Wide Detection Range Research Articles

Highly Sensitive Wide Detection Range Semicircular Convex Slot PCF Temperature Sensor Based on Surface Plasmon Resonance

Highly Sensitive Wide Detection Range Semicircular Convex Slot PCF Temperature Sensor Based on Surface Plasmon Resonance

Superassembled Mesoporous Carbon-Fe2O3 Heterochannels for Photothermal-Enhanced Hyaluronidase Sensing.

Developing an activity detection platform for hyaluronidase (HAase) is crucial for diagnosing and treating cancer. However, traditional detection of HAase is based on changes in the flow rate caused by viscosity or requires complex modifications and processing, which limits the detection accuracy and sensitivity. Herein, hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified mesoporous-based heterochannels (mesoporous carbon-doped γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles/anodized aluminum oxide, MC-γ-Fe2O3/AAO) featuring ordered 3D transport frameworks and a photothermal property were developed for high performance HAase detection. The HA molecules on the surface of the mesoporous layer provide abundant active sites for HAase detection. An improved ionic current was realized after enzymatic hydrolysis reactions between HA and HAase due to enhanced surface charges and more hydrophilicity, leading to highly sensitive and accurate HAase detection. Notably, the detection performance can be further upgraded with the assistance of the photothermal property of γ-Fe2O3. An amplified detection current signal was achieved owing to a synergistic effect between ion currents and photoresponsive currents. A wide linear detection range from 1 to 50 U/mL and a low detection limit of 0.348 U/mL were obtained, achieving a 2% improvement under illumination. Importantly, the heterochannels have also been successfully applied for HAase detection in fetal bovine serum samples, manifesting considerable application prospects. This work provides a new strategy in constructing photoresponsive nanochannels with a photothermal property for a highly efficient biosensing platform.

Understanding Variations in Ferrate Detection through the ABTS Method in the Presence of Electron-Rich Organic Compounds.

The chromogenic reaction between 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) and ferrate [Fe(VI)] has long been utilized for Fe(VI) content measurement. However, the presence of electron-rich organic compounds has been found to significantly impact Fe(VI) detection using the ABTS method, leading to relative errors ranging from ∼88 to 100%. Reducing substances consumed ABTS•+ and resulted in underestimated Fe(VI) levels. Moreover, the oxidation of electron-rich organics containing hydroxyl groups by Fe(VI) could generate a phenoxyl radical (Ph•), promoting the transformation of Fe(VI) → Fe(V) → Fe(IV). The in situ formation of Fe(IV) can then contribute to ABTS oxidation, altering the ABTS•+:Fe(VI) stoichiometry from 1:1 to 2:1. To overcome these challenges, we introduced Mn(II) as an activator and 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) as a chromogenic agent for Fe(VI) detection. This Mn(II)/TMB method enables rapid completion of the chromogenic reaction within 2 s, with a low detection limit of approximately 4 nM and a wide detection range (0.01-10 μM). Importantly, the Mn(II)/TMB method exhibits superior resistance to reductive interference and effectively eliminates the impact of phenoxyl-radical-mediated intermediate valence iron transfer processes associated with electron-rich organic compounds. Furthermore, this method is resilient to particle interference and demonstrates practical applicability in authentic waters.

Rechargeable Self-Powered pressure sensor based on Zn-ion battery with high sensitivity and Broad-Range response

Flexible pressure sensors find broad applications in electronic skin, human–computer interaction, and health monitoring. However, developing self-powered flexible sensors capable of detecting both dynamic and static pressures with high sensitivity and a wide detection range remains a significant challenge. Here, we report the design and fabrication of a new rechargeable Zn-ion battery-type flexible self-powered pressure sensor (RZIB-FPS). In the device, the anode of a flexible Zn-ion battery is designed into a sandwich configuration with a porous isolation layer in between a conductive layer decorated with polymethylmethacrylate microspheres and a flexible Zn electrode. The self-powered pressure sensing mechanism relies on the variation in output voltage resulting from the resistance change of the anode when subjected to external pressure. This RZIB-FPS exhibits an open-circuit voltage of 1.46 V, an energy density of 392 µWh cm−2, a high sensitivity (up to 42.6 mV kPa−1), a wide pressure detection range (up to 330 kPa), and excellent cycling stability (up to 12,000 cycles). Furthermore, the proposed all-in-one device design demonstrates excellent charge–discharge performance, manifesting its high integration level and potential for sensor miniaturization. This study introduces a new strategy for developing high-performance sensors for future self-powered smart wearable electronics.

