Sensors

2024

Jump to: 2023, 2022, 2021

12 pages, 3651 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nitrophenyl Thiourea-Modified Polyethylenimine Colorimetric Sensor for Sulfate, Fluorine, and Acetate

by Kediye Kuerbanjiang, Kuerbanjiang Rouzi and Si-Yu Zhang

Sensors 2024, 24(12), 3751; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24123751 - 9 Jun 2024

Viewed by 833

Abstract

A thiourea-based colorimetric sensor incorporating polyethyleneimine (PEI) and chromophoric nitrophenyl groups was synthesized and utilized for detecting various anions. Structural characterization of the sensor was accomplished using FTIR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The sensor’s interactions and colorimetric recognition capabilities with different anions, including CI [...] Read more.

A thiourea-based colorimetric sensor incorporating polyethyleneimine (PEI) and chromophoric nitrophenyl groups was synthesized and utilized for detecting various anions. Structural characterization of the sensor was accomplished using FTIR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The sensor’s interactions and colorimetric recognition capabilities with different anions, including CI⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, F⁻, NO₃⁻, PF₆⁻, AcO⁻, H₂PO₄⁻, PO₄³⁻, and SO₄²⁻, were investigated via visual observation and UV/vis spectroscopy. Upon adding SO₄²⁻, F⁻, and AcO⁻ anions, the sensor exhibited distinct color changes from colorless to yellow and yellowish, while other anions did not induce significant color alterations. UV/vis spectroscopic titration experiments conducted in a DMSO/H₂O solution (9:1 volume ratio) demonstrated the sensor’s selectivity toward SO₄²⁻, F⁻, and AcO⁻. The data revealed that the formation of the main compounds and anion complexes was mediated by hydrogen bonding, leading to signal changes in the nitrophenyl thiourea-modified PEI spectrum. Full article

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2023

Jump to: 2024, 2022, 2021

4 pages, 179 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Optical Chemical Sensors: Design and Applications

by Roberto Pizzoferrato

Sensors 2023, 23(11), 5284; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23115284 - 2 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2462

Abstract

More than ever, optical chemical sensing is a thriving research field with a strong outlook in terms of future development and penetration into growing industrial markets [...] Full article

15 pages, 32729 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Colorimetric and Fluorescent Sensing of Copper Ions in Water through o-Phenylenediamine-Derived Carbon Dots

by Roberto Pizzoferrato, Ramanand Bisauriya, Simonetta Antonaroli, Marcello Cabibbo and Artur J. Moro

Sensors 2023, 23(6), 3029; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23063029 - 10 Mar 2023

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2642

Abstract

Fluorescent nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon dots (NSCDs) were synthesized using a simple one-step hydrothermal method starting from o-phenylenediamine (OPD) and ammonium sulfide. The prepared NSCDs presented a selective dual optical response to Cu(II) in water through the arising of an absorption band [...] Read more.

Fluorescent nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon dots (NSCDs) were synthesized using a simple one-step hydrothermal method starting from o-phenylenediamine (OPD) and ammonium sulfide. The prepared NSCDs presented a selective dual optical response to Cu(II) in water through the arising of an absorption band at 660 nm and simultaneous fluorescence enhancement at 564 nm. The first effect was attributed to formation of cuprammonium complexes through coordination with amino functional groups of NSCDs. Alternatively, fluorescence enhancement can be explained by the oxidation of residual OPD bound to NSCDs. Both absorbance and fluorescence showed a linear increase with an increase of Cu(II) concentration in the range 1–100 µM, with the lowest detection limit of 100 nM and 1 µM, respectively. NSCDs were successfully incorporated in a hydrogel agarose matrix for easier handling and application to sensing. The formation of cuprammonium complexes was strongly hampered in an agarose matrix while oxidation of OPD was still effective. As a result, color variations could be perceived both under white light and UV light for concentrations as low as 10 µM. Since these color changes were similarly perceived in tap and lake water samples, the present method could be a promising candidate for simple, cost-effective visual monitoring of copper onsite. Full article

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2022

Jump to: 2024, 2023, 2021

12 pages, 1596 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Discriminating between Absorption and Scattering Effects in Complex Turbid Media by Coupling Polarized Light Spectroscopy with the Mueller Matrix Concept

by Arnaud Ducanchez, Maxime Ryckewaert, Daphne Heran and Ryad Bendoula

Sensors 2022, 22(23), 9355; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22239355 - 1 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1878

Abstract

The separation of the combined effects of absorption and scattering in complex media is a major issue for better characterization and prediction of media properties. In this study, an approach coupling polarized light spectroscopy and the Mueller matrix concept were evaluated to address [...] Read more.

