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Aryal P, Hefner C, Martinez B, Henry CS. Microfluidics in environmental analysis: advancements, challenges, and future prospects for rapid and efficient monitoring. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1175-1206. [PMID: 38165815 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00871a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices have emerged as advantageous tools for detecting environmental contaminants due to their portability, ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and rapid response capabilities. These devices have wide-ranging applications in environmental monitoring of air, water, and soil matrices, and have also been applied to agricultural monitoring. Although several previous reviews have explored microfluidic devices' utility, this paper presents an up-to-date account of the latest advancements in this field for environmental monitoring, looking back at the past five years. In this review, we discuss devices for prominent contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, nutrients, microorganisms, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), etc. We cover numerous detection methods (electrochemical, colorimetric, fluorescent, etc.) and critically assess the current state of microfluidic devices for environmental monitoring, highlighting both their successes and limitations. Moreover, we propose potential strategies to mitigate these limitations and offer valuable insights into future research and development directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Aryal
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
| | - Claire Hefner
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
| | - Brandaise Martinez
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
| | - Charles S Henry
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
- Metallurgy and Materials Science Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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2
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Buttkewitz MA, Heuer C, Bahnemann J. Sensor integration into microfluidic systems: trends and challenges. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2023; 83:102978. [PMID: 37531802 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
The combination of sensors and microfluidics has become a promising approach for detecting a wide variety of targets relevant in biotechnology. Thanks to recent advances in the manufacturing of microfluidic systems, microfluidics can be manufactured faster, cheaper, and more accurately than ever before. These advances make microfluidic systems very appealing as a basis for constructing sensor systems, and microfluidic devices have been adapted to house (bio)sensors for various applications (e.g. protein biomarker detection, cell culture oxygen control, and pathogen detection). This review article highlights several successfully integrated microfluidic sensor systems, with a focus on work that has been published within the last two years. Different sensor integration methods are discussed, and the latest trends in wearable- and smartphone-based sensors are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Buttkewitz
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | - Christopher Heuer
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany; Institute of Physics, University of Augsburg, 86159 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Janina Bahnemann
- Institute of Physics, University of Augsburg, 86159 Augsburg, Germany; Centre for Advanced Analytics and Predictive Sciences (CAAPS), University of Augsburg, 86159 Augsburg, Germany.
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3
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Filippidou MK, Chatzandroulis S. Microfluidic Devices for Heavy Metal Ions Detection: A Review. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1520. [PMID: 37630055 PMCID: PMC10456312 DOI: 10.3390/mi14081520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
The contamination of air, water and soil by heavy metal ions is one of the most serious problems plaguing the environment. These metal ions are characterized by a low biodegradability and high chemical stability and can affect humans and animals, causing severe diseases. In addition to the typical analysis methods, i.e., liquid chromatography (LC) or spectrometric methods (i.e., atomic absorption spectroscopy, AAS), there is a need for the development of inexpensive, easy-to-use, sensitive and portable devices for the detection of heavy metal ions at the point of interest. To this direction, microfluidic and lab-on-chip (LOC) devices fabricated with novel materials and scalable microfabrication methods have been proposed as a promising approach to realize such systems. This review focuses on the recent advances of such devices used for the detection of the most important toxic metal ions, namely, lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) ions. Particular emphasis is given to the materials, the fabrication methods and the detection methods proposed for the realization of such devices in order to provide a complete overview of the existing technology advances as well as the limitations and the challenges that should be addressed in order to improve the commercial uptake of microfluidic and LOC devices in environmental monitoring applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stavros Chatzandroulis
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, NCSR “Demokritos”, 15341 Aghia Paraskevi, Greece;