Optimization for hydrogen gas quantitative measurement using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy

Gas sensors are vital for safety, quality control, and environmental preservation across diverse industries. Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) is widely employed for gas analysis due to its high sensitivity and selectivity. However, quantifying low concentrations of hydrogen gas using TDLAS in the infrared region proves challenging due to its lower absorption compared to other gases in the NIR region. This study introduces an innovative method for precise hydrogen gas measurement through the analysis of absorption spectra at different pressures and the employment of a high-pressure gas cell. By applying these methodologies to a calibration-free technique, we can realize the optimal measurement conditions for increasing the gas detection limit and stabilizing the wavelength lock for the laser diode. As a result, a linear relationship between hydrogen gas concentration and sensor response is achieved in the wide detection range of 0.01% to 100%. Under the optimal measurement conditions, our TDLAS system’s stability is demonstrated with minimum detection limits of 0.2866% and 0.0055% at integration times of 1 s and 30 s, respectively.

Fabrication of an amperometric urea biosensor based on chitosan modified pencil graphite electrode

An amperometric biosensor was fabricated by using urease enzyme, graphene oxide (GO), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and chitosan (CHIT) composite. Pencil graphite electrode (PGE) was used for the electrodeposition of nanomaterials and the detection of urea. Various techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, UV–visible spectroscopy, zeta-potential and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were used for characterization. The biosensor showed an optimum response at pH 8.0 and 40 °C temperature. The maximum current of the proposed biosensor was due to electron generated at 0.79 V against Ag/AgCl electrode. Fabricated biosensor showed a wide linear range (0.1–1.0 mg/mL) and low limit of detection (0.9956 mg/mL) with satisfactory selectivity, sensitivity (0.00555 μA/mg/mL/cm2), and stability. It was successfully employed for detecting urea concentration in sera samples of healthy individuals and patients with kidney disorders.

Portable smartphone-assisted amperometric immunosensor based on CoCe-layered double hydroxide for rapidly immunosensing erythromycin

Herein, we have manufactured a newly designed bifunctional impedimetric and amperometric immunosensor for rapidly detecting erythromycin (ERY) in complicated environments and food stuffs. For this, bimetallic cobalt/cerium-layered double hydroxide nanosheets (CoCe-LDH NSs), which was derived from Co-based zeolite imidazole framework via the structure conversion, was simultaneously utilized as the bioplatform for anchoring the ERY-targeted antibody and for modifying the gold and screen printed electrode. Basic characterizations revealed that CoCe-LDH NSs was composed of mixed metal valences, enrich redox, and abundant oxygen vacancies, facilitating the adhesion on the electrode, the antibody adsorption, and the electron transfers. The manufactured impedimetric and amperometric immunosensor based on CoCe-LDH has showed the comparable sensing performance, having a wide linear detection range from 1.0 fg mL−1 to 1.0 ng mL−1 with the ultralow detection limit toward ERY. Also, the portable, visualized, and efficient analysis of ERY was then attained at the smartphone-assisted CoCe-LDH-based SPE.

High-performance electrolyte-gated amorphous InGaZnO field-effect transistor for label-free DNA sensing

Accurate, convenient, label-free, and cost-effective biomolecules detection platforms are currently in high demand. In this study, we showcased the utilization of electrolyte-gated InGaZnO field-effect transistors (IGZO FETs) featuring a large on-off current ratio of over 106 and a low subthreshold slope of 78.5 mV/dec. In the DNA biosensor, the modification of target DNA changed the effective gate voltage of IGZO FETs, enabling an impressive low detection limit of 0.1 pM and a wide linear detection range from 0.1 pM to 1 μM. This label-free detection method also exhibits high selectivity, allowing for the discrimination of single-base mismatch. Furthermore, the reuse of gate electrodes and channel films offers cost-saving benefits and simplifies device fabrication processes. The electrolyte-gated IGZO FET biosensor presented in this study shows great promise for achieving low-cost and highly sensitive detection of various biomolecules.

Enhanced Electrochemical Sensing of Oxalic Acid Based on VS2 Nanoflower-Decorated Glassy Carbon Electrode Prepared by Hydrothermal Method.

