Paper-Based Potentiometric Sensors for Nicotine Determination in Smokers’ Sweat

Abstract

Herein, we describe for the first time, the design and fabrication of a novel nicotine paper-based sensor, in which a miniaturized paper reference electrode is integrated for potentiometric measurements. The paper-based sensors were designed using printed wax barriers to define the electrochemical cell and the sample zones. The electrodes were based on the use of the ion association complexes of the nicotinium cation (Nic) with either tetraphenylborate (TPB) or 5-nitrobarbiturate (NB) counter anions as sensing materials for nicotine recognition. A poly (3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly-(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT/PSS) conducting polymer was used as an ion-to-electron transducer. The performance characteristics of the proposed sensors were evaluated and it revealed a rapid and stable response with a Nernstian slope of 55.2 ± 0.3 and 51.2 ± 0.6 mV/decade over the linear range of 1.0 × 10 –5 to 1.0 × 10 –2 M and detection limits of 6.0 and 8.0 μM for [Nic/TPB] and [Nic/NB], respectively. The sensors revealed a constant response over the pH range 3.5–6.5. The designed sensors provided a portable, inexpensive, and disposable way of measuring trace levels of nicotine coming from different cigarettes and in the collected human sweat of heavy smokers. All results were compared favorably with those obtained by the standard gas chromatographic method.

Flexible Sweat Sensors: From Films to Textiles

“…Table summarizes some of the potentiometric sensors. This method is commonly used for electrolyte ion monitoring, such as Na + , K + , Cl – , pH, etc. − The ion selectivity usually relies on ion-selective carriers, such as Sodium Ionophore X, valerian (Potassium ionophore I), Chloride Ionophore I, and Hydrogen ionophore I, and after finding suitable selective substances, the measured substances can also be expanded to molecules, such as lactate and nicotine . The sensitivity calculation relies on the Nernst equation, and the sensitivity of monovalent ions should be 59.16 mV/decade .…”

Hospitals and Laboratories on Paper-Based Sensors: A Mini Review

“…There is indeed a concern that most environmental inspection assays could not meet outdoor onsite detection due to the requirements of complicated instruments and a relative long detection time [ 73 ]. With properties of low cost, easy operation, great portability, and easy disposal, paper-based sensors were found reliable to detect carbon dioxide [ 33 ], airborne particulate [ 74 ], volatile organic compounds [ 75 ] in the air, heavy metals [ 76 ], phosphates [ 77 ], inorganic element ions [ 78 , 79 , 80 ], nitrite [ 81 ], and nicotine [ 82 ] in the water.…”

Paper-Based Potentiometric Device for Rapid and Selective Determination of Salicylhydroxamate as a Urinary Struvite Stone Inhibitor

“…Recently, great attention has been paid towards paper-based analytical devices as a powerful tool for environmental monitoring and point-of-care (POC) testing. ,− This can be explained by their self-pumping ability and suitability for different analytical methods . The use of paper in the design of these analytical devices lies in its low cost, lightweight, flexible characteristics, compatibility with a wide range of patterning methods, and easily disposable flow generation without the need of external pumps.…”