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Harnsoongnoen S, Buranrat B. Microwave Sensor for the Determination of DMSO Concentration in Water-DMSO Binary Mixture. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1378. [PMID: 37512689 PMCID: PMC10383328 DOI: 10.3390/mi14071378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
This research aims to develop a microwave sensor to accurately measure the concentration of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in water-DMSO binary mixtures. The proposed sensor will utilize microwave frequency measurements to determine the DMSO concentration, providing a non-invasive and efficient method for analyzing DMSO solutions. The research will involve the design, fabrication, and testing of the sensor, as well as the development of an appropriate calibration model. The outcomes of this study will contribute to improved monitoring and quality control in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, chemical synthesis, and biomedical research. The binary mixtures of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and water with varying concentrations were investigated in the frequency range of 1 GHz to 5 GHz at room temperature using a microwave sensor. The proposed microwave sensor design was based on an interdigital capacitor (IDC) microstrip antenna loaded with a hexagonal complementary ring resonator (HCRR). The performance of the sensor, fabricated using the print circuit board (PCB) technique, was validated through simulations and experiments. The reflection coefficient (S11) and resonance frequency (Fr) of binary mixtures of DMSO and water solutions were recorded and analyzed for DMSO concentrations ranging from 0% v/v to 75% v/v. Mathematical models were developed to analyze the data, and laboratory tests showed that the sensor can detect levels of DMSO/water binary mixtures. The sensor is capable of detecting DMSO concentrations ranging from 0% v/v to 75% v/v, with a maximum sensitivity of 0.138 dB/% for S11 and ΔS11 and 0.2 MHz/% for Fr and ΔFr at a concentration of 50% v/v. The developed microwave sensor can serve as an alternative for detecting DMSO concentrations in water using a simple and cost-effective technique. This method can effectively analyze a wide range of concentrations, including highly concentrated solutions, quickly and easily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supakorn Harnsoongnoen
- The Biomimicry for Sustainable Agriculture, Health, Environment and Energy Research Unit, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Kantarawichai District, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
| | - Benjaporn Buranrat
- Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Muang District, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand
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Balasubramanian PS, Lal A. GHz ultrasonic sensor for ionic content with high sensitivity and localization. iScience 2023; 26:106907. [PMID: 37305695 PMCID: PMC10250832 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensing the ionic content of a solution at high spatial and temporal resolution and sensitivity is a challenge in nanosensing. This paper describes a comprehensive investigation of the possibility of GHz ultrasound acoustic impedance sensors to sense the content of an ionic aqueous medium. At the 1.55 GHz ultrasonic frequency used in this study, the micron-scale wavelength and the decay lengths in liquid result in a highly localized sense volume with the added potential for high temporal resolution and sensitivity. The amplitude of the back reflected pulse is related to the acoustic impedance of the medium and a function of ionic species concentration of the KCl, NaCl, and CaCl2 solutions used in this study. A concentration sensitivity as high as 1 mM and concentration detection range of 0 to 3 M was achieved. These bulk acoustic wave pulse-echo acoustic impedance sensors can also be used to record dynamic ionic flux.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amit Lal
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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Hu T, Lai Q, Fan W, Zhang Y, Liu Z. Advances in Portable Heavy Metal Ion Sensors. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:4125. [PMID: 37112466 PMCID: PMC10143460 DOI: 10.3390/s23084125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal ions, one of the major pollutants in the environment, exhibit non-degradable and bio-chain accumulation characteristics, seriously damage the environment, and threaten human health. Traditional heavy metal ion detection methods often require complex and expensive instruments, professional operation, tedious sample preparation, high requirements for laboratory conditions, and operator professionalism, and they cannot be widely used in the field for real-time and rapid detection. Therefore, developing portable, highly sensitive, selective, and economical sensors is necessary for the detection of toxic metal ions in the field. This paper presents portable sensing based on optical and electrochemical methods for the in situ detection of trace heavy metal ions. Progress in research on portable sensor devices based on fluorescence, colorimetric, portable surface Raman enhancement, plasmon resonance, and various electrical parameter analysis principles is highlighted, and the characteristics of the detection limits, linear detection ranges, and stability of the various sensing methods are analyzed. Accordingly, this review provides a reference for the design of portable heavy metal ion sensing.