Oxalic acid (OA) is a predominant constituent in kidney stones, contributing to 70-80% of all cases. Rapid detection of OA is vital for the early diagnosis and treatment of kidney stone conditions. This work introduces a novel electrochemical sensing approach for OA, leveraging vanadium disulfide (VS2) nanoflowers synthesized via hydrothermal synthesis. These VS2 nanoflowers, known for their excellent electrocatalytic properties and large surface area, are used to modify glassy carbon electrodes for enhanced OA sensing. The proposed OA sensor exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity across a wide linear detection range of 0.2-20 μM, with an impressively low detection limit of 0.188 μM. The practicality of this sensor was validated through interference studies, offering a promising tool for the early diagnosis and monitoring of kidney stone diseases.

Click-response-driven high-speed and ultrasensitive electrochemical sensing interface: Addressing its accuracy challenge

For electrochemical sensors, maintaining accuracy while achieving sensitive detection is of paramount importance. The fixation of the signal substance as one of the main steps in the construction process of a sensor has a significant impact on the accuracy. Currently, physical and chemical methods are the primary approaches for the fixation of the signal substance, which have the following issues. The accuracy of a sensor may be affected by the instability resulting from the physical immobilization of the signal substance and the chemical immobilization process is typically time-consuming. To overcome these obstacles, the ultra-sensitive electrochemical sensing interface is constructed by click reaction to achieve accurate and rapid detection of tumor biomarkers. After the formation of immune-sandwich structure in a test tube, a large amount of ethynylferrocene (EFc) molecules in the Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-8) immunoprobe are released under acidic conditions, followed by covalently linking to the substrate within 6 minutes through a click reaction. Under optimal conditions, the electrochemical sensor had an ultralow detection limit of 32.90 fg mL−1 for the model analyte (CEA) with a wide detection range from 100 fg mL−1 to 100 ng mL−1. This work provides a new perspective for designing electrochemical sensors with excellent performance.

Fiber optic probe integrated with colloidal nanoparticles with directional diffraction selectivity for magnetic field vector detection

A fiber optic probe integrated with colloidal nanoparticles with directional diffraction selectivity is proposed for wide-bandwidth magnetic field vector detection. The probe is constructed with the multimode fiber in which the end-surface is integrated with the Fe3O4@C colloidal nanoparticles by a silicone tube. The colloidal nanoparticles form a three-dimensional photonic crystal structure by magnetic field for diffraction selectivity. The lattice constant and diffraction angle are adjusted by the intensity and direction of the magnetic field, respectively. Obtaining the directional diffraction light through the magnetic field-induced photonic band gap shift with the wavelength blue shift and reflectivity change is confirmed by theory and experiment. The results show that the maximum sensitivity reaches up to 19.7 nm/mT in response range from 13 mT to 200 mT. For vector detection, the peak wavelength shift from 740 nm to 485 nm and reflectance shift from 71% to 7% covering the 0–45° region is verified. In addition, the proposed method could decouple intensity and direction of the magnetic field completely. The fiber optic probe integrated with colloidal nanoparticles has wide detection range and high sensitivity with rapid response. It will open up new horizons for inspiring design and application of magnetic field vector detection in robot posture control and motion perception.

A high-performance light-driven photoelectrochemical sensor based on CdIn2S4/b-TiO2/GO type-II 2D/3D heterojunction for the detection of baicalein in natural plant samples

The remarkable pharmacological activities of flavonoids and their effects on human health have prompted many studies. To solve the problem that flavonoids are difficult to be accurately quantified, a novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor based on CdIn2S4/b-TiO2/GO was created to detect the baicalein (BCA). By using physical ultrasonic compounding, a straightforward and effective CdIn2S4/b-TiO2/GO composite was created. The composite’s photoelectric effect was 14 times greater than that of the individual material. When BCA was present, a flavonoid-TiO2 nanoconjugate was formed based on the interaction between b-TiO2 and BCA. This interaction prevented the formation and decreased charge transfer of photoporous holes, resulting in a significant decline in photocurrent. Therefore, the PEC sensor based on the change of the electrode surface state can realize the sensitive detection of BCA. The PEC sensor has a wide linear detection range of 1 nM − 30 μM with a limit of detection of 0.5 nM. In addition, the sensor has exhibited excellent accuracy in detecting BCA in the roots and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis, which can be used for the detection of actual samples.

