Magnetically Controllable Paper-Based Soft Robots for Colorimetric Detection of Heavy Metal Ions

Magnetically controllable soft robots are of great interest because they have unique properties compared with conventional rigid counterparts and can be used in