for opposite sensitivity and highlights the advantages of each configuration. Beyond molten salt level monitoring, the technology’s applications may extend to fluid depth and pressure measurements in industrial and domestic settings.

Two {CuI[P4Mo6]2}-Based Coordination Polymers Incorporating In Situ Converted Tetrapyridyl Ligands for Trace Analysis of Nitrofuran Antibiotics.

Nitrofurans are important synthetic broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs with the basic structure of 5-nitrofuran. Due to their toxicity, it is essential to develop a sensitive sensor with strong anti-interference capabilities for their detection. In this work, two {P4Mo6O31}12--based compounds, [H4(HPTTP)]2{CuI[Mo12O24(OH)6(PO4)3(HPO4)(H2PO4)4]}·xH2O (x = 13 for (1), 7 for (2); HPTTP = 4,4',4″,4‴-(1H-pyrrole-2,3,4,5-tetrayl)tetrapyridine), exhibiting similar coordination but distinct stacking modes. Both compounds were synthesized and used for the electrochemical detection of nitrofuran antibiotics. The tetrapyridine-based ligand was generated in situ during assembly, and its potential mechanism was discussed. Composite electrode materials, formed by mixing graphite powder with compounds 1-2 and physically grinding them, proved to be highly effective in the electrochemical trace detection of furazolidone (FZD) and furaltadone hydrochloride (FTD·HCl) under optimal conditions. Besides, the possible electrochemical detection mechanisms of two nitro-antibiotics were studied.

Design of a highly sensitive and precise long-range surface plasmon resonance sensor for early detection of malaria

This manuscript presents an innovative Kretschmann configured for Long Range Surface Plasmon Resonance (LRSPR) sensor for malaria detection. It utilizes tungsten diselenide (WSe2) as a bio+molecular recognition element (BRE) layer to attach target analyte. The optimized sensor design demonstrates exceptional performance in detecting different malaria stages (Schizont with refractive index (RI) = 1.371, Trophozoite with RI = 1.381, and Ring with RI = 1.396) at a 633 nm wavelength. In comparison to conventional surface plasmon resonance (CSPR), the LRSPR biosensor exhibits a substantial improvement, a 6.67 to 10 times increase in detection accuracy (DA), an impressive 40 to 86.55 times enhancement in imaging figure of merit (IFOM), and a 6.0 to 8.66 times boost in imaging sensitivity (Simg.) for the sequential detection of different stages of malaria. COMSOL Multiphysics simulations highlight a deeper penetration depth (PD) of 258.71 nm, 276.85 nm, and 373.04 nm for the detection of Schizont, Trophozoite, and Ring stages, respectively.

A Stable and Sensitive Engineering Bacterial Sensor via Physical Biocontainment and Two-Stage Signal Amplification.

Although engineering bacterial sensors have outstanding advantages in reflecting the actual bioavailability and continuous monitoring of pollutants, the potential escape risk of engineering microorganisms and lower detection sensitivity have always been one of the biggest challenges limiting their wider application. In this study, a core-shell hydrogel bead with functionalized silica as the core and alginate-polyacrylamide as the shell have been developed not only to realize zero escape of engineered bacteria but also to maintain cell activity in harsh environments, such as extremely acidic/alkaline pH, high salt concentration, and strong pressure. Particularly, after combining the selective preconcentration toward pollutants by functionalized core and the positive feedback signal amplification of engineering bacteria, biosensors have realized two-stage signal amplification, significantly improving the detection sensitivity and reducing the detection limit. In addition, this strategy was actually applied to the detection of As(III) and As(V) coexisting in environmental samples, and the detection sensitivity was increased by 3.23 and 4.39 times compared to sensors without signal amplification strategy, respectively, and the detection limits were as low as 0.39 and 0.86 ppb, respectively.

Design Principles of DNA-Barcodes for Nanopore-FET Readout, Based on Molecular Dynamics and TCAD Simulations.

Nanopore field-effect transistor (NP-FET) devices hold great promise as sensitive single-molecule sensors, which provide CMOS-based on-chip readout and are also highly amenable to parallelization. A plethora of applications will therefore benefit from NP-FET technology, such as large-scale molecular analysis (e.g., proteomics). Due to its potential for parallelization, the NP-FET looks particularly well-suited for the high-throughput readout of DNA-based barcodes. However, to date, no study exists that unravels the bit-rate capabilities of NP-FET devices. In this paper, we design DNA-based barcodes by labeling a piece of double-stranded DNA with dumbbell-like DNA structures. We explore the impact of both the size of the dumbbells and their spacing on achievable bit-rates. The conformational fluctuations of this DNA-origami, as observed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, are accounted for when selecting label sizes. An experimentally informed 3D continuum nanofluidic-nanoelectronic device model subsequently predicts both the ionic current and FET signals. We present a barcode design for a conceptually generic NP-FET, with a 14 nm diameter pore, operating in conditions corresponding to experiments. By adjusting the spacing between the labels to half the length of the pore, we show that a bit-rate of 78 kbit·s-1 is achievable. This lies well beyond the state-of-the-art of ≈40 kbit·s-1, with significant headroom for further optimizations. We also highlight the advantages of NP-FET readout based on the larger signal size and sinusoidal signal shape.