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Wu X, Xi J, Wei X, Yin C. An ultra-fast UV-electrochemical sensor based on Cu-MOF for highly sensitive and selective detection of ferric ions. Analyst 2023; 148:366-373. [PMID: 36533731 DOI: 10.1039/d2an01865a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A 2D Cu-MOF: {[CuL(H2O)]}n (Cu-1, H2L = 3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene-2,5-dicarboxylic acid) was synthesized using the hydrothermal method. Cu-1 showed excellent solvent stability and was used to fabricate a UV ferric ion sensor. An ultra-low limit of detection (LOD) at 14.5 fM was obtained. Furthermore, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as a 'turn-off' switch was introduced into the Cu-1 framework to construct another 2D Cu-MOF: {[CuL(DMF)]}n (Cu-2) by a single crystal to single crystal (SCSC) transformation method. Cu-2 lost the ability to recognize ferric ions and the switching effect of Fe3+ recognition was realized. Cyclic voltammograms (CVs) were employed to investigate this conversion process and provided a way for explaining the interaction mechanism between Cu-1 and ferric ions. We present an approach for designing and synthesizing MOFs that are suitable for ion sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Wu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules, Scientific Instrument Center, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, P. R. China
| | - Juanli Xi
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Xuehong Wei
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules, Scientific Instrument Center, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, P. R. China
| | - Caixia Yin
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
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Li Z, Liu H, Wang D, Zhang M, Yang Y, Ren TL. Recent advances in microfluidic sensors for nutrients detection in water. Trends Analyt Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2022.116790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Screen-printed electrochemical sensors for environmental monitoring of heavy metal ion detection. REV CHEM ENG 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/revce-2022-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Heavy metal ions (HMIs) are known to cause severe damages to the human body and ecological environment. And considering the current alarming situation, it is crucial to develop a rapid, sensitive, robust, economical and convenient method for their detection. Screen printed electrochemical technology contributes greatly to this task, and has achieved global attention. It enabled the mass transmission rate and demonstrated ability to control the chemical nature of the measure media. Besides, the technique offers advantages like linear output, quick response, high selectivity, sensitivity and stability along with low power requirement and high signal-to-noise ratio. Recently, the performance of SPEs has been improved employing the most effective and promising method of the incorporation of different nanomaterials into SPEs. Especially, in electrochemical sensors, the incorporation of nanomaterials has gained extensive attention for HMIs detection as it exhibits outstanding features like broad electrochemical window, large surface area, high conductivity, selectivity and stability. The present review focuses on the recent progress in the field of screen-printed electrochemical sensors for HMIs detection using nanomaterials. Different fabrication methods of SPEs and their utilization for real sample analysis of HMIs using various nanomaterials have been extensively discussed. Additionally, advancement made in this field is also discussed taking help of the recent literature.
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Liu K, Pan M, Zhang Z, Hong L, Xie X, Yang J, Wang S, Wang Z, Song Y, Wang S. Electrochemical sensor applying ZrO2/nitrogen-doped three-dimensional porous carbon nanocomposite for efficient detection of ultra-trace Hg2+ ions. Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1231:340392. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2022.340392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Koh LM, Khor SM. Current state and future prospects of sensors for evaluating polymer biodegradability and sensors made from biodegradable polymers: A review. Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1217:339989. [PMID: 35690422 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2022.339989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Since the invention of fully synthetic plastic in the 1900s, plastics have been extensively applied in various fields and represent a significant market due to their satisfactory properties. However, the non-biodegradable nature of most plastics has contributed to the accumulation of plastic waste, which poses a threat to both the environment and living beings. Given this, biodegradable polymers have emerged as eco-friendly substitutes for non-biodegradable polymers, and standard test methods have been established to evaluate polymer biodegradability. Technological advancement and the weaknesses of conventional test methods drive the invention of sensors that enable real-time monitoring of biodegradability. Besides, biodegradable polymers have been utilized to make sensors with different functionalities. Given this, the current paper is the first to compare and contrast sensors capable of identifying biodegradable polymers. The detection using sensors represents an innovative perspective for real-time monitoring of biodegradability. Besides, sensors made from biodegradable polymers are included, and these sensors are of different types and show various applications. Finally, the challenges associated with developing these sensors are described to advance future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lai Mun Koh
