Portable smartphone-integrated paper sensors for fluorescence detection of As(III) in groundwater

Abstract

Arsenic contamination in groundwater is a supreme environmental problem, and levels of this toxic metalloid must be strictly monitored by a portable, sensitive and selective analytical device. Herein, a new system of smartphone-integrated paper sensors with Cu nanoclusters was established for the effective detection of As(III) in groundwater. For the integration system, the fluorescence emissive peak of Cu nanoclusters at 600 nm decreased gradually with increasing As(III) addition. Meanwhile, the fluorescence colour also changed from orange to colourless, and the detection limit was determined as 2.93 nM (0.22 ppb) in a wide detection range. The interfering ions also cannot influence the detection selectivity of As(III). Furthermore, the portable paper sensors based on Cu nanoclusters were fabricated for visual detection of As(III) in groundwater. The quantitative determination of As(III) in natural groundwater has also been accomplished with the aid of a common smartphone. Our work has provided a portable and on-site detection technique toward As(III) in groundwater with high sensitivity and selectivity.

A Novel Fluorescent Aptasensor for Arsenic(III) Detection Based on a Triple-Helix Molecular Switch

“…These excellent biochemical properties make aptamers an ideal candidate recognition unit for developing biosensor systems for biological analysis [12]. In recent years, people have devoted themselves to the development of simple, cheap and selective As (III) detection sensors [13]. Among them, fluorescent aptamer detection has developed rapidly because of its high sensitivity, strong specificity, and simple and rapid reaction [14].…”

Native Fluorescent Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents for Green Sensing Applications: Curcuminoids in Curcuma longa Powder

“…18,19 Fluorescence may be a more suitable candidate for portable devices compared with UV detection because of its higher sensitivity and selectivity. 20 Curcumin, the main curcuminoid of Curcuma longa, is a highly valuable product, being used since ancient times in the food and health industries. 21,22 Besides, the determination of curcuminoids is a challenging analytical task considering their water insolubility and high degradability.…”

“…Fluorescence-based detection has been extensively used for the design of sensors and biosensors. , 3D-printable analytical devices have lately attracted much attention from the scientific community due to their enormous advantages, such as low cost, unique portability, quick response, lightweight, flexibility, and, mainly, the possibility of in situ analysis. , Fluorescence may be a more suitable candidate for portable devices compared with UV detection because of its higher sensitivity and selectivity …”