The impact of hollow core-shell nanozymes in biosensing: A case study of p-Fe3O4@PDA@ZIF-67

BackgroundNanozymes, a new class of nanomaterials, have emerged as promising substitutes for enzymes in biosensor design due to their exceptional stability, affordability, and ready availability. While nanozymes address many limitations of natural enzymes, they still face challenges, particularly in achieving the catalytic activity levels of their natural counterparts. This indicates the need for enhancing the sensitivity of biosensors based on nanozymes. The catalytic activity of nanozyme can be significantly improved by regulating its size, morphology, and surface composition of nanomaterial. ResultsIn this work, a kind of hollow core-shell structure was designed to enhance the catalytic activity of nanozymes. The hollow core-shell structure material consists of a nanozymes core layer, a hollow layer, and a MOF shell layer. Taking the classic peroxidase like Fe3O4 as an example, the development of a novel nanozyme@MOF, specifically p-Fe3O4@PDA@ZIF-67, is detailed, showcasing its application in enhancing the sensitivity of sensors based on Fe3O4 nanozymes. This innovative nanocomposite, featuring that MOF layer was designed to adsorb the signal molecules of the sensor to improve the utilization rate of reactive oxygen species generated by the nanozymes catalyzed reactions and the hollow layer was designed to prevent the active sites of nanozymes from being cover by the MOF layer. The manuscript emphasizes the nanocomposite's remarkable sensitivity in detecting hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), coupled with high specificity and reproducibility, even in complex environments like milk samples. Significance and noveltyThis work firstly proposed and proved that Fe3O4 nanozyme@MOF with hollow layer structure was designed to improve the catalytic activity of the Fe3O4 nanozyme and the sensitivity of the sensors based on Fe3O4 nanozyme. This research marks a significant advancement in nanozyme technology, demonstrating the potential of structural innovation in creating high-performance, sensitive, and stable biosensors for various applications.

Simultaneous Dopamine and Serotonin Monitoring in Freely Moving Crayfish Using a Wireless Electrochemical Sensing System.

Dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) are neurotransmitters that regulate a wide range of physiological and behavioral processes. Monitoring of both neurotransmitters with real-time analysis offers important insight into the mechanisms that shape animal behavior. However, bioelectronic tools to simultaneously monitor DA and 5-HT interactive dynamics in freely moving animals are underdeveloped. This is mainly due to the limited sensor sensitivity with miniaturized electronics. Here, we present a semi-implantable electrochemical device achieved by integrating a multi-surface-modified carbon fiber microelectrode with a miniaturized potentiostat module to detect DA and 5-HT in vivo with high sensitivity and selectivity. Specifically, carbon fiber microelectrodes were modified through electrochemical treatment and surface coatings to improve sensitivity, selectivity, and antifouling properties. A customized, lightweight potentiostat module was developed for untethered electrochemical measurements. Integrated with the microelectrode, the microsystem is compact (2.8 × 2.3 × 2.1 cm) to minimize its impacts on animal behavior and achieved simultaneous detection of DA and 5-HT with sensitivities of 48.4 and 133.0 nA/μM, respectively, within submicromolar ranges. The system was attached to the crayfish dorsal carapace, allowing electrode implantation into the heart of a crayfish to monitor DA and 5-HT dynamics, followed by drug injections. The semi-implantable biosensor system displayed a significant increase in oxidation peak currents after DA and 5-HT injections. The device successfully demonstrated the application for in vivo simultaneous monitoring of DA and 5-HT in the hemolymph (i.e., blood) of freely behaving crayfish underwater, yielding a valuable experimental tool to expand our understanding of the comodulation of DA and 5-HT.

An electrochemical sensor based on electrochemically activated carbon cloth and poly (o-aminothiophenol) cross-linked nanogold imprinted layer for the determination of tert-butylhydroquinone

In this study, an electrochemical sensor based on MoS2 with enhanced electrochemical signals from electrochemically activated carbon cloth (EACC) electrodes and cross-linked o-aminothiophenol functionalized AuNPs (o-ATP@AuNPs) was developed for the detection of the unsaturated vegetable oil antioxidant tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ). In this approach, carbon cloth is activated through the implementation of electrochemical methods, thereby effectively increasing its specific surface area. The resulting EACC, serving as an electrode substrate, enables the growth of additional nanomaterials and enhances conductivity. The incorporation of MoS2 effectively augments the sensitivity of the electrochemical sensor. Subsequently, MIP/MoS2/EMCC is formed via electropolymerization, utilizing TBHQ as the template molecule and o-ATP@AuNPs as the functional monomer. The SS bond of o-ATP ensures a strong and stable connection between MoS2 and o-ATP@AuNPs, thereby facilitating the immobilization of MIP. In addition, the high conductivity possessed by o-ATP@AuNPs could effectively improve the sensitivity of the electrochemical sensor. Under the optimal conditions, MIP/MoS2/EMCC could determine TBHQ in the range of 1 × 10−3 μM to 120 μM by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) with a detection line of 0.72 nM. The proposed MIP/MoS2/EMCC is expected to be applied in the future for the selective and sensitive detection of TBHQ in vegetable oils.

