Detection of Trace Amounts of Water in Organic Solvents by DNA-Based Nanomechanical Sensors

Abstract

The detection of trace amounts of water in organic solvents is of great importance in the field of chemistry and in the industry. Karl Fischer titration is known as a classic method and is widely used for detecting trace amounts of water; however, it has some limitations in terms of rapid and direct detection because of its time-consuming sample preparation and specific equipment requirements. Here, we found that a DNA-based nanomechanical sensor exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity to water vapor, leading to the detection and quantification of trace amounts of water in organic solvents as low as 12 ppm in THF, with a ppb level of LoD through their vapors. Since the present method is simple and rapid, it can be an alternative technique to the conventional Karl Fischer titration.

Lead-Free Antimony-Based Perovskite Nanocrystals as a Fluorescent Nanoprobe for the Turn-On Detection of Trace Water in Organic Solvents

“…7 However, it does encounter certain limitations such as requiring a long sample preparation time, specific equipment, and a stringent testing environment. 8 Recently, there has been increasing interest in optical methods for trace water detection due to their high sensitivity, fast detection speed, and simple operation. 9 For example, Douvali et al synthesized a Mg 2+ -based metal− organic framework (MOF), where hydrogen bonding between the electronegativity center (2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid) and water molecules resulted in an enhanced fluorescence signal.…”

“…The Karl Fischer titration method is a well-established technique commonly used for determination of the water content . However, it does encounter certain limitations such as requiring a long sample preparation time, specific equipment, and a stringent testing environment . Recently, there has been increasing interest in optical methods for trace water detection due to their high sensitivity, fast detection speed, and simple operation .…”

Temperature Dependence of Dynamic Properties of Poly(ethylene glycol) Molecules on a MHz-Oscillating Solid–Liquid Interface

“…Thus, a surface-blocking process is essential in constructing the signal transducers to avoid the nonspecific adsorption of target or nontarget molecules. Poly­(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and oligo­(ethylene oxide) (OEO) have been widely used as useful blocking materials because they repel proteins through steric repulsion and a water barrier. − The properties of PEG or OEO enable the versatile ability for label-free biosensors such as a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM).…”