Employing conductive porous hydrogen-bonded organic framework for ultrasensitive detection of peanut allergen Ara h1

Peanut allergy has garnered worldwide attention due to its high incidence rate and severe symptoms, stimulating the demand for the ultrasensitive detection method of peanut allergen. Herein, we successfully developed a novel electrochemical aptasensor for ultrasensitive detection Ara h1, a major allergenic protein present in peanuts. A conductive nickel atoms Anchored Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Frameworks (PFC-73-Ni) were utilized as excellent electrocatalysts toward hydroquinone (HQ) oxidation to generate a readable current signal. The developed electrochemical aptasensor offers wide linear range (1–120 nM) and low detection limit (0.26 nM) for Ara h1. This method demonstrated a recovery rate ranging from 95.00% to 107.42% in standard addition detection of non-peanut food samples. Additionally, the developed electrochemical method was validated with actual samples and demonstrated good consistency with the results obtained from a commercial ELISA kit. This indicates that the established Ara h1 detection method is a promising tool for peanut allergy prevention.

A 1–6.5 Gbps dual-loop CDR design with Coarse-fine Tuning VCO and modified DQFD

A dual-loop CDR (Clock and Data Recovery) is presented to recover digital data from 1 to 6.5 Gbps. The presented frequency acquisition technique is based on full rate clock architecture. By utilizing modified Digital Quadri-correlator Frequency Detector (DQFD) and Frequency Increment/Decrement Control circuit, the lock-in range is improved. Furthermore, the issue of state loss during wide frequency range detection is successfully mitigated. The inclusion of two control wires in the Coarse-fine Tuning VCO enables the utilization of separate loop filters in the dual loops, resulting in a more effective reduction of noise and jitter. Utilizing a 40-nm CMOS process, the presented CDR design has been implemented. The post-layout simulation results at 6.5 Gbps shows a P2P and root-mean-square jitter values are 17.1 ps and 5.79 ps, respectively, for the retimed data.

Dual-mode detection of glucose based on pistol-like DNAzyme-mediated exonuclease-assisted signal cycle.

Detecting glucose accurately and sensitively from clinical samples like tears and saliva is still difficult. We have created a sensor that can detect glucose with high sensitivity and accuracy by combining the use of glucose oxidase (GOx) to catalyze glucose, a pistol-like DNAzyme (PLDz) to transform the signal, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to enhance the optical properties and the exonuclease-III (Exo-III) to amplify the signal. As a result, the proposed method exhibits a low detection limit of 7.5pM and a wide detection range covering seven orders of magnitude. The suggested dual-mode strategy provides a sensitive, precise and specific detection method for glucose. Another advantage is that the dual-mode technique significantly improves the precision and consistency of the measurements, demonstrating its immense potential for use in biomedical research and clinical diagnostics.

Highly-sensitive ultrathin flexible pressure sensor based on quasi-2D conductive network for human physiological signal monitoring

Ultrathin flexible pressure sensors are highly desirable for human physiological signal monitoring due to their portability and ability to conform to the body. However, existing ultrathin pressure sensors face challenges in balancing the sensitivity and their range. A spatial-dimensionally constrained strategy was proposed to construct an ultrathin active layer. In detail, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with an average length of ∼1.3 μm were intentionally spin-coated into a thin thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film with a thickness of 1.5 μm. By doing so, a quasi-2D MWCNTs conductive network is constructed, which enabled the sensor to have ultrahigh sensitivity of 27.04 kPa−1, a wide liner detection range of 0.2–24 kPa, ultrafast response time of 40 ms and a recovery time of 10 ms, and high durability in 1500 cycles under 0.2 kPa with loading/unloading frequency of 2 Hz. Thanks to this superior performance, the ultrathin pressure sensor can be used to monitor human movement and physiological signals, including finger touch, finger bending, wrist bending, and deep breathing. Moreover, the sensor can be attached to the side wall of the tip of the renal ureteroscope, allowing for the monitoring of renal pelvic pressure. Therefore, this spatial-dimensionally constrained strategy will open up a new way to fabricate highly sensitive ultrathin pressure sensors and have great application prospects in health monitoring.