Enhanced ethanol gas detection using TiO2 nanorods dispersed in cholesteric liquid crystal: Synthesis, characterization, and sensing performance

This research presents an innovative approach for ethanol gas detection by utilizing a cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) dispersed with titanium dioxide nanorods (TiO2 NRs). Titanium dioxide nanorods (TiO2 NRs) are synthesized using a hydrothermal method, ensuring uniform and effective doping process in the CLC matrix. The morphological and structural properties of the synthesized TiO2 nanorods are thoroughly analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), revealing the successful formation of rod-like structures. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis confirms the porous nature of these nanorods, with a surface area of 3.158 m²/g and a mesoporous distribution featuring an average pore size of 14.0 nm. The CLC/TiO2 NRs sensor shows high sensitivity and rapid detection, with a response time of 21 sec. It also exhibits excellent selectivity against various gases, maintaining consistent performance over multiple cycles. The enhanced sensing performance is attributed to the interaction between ethanol gas molecules and TiO2 NRs, leading to a change in resistance within the CLC matrix. This work demonstrates the potential of TiO2 NRs in enhancing the capabilities of CLCs for environmental sensing and provides a promising direction for future research in developing highly sensitive and selective gas sensors.

A visual and sensitive sensor for colorimetric and fluorescent recognition of Fe3+/2+, theoretical calculation and strip applications in wine

Total iron ions (Fe3+/2+) are a critical factor influencing wine quality and stability. A novel “turn-on” fluorescent probe (E)-2-((4-(5-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)benzylidene)amino)phenol (probe MBBP) for monitoring Fe3+/2+ in wine was developed. It was designed with benzimidazole as the fluorophore and o-aminophenol as the Fe3+/2+ recognition site, simple and easy to prepare. The probe itself in EtOH/H2O (v: v, 49:1) emitted weak fluorescence and produced strong blue fluorescence after adding Fe3+/2+. The sensing of Fe3+/2+ was performed via the nucleophilic attack of Fe3+/2+ to imine groups of the probe with a 1:1 binding stoichiometry, and the fluorescence enhancement of the sensor was mainly due to the generation of compound 3 with the ICT effect. Results demonstrated that the probe exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity with a lower detection limit of 0.054 nM than previously reported Fe3+/2+ probes. In addition, based on the TD-DFT method and CAM-B3LYP and PBE0 functional theory, the significant changes in the dihedral angle stemmed from the isomerisation and rotation of the C = N bond. Probe MBBP was successfully applied to detect Fe2+/3+ in wine by intelligent software and the rapid detection of Fe3+/2+ using strips was also conducted.

Influence of Silsesquioxane-Containing Ultra-Thin Polymer Films on Metal Oxide Gas Sensor Performance for the Tunable Detection of Biomarkers

Certain biomarkers in exhaled breath are indicators of diseases in the human body. The non-invasive detection of such biomarkers in human breath increases the demand for simple and cost-effective gas sensors to replace state-of-the-art gas chromatography (GC) machines. The use of metal oxide (MOX) gas sensors based on thin-film structures solves the current limitations of breath detectors. However, the response at high humidity levels, i.e., in the case of exhaled human breath, significantly decreases the sensitivity of MOX sensors, making it difficult to detect small traces of biomarkers. We have introduced, in previous work, the concept of a hybrid gas sensor, in which thin-film-based MOX gas sensors are combined with an ultra-thin (20–30 nm) polymer top layer deposited by solvent-free initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD). The hydrophobic top layer enables sensor measurement in high-humidity conditions as well as the precise tuning of selectivity and sensitivity. In this paper, we present a way to increase the hydrogen (H2) sensitivity of hybrid sensors through chemical modification of the polymer top layer. A poly(1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane) (PV4D4) thin film, already applied in one of our previous studies, is transformed into a silsesquioxane-containing top layer by a simple heating step. The transformation results in a significant increase in the gas response for H2 ~709% at an operating temperature of 350 °C, which we investigate based on the underlying sensing mechanism. These results reveal new pathways in the biomedical application field for the analysis of exhaled breath, where H2 indicates gastrointestinal diseases.