The separation of the combined effects of absorption and scattering in complex media is a major issue for better characterization and prediction of media properties. In this study, an approach coupling polarized light spectroscopy and the Mueller matrix concept were evaluated to address this issue. A set of 50 turbid liquid optical phantoms with different levels of scattering and absorption properties were made and measured at various orientations of polarizers and analyzers to obtain the 16 elements of the complete Mueller matrix in the VIS–NIR region. Partial least square (PLS) was performed to build calibration models from diffuse reflectance spectra in order to evaluate the potential of polarization spectroscopy through the elements of the Mueller matrix to predict physical and chemical parameters and hence, to discriminate scattering and absorption effects, respectively. In particular, it was demonstrated that absorption and scattering effects can be distinguished in the Rayleigh regime with linear and circular polarization from the M₂₂ and M₄₄ elements of the Mueller matrix, correspondingly. Full article

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10 pages, 2975 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Additively Manufactured Detection Module with Integrated Tuning Fork for Enhanced Photo-Acoustic Spectroscopy

by Roberto Viola, Nicola Liberatore and Sandro Mengali

Sensors 2022, 22(19), 7193; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22197193 - 22 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1825

Abstract

Starting from Quartz-Enhanced Photo-Acoustic Spectroscopy (QEPAS), we have explored the potential of a tightly linked method of gas/vapor sensing, from now on referred to as Tuning-Fork-Enhanced Photo-Acoustic Spectroscopy (TFEPAS). TFEPAS utilizes a non-piezoelectric metal or dielectric tuning fork to transduce the photoacoustic excitation [...] Read more.

Starting from Quartz-Enhanced Photo-Acoustic Spectroscopy (QEPAS), we have explored the potential of a tightly linked method of gas/vapor sensing, from now on referred to as Tuning-Fork-Enhanced Photo-Acoustic Spectroscopy (TFEPAS). TFEPAS utilizes a non-piezoelectric metal or dielectric tuning fork to transduce the photoacoustic excitation and an optical interferometric readout to measure the amplitude of the tuning fork vibration. In particular, we have devised a solution based on Additive Manufacturing (AM) for the Absorption Detection Module (ADM). The novelty of our solution is that the ADM is entirely built monolithically by Micro-Metal Laser Sintering (MMLS) or other AM techniques to achieve easier and more cost-effective customization, extreme miniaturization of internal volumes, automatic alignment of the tuning fork with the acoustic micro-resonators, and operation at high temperature. This paper reports on preliminary experimental results achieved with ammonia at parts-per-million concentration in nitrogen to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed solution. Prospectively, the proposed TFEPAS solution appears particularly suited for hyphenation to micro-Gas Chromatography and for the analysis of complex solid and liquid traces samples, including compounds with low volatility such as illicit drugs, explosives, and persistent chemical warfare agents. Full article

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42 pages, 7479 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Optical Sensors for Persistent Organic Pollutant Environmental Monitoring

by Fabrizio Caroleo, Gabriele Magna, Mario Luigi Naitana, Lorena Di Zazzo, Roberto Martini, Francesco Pizzoli, Mounika Muduganti, Larisa Lvova, Federica Mandoj, Sara Nardis, Manuela Stefanelli, Corrado Di Natale and Roberto Paolesse

Sensors 2022, 22(7), 2649; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22072649 - 30 Mar 2022

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5510

Abstract

Optical chemical sensors are widely applied in many fields of modern analytical practice, due to their simplicity in preparation and signal acquisition, low costs, and fast response time. Moreover, the construction of most modern optical sensors requires neither wire connections with the detector [...] Read more.