Flexible and wearable sensor for in situ monitoring of gallic acid in plant leaves

Gallic acid (GA) is one of the main phenolic components naturally occurring in many plants and foods and has been a subject of increasing interest owing to its antioxidant and anti-mutagenic properties. This study introduces a novel flexible sensor designed for in situ detecting GA in plant leaves. The sensor employs a laser-induced graphene (LIG) flexible electrode, enhanced with MXene and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets. The MXene/MoS2/LIG flexible sensor not only demonstrates exceptional mechanical properties, covering a wide detection range of 1–1000 μM for GA, but also exhibits remarkable selectivity and stability. The as-prepared sensor was successfully applied to in situ determination of GA content in strawberry leaves under salt stress. This innovative sensor opens an attractive avenue for in situ measurement of metabolites in plant bodies with flexible electronics.

Flexible dual-mode pressure sensor for simultaneous dynamic-static sensing with wide-range detection and ultra-fast response speed

Flexible pressure sensors play a vital role in advancing the Internet of Things (IoT). However, piezoelectric sensors are limited in static pressure detection and suffer in achieving high flexibility and high sensitivity simultaneously, while piezoresistive sensors typically have slow response speeds and insensitive high-frequency detection ability. Here, we select a novel basalt fiber fabric (BFF) that can withstand high temperatures exceeding 1000 °C as a new substrate to enable one-step fabrication of piezoelectric layer based on coherently grown Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) thin films via a simple dipping method. The high piezoelectric coefficient g33 of 362.5 mV·m·N−1 and the unique core-sheath structure induced stress concentration on the PZT sheath enable the flexible piezoelectric layer (bending radius < 1.45 mm) to exhibit high sensitivity (voltage sensitivity of 2.766 V/kPa within the range of 0.11–11.11 kPa) and fast response speed (11 ms). The piezoresistive layer consisting of a three-dimensional porous elastic carbon nanotube-polyurethane sponge provides a detection range comparable to piezoelectric layer (0.11–66.67 kPa). A dual-mode flexible pressure sensor (DMFS) has been developed by integrating the piezoelectric layer with the piezoresistive layer. The DMFS exhibits an extended detection range compared to previous dual-mode pressure sensors, rapid response speed, and high sensitivity, which enables simultaneous detection of both dynamic and static pressures. The DMFS can be used for keyboard and movement posture recognition, which has significant application prospects in human-machine interaction.

SPR based dual parameter wide range curling pot shaped photonic crystal fiber sensor

This article proposes a curling pot shaped photonic crystal fiber (PCF) sensor based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR), which utilizes two parallel polished surfaces in the cladding to achieve dual parameter measurements of liquid refractive index (RI) and temperature. The mode characteristics and sensing performance of the designed PCF sensor are studied using the finite element method, and the effects of changes in structural parameters such as pore radius, spacing, and gold film thickness on the resonance spectrum are analyzed. The sensing accuracy of the sensor is insensitive to the change of structural parameters, and it has the characteristics of a wide detection range, high sensitivity, and easy manufacture. When the measured RI is in the range of 1.33∼1.42, the maximum RI sensitivity is 20400 nm RIU−1, and the maximum FOM is 483.3 RIU−1. When the temperature ranges from −10 °C to 100 °C, the maximum sensitivity is 15.4 nm °C−1, and the maximum FOM is 0.43 RIU−1. The tight structure design of the sensor core close to the polishing surface and the anti-spill light design with a uniform arrangement of air holes enhance the SPR effect, which is the essential reason for achieving a wide detection range and high sensitivity.

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Rare-earth Ferrate for Electrochemical Detection of 4-Aminophenol in Food Samples and Products

4-Aminophenol (4-APL/4-AP) is one of the toxic chemicals in the water sources. The electrochemical oxidation of 4-APL reaction was studied by electrochemical method with SPCE modified with perovskite rare-Earth ferrate (PrFeO3). The nanomaterials were characterize using various morphological analysis by TEM, XRD, FTIR, Raman, XPS. PrFeO3 needles modified SPCE demonstrated excellent electrocatalytic performance towards the electrooxidation of 4-APL under pH 7.0, having anodic peak current significantly higher than those of the bare SPCE. Using CV and amperometry method to analyse the sensor performance toward 4-APL detection. In CV, the synthetic sensor plays wide 4-APL detection range from 100–500 μM. In amperometry method, the sensor plays wide range of 4-APL detection from 0.03 to 1859 μM and the limit of detection is 0.014 μM. Mainly the proposed sensor material of PrFeO3/SPCE exhibit an excellent 4-APL detection carrying out in various food samples. Furthermore, regarding 4-APL analysis, PrFeO3/SPCE demonstrate outstanding selectivity, low limit of detection, repeatability, reproducibility, and operational stability.