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sook Mei Khor
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Centre for Innovation in Medical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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12
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Alshawi JS, Mohammed MQ, Alesary HF, Ismail HK, Barton S. Voltammetric Determination of Hg 2+, Zn 2+, and Pb 2+ Ions Using a PEDOT/NTA-Modified Electrode. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:20405-20419. [PMID: 35722009 PMCID: PMC9202299 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c02682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
A novel electrochemical sensor for determining trace levels of Hg2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+ ions in water using square wave voltammetry (SWV) is reported. The sensor is based on a platinum electrode (Pt) modified by poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and N α,N α-bis-(carboxymethyl)-l-lysine hydrate (NTA lysine) PEDOT/NTA. The modified electrode surface (PEDOT/NTA) was prepared via the introduction of the lysine-NTA group to a PEDOT/N-hydroxyphthalimide NHP electrode. The (PEDOT/NTA) was characterized via cyclic voltammetry (CV), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of scan rates on the electrochemical properties of the polymer electrode were also investigated. The electrochemical results were used to estimate the coverage of the electrode polymer surface and its electrostability in background electrolyte solutions. Several analytical parameters, such as polymer film thickness, metal deposition time, and pH of the electrolyte, were examined. Linear responses to Hg2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+ ions in the concentration range of 5-100 μg L-1 were obtained. The limits of detection (LODs) for the determination of Hg2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+ ions were 1.73, 2.33, and 1.99 μg L-1, respectively. These promising results revealed that modified PEDOT/NTA films might well represent an important addition to existing electrochemical sensor technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasim
M. S. Alshawi
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Basrah, Basrah 61001, Iraq
| | - Mohammed Q. Mohammed
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Basrah, Basrah 61001, Iraq
| | - Hasan F. Alesary
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Science, University
of Kerbala, Karbala 56001, Iraq
| | - Hani K. Ismail
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Health, Koya University, Koya KOY45, Kurdistan Region −
F.R., Iraq
| | - Stephen Barton
- School
of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University London, Kingston-Upon-Thames KT1 1LQ, Surrey, U.K.
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Shi H, Jiang S, Liu B, Liu Z, Reis NM. Modern microfluidic approaches for determination of ions. Microchem J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2021.106845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Zhang K, Zhu G, Wei Y, Zhang L, Shen Y. Engineering of an Upconversion Luminescence Sensing Platform Based on the Competition Effect for Mercury-Ion Monitoring in Green Tea. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:8565-8570. [PMID: 34310878 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c03100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Accurately monitoring mercury ions (Hg2+) in food and agriculture-related matrixes (e.g., green tea) is of great significance to safeguard food safety. Here, we employed upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to engineer a cysteine (Cys)-assisted anti-Stokes luminescence sensing platform (UCNPs-AuNPs) for precisely detecting residual Hg2+ in green tea through the competition effect. Initially, AuNPs could effectively quench the luminescence of UCNPs through the luminescence resonance energy transfer process, which was then interrupted by Cys-triggered AuNP aggregation via Au-S, thereby restoring UCNP luminescence. Interestingly, owing to the competition effect with AuNPs toward Cys, Hg2+ could weaken the luminescence restoring efficiency, achieving a Hg2+ concentration-dependent luminescence change. On this basis, a facile, reliable, and sensitive upconversion luminescence sensing platform for monitoring residual Hg2+ in green tea was successfully established. This study offers a novel insight into integrating the competition effect and anti-Stokes luminescence for food- and agriculture-related contaminant monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keying Zhang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Spin Electron and Nanomaterials of Anhui Higher Education Institues; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, Anhui 234000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Guang Zhu
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Spin Electron and Nanomaterials of Anhui Higher Education Institues; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, Anhui 234000, China
| | - Yunlong Wei
- School of Food & Biological Engineering, Key Laboratory for Agricultural Products Processing of Anhui Province, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Spin Electron and Nanomaterials of Anhui Higher Education Institues; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, Anhui 234000, China
| | - Yizhong Shen
- School of Food & Biological Engineering, Key Laboratory for Agricultural Products Processing of Anhui Province, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
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