Optical chemical sensors are widely applied in many fields of modern analytical practice, due to their simplicity in preparation and signal acquisition, low costs, and fast response time. Moreover, the construction of most modern optical sensors requires neither wire connections with the detector nor sophisticated and energy-consuming hardware, enabling wireless sensor development for a fast, in-field and online analysis. In this review, the last five years of progress (from 2017 to 2021) in the field of optical chemical sensors development for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is provided. The operating mechanisms, the transduction principles and the types of sensing materials employed in single selective optical sensors and in multisensory systems are reviewed. The selected examples of optical sensors applications are reported to demonstrate the benefits and drawbacks of optical chemical sensor use for POPs assessment. Full article

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16 pages, 3065 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Tuning the Sensing Properties of N and S Co-Doped Carbon Dots for Colorimetric Detection of Copper and Cobalt in Water

by Ramanand Bisauriya, Simonetta Antonaroli, Matteo Ardini, Francesco Angelucci, Antonella Ricci and Roberto Pizzoferrato

Sensors 2022, 22(7), 2487; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22072487 - 24 Mar 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3493

Abstract

In this study, nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon dots (NS-CDs) were investigated for the detection of heavy metals in water through absorption-based colorimetric response. NS-CDs were synthesized by a simple one-pot hydrothermal method and characterized by TEM, STEM-coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis, [...] Read more.

In this study, nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon dots (NS-CDs) were investigated for the detection of heavy metals in water through absorption-based colorimetric response. NS-CDs were synthesized by a simple one-pot hydrothermal method and characterized by TEM, STEM-coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis, NMR, and IR spectroscopy. Addition of Cu(II) ions to NS-CD aqueous solutions gave origin to a distinct absorption band at 660 nm which was attributed to the formation of cuprammonium complexes through coordination with amino functional groups of NS-CDs. Absorbance increased linearly with Cu(II) concentration in the range 1–100 µM and enabled a limit of detection of 200 nM. No response was observed with the other tested metals, including Fe(III) which, however, appreciably decreased sensitivity to copper. Increase of pH of the NS-CD solution up to 9.5 greatly reduced this interference effect and enhanced the response to Cu(II), thus confirming the different nature of the two interactions. In addition, a concurrent response to Co(II) appeared in a different spectral region, thus suggesting the possibility of dual-species multiple sensitivity. The present method neither requires any other reagents nor any previous assay treatment and thus can be a promising candidate for low-cost monitoring of copper onsite and by unskilled personnel. Full article

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19 pages, 8081 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Naked-Eye Detection of Morphine by Au@Ag Nanoparticles-Based Colorimetric Chemosensors

by Tahereh Rohani Bastami, Mansour Bayat and Roberto Paolesse

Sensors 2022, 22(5), 2072; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22052072 - 7 Mar 2022

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3525

Abstract

In this study, we report a novel and facile colorimetric assay based on silver citrate-coated Au@Ag nanoparticles (Au@AgNPs) as a chemosensor for the naked-eye detection of morphine (MOR). The developed optical sensing approach relied on the aggregation of Au@Ag NPs upon exposure to [...] Read more.

In this study, we report a novel and facile colorimetric assay based on silver citrate-coated Au@Ag nanoparticles (Au@AgNPs) as a chemosensor for the naked-eye detection of morphine (MOR). The developed optical sensing approach relied on the aggregation of Au@Ag NPs upon exposure to morphine, which led to an evident color variation from light-yellow to brown. Au@Ag NPs have been prepared by two different protocols, using high- and low-power ultrasonic irradiation. The sonochemical method was essential for the sensing properties of the resulting nanoparticles. This facile sensing method has several advantages including excellent stability, selectivity, prompt detection, and cost-effectiveness. Full article

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35 pages, 8727 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Optical Fibre Ethanol Sensors: Current State and Future Prospects

by Sanober Farheen Memon, Ruoning Wang, Bob Strunz, Bhawani Shankar Chowdhry, J. Tony Pembroke and Elfed Lewis

Sensors 2022, 22(3), 950; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22030950 - 26 Jan 2022

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 6240

Abstract

A range of optical fibre-based sensors for the measurement of ethanol, primarily in aqueous solution, have been developed and are reviewed here. The sensing approaches can be classified into four groups according to the measurement techniques used, namely absorption (or absorbance), external interferometric, [...] Read more.

A range of optical fibre-based sensors for the measurement of ethanol, primarily in aqueous solution, have been developed and are reviewed here. The sensing approaches can be classified into four groups according to the measurement techniques used, namely absorption (or absorbance), external interferometric, internal fibre grating and plasmonic sensing. The sensors within these groupings can be compared in terms of their characteristic performance indicators, which include sensitivity, resolution and measurement range. Here, particular attention is paid to the potential application areas of these sensors as ethanol production is globally viewed as an important industrial activity. Potential industrial applications are highlighted in the context of the emergence of the internet of things (IoT), which is driving widespread utilization of these sensors in the commercially significant industrial and medical sectors. The review concludes with a summary of the current status and future prospects of optical fibre ethanol sensors for industrial use. Full article

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10 pages, 1708 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

A Lab-on-a-Chip Based Automatic Platform for Continuous Nitrites Sensing in Aquaculture

by Alexandro Catini, Rosamaria Capuano, Giuseppe Tancredi, Giulio Dionisi, Davide Di Giuseppe, Joanna Filippi, Eugenio Martinelli and Corrado Di Natale

Sensors 2022, 22(2), 444; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22020444 - 7 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2887

Abstract

In aquaculture, the density of fish stock, use of feeding, and surrounding environmental conditions can easily result in an excessive concentration of harmful compounds that require continuous monitoring. Chemical sensors are available for most of these compounds, however, operative conditions and continuous monitoring [...] Read more.

In aquaculture, the density of fish stock, use of feeding, and surrounding environmental conditions can easily result in an excessive concentration of harmful compounds that require continuous monitoring. Chemical sensors are available for most of these compounds, however, operative conditions and continuous monitoring in water make the development of sensors suitable for long and unattended deployments difficult. A possible solution is the development of engineered automatic labs where the uptake of sample and the contact with water is reduced and the use of a minimal quantity of reagents enables the implementation of reliable chemical assays. In this paper, a platform for automatic chemical assays is presented. The concept is demonstrated with the detection of nitrites based on the well-known colorimetric Griess reaction. The platform is centered around a lab-on-a-chip where reagents and water samples are mixed. The color of the reaction product is measured with low-cost optoelectronic components. Results show the feasibility of the approach with a minimum detectable concentration of about 0.1 mg/L which is below the tolerance level for aquaculture farms. Full article

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2021

Jump to: 2024, 2023, 2022

22 pages, 2761 KiB

Open AccessReview

Paper-Based Analytical Devices for Colorimetric and Luminescent Detection of Mercury in Waters: An Overview

by Carlos Bendicho, Isela Lavilla, Francisco Pena-Pereira, Inmaculada de la Calle and Vanesa Romero

Sensors 2021, 21(22), 7571; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21227571 - 14 Nov 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4570

Abstract

Lab-on-paper technologies, also known as paper-based analytical devices (PADs), have received increasing attention in the last years, and nowadays, their use has spread to virtually every application area, i.e., medical diagnostic, food safety, environmental monitoring, etc. Advantages inherent to on-field detection, which include [...] Read more.

Lab-on-paper technologies, also known as paper-based analytical devices (PADs), have received increasing attention in the last years, and nowadays, their use has spread to virtually every application area, i.e., medical diagnostic, food safety, environmental monitoring, etc. Advantages inherent to on-field detection, which include avoiding sampling, sample preparation and conventional instrumentation in central labs, are undoubtedly driving many developments in this area. Heavy metals represent an important group of environmental pollutants that require strict controls due to the threat they pose to ecosystems and human health. In this overview, the development of PADs for Hg monitoring, which is considered the most toxic metal in the environment, is addressed. The main emphasis is placed on recognition elements (i.e., organic chromophores/fluorophores, plasmonic nanoparticles, inorganic quantum dots, carbon quantum dots, metal nanoclusters, etc.) employed to provide suitable selectivity and sensitivity. The performance of both microfluidic paper-based analytical devices and paper-based sensors using signal readout by colorimetry and luminescence will be discussed. Full article

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16 pages, 2470 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Colorimetric Detection of Chromium(VI) Ions in Water Using Unfolded-Fullerene Carbon Nanoparticles

by Saeedeh Babazadeh, Ramanand Bisauriya, Marilena Carbone, Ludovica Roselli, Daniele Cecchetti, Elvira Maria Bauer, Simona Sennato, Paolo Prosposito and Roberto Pizzoferrato

Sensors 2021, 21(19), 6353; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21196353 - 23 Sep 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4108

Abstract

Water pollution caused by hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) ions represents a serious hazard for human health due to the high systemic toxicity and carcinogenic nature of this metal species. The optical sensing of Cr(VI) through specifically engineered nanomaterials has recently emerged as a versatile [...] Read more.

Water pollution caused by hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) ions represents a serious hazard for human health due to the high systemic toxicity and carcinogenic nature of this metal species. The optical sensing of Cr(VI) through specifically engineered nanomaterials has recently emerged as a versatile strategy for the application to easy-to-use and cheap monitoring devices. In this study, a one-pot oxidative method was developed for the cage opening of C₆₀ fullerene and the synthesis of stable suspensions of N-doped carbon dots in water–THF solutions (N-CDs-W-THF). The N-CDs-W-THF selectively showed variations of optical absorbance in the presence of Cr(VI) ions in water through the arising of a distinct absorption band peaking at 550 nm, i.e., in the transparency region of pristine material. Absorbance increased linearly, with the ion concentration in the range 1–100 µM, thus enabling visual and ratiometric determination with a limit of detection (LOD) of 300 nM. Selectivity and possible interference effects were tested over the 11 other most common heavy metal ions. The sensing process occurred without the need for any other reactant or treatment at neutral pH and within 1 min after the addition of chromium ions, both in deionized and in real water samples. Full article

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11 pages, 2286 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biochemical Methanol Gas Sensor (MeOH Bio-Sniffer) for Non-Invasive Assessment of Intestinal Flora from Breath Methanol

by Koji Toma, Kanako Iwasaki, Geng Zhang, Kenta Iitani, Takahiro Arakawa, Yasuhiko Iwasaki and Kohji Mitsubayashi

Sensors 2021, 21(14), 4897; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21144897 - 19 Jul 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3973

Abstract

Methanol (MeOH) in exhaled breath has potential for non-invasive assessment of intestinal flora. In this study, we have developed a biochemical gas sensor (bio-sniffer) for MeOH in the gas phase using fluorometry and a cascade reaction with two enzymes, alcohol oxidase (AOD) and [...] Read more.

Methanol (MeOH) in exhaled breath has potential for non-invasive assessment of intestinal flora. In this study, we have developed a biochemical gas sensor (bio-sniffer) for MeOH in the gas phase using fluorometry and a cascade reaction with two enzymes, alcohol oxidase (AOD) and formaldehyde dehydrogenase (FALDH). In the cascade reaction, oxidation of MeOH was initially catalyzed by AOD to produce formaldehyde, and then this formaldehyde was successively oxidized via FALDH catalysis together with reduction of oxidized form of β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺). As a result of the cascade reaction, reduced form of NAD (NADH) was produced, and MeOH vapor was measured by detecting autofluorescence of NADH. In the development of the MeOH bio-sniffer, three conditions were optimized: selecting a suitable FALDH for better discrimination of MeOH from ethanol in the cascade reaction; buffer pH that maximizes the cascade reaction; and materials and methods to prevent leaking of NAD⁺ solution from an AOD-FALDH membrane. The dynamic range of the constructed MeOH bio-sniffer was 0.32–20 ppm, which encompassed the MeOH concentration in exhaled breath of healthy people. The measurement of exhaled breath of a healthy subject showed a similar sensorgram to the standard MeOH vapor. These results suggest that the MeOH bio-sniffer exploiting the cascade reaction will become a powerful tool for the non-invasive intestinal flora testing. Full article

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13 pages, 3769 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phthalocyanine-Functionalized Magnetic Silica Nanoparticles as Anion Chemosensors

by João M. M. Rodrigues, Andreia S. F. Farinha, Zhi Lin, José A. S. Cavaleiro, Augusto C. Tome and Joao P. C. Tome

Sensors 2021, 21(5), 1632; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21051632 - 26 Feb 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2753

Abstract

Anionic species are one of the most common pollutants in residual and freshwaters. The presence of anthropogenic anions in water drastically increases the toxicity to living beings. Here, we report the preparation of a new optical active material based on tri(tosylamino)phthalocyanines grafted to [...] Read more.

Anionic species are one of the most common pollutants in residual and freshwaters. The presence of anthropogenic anions in water drastically increases the toxicity to living beings. Here, we report the preparation of a new optical active material based on tri(tosylamino)phthalocyanines grafted to ferromagnetic silica nanoparticles for anion detection and removal. The new unsymmetrical phthalocyanines (Pcs) proved to be excellent chemosensors for several anions (AcO−, Br−, Cl−, CN−, F−, H₂PO₄−, HSO₄−, NO₂−, NO₃−, and OH−) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Furthermore, the Pcs were grafted onto magnetic nanoparticles. The resulting novel hybrid material showed selectivity and sensitivity towards CN−, F−, and OH− anions in DMSO with limit of detection (LoD) of ≈4.0 µM. In water, the new hybrid chemosensor demonstrated selectivity and sensitivity for CN− and OH− anions with LoD of ≈0.2 µM. The new hybrids are easily recovered using a magnet, allowing recyclability and reusability, after acidic treatment, without losing the sensing proprieties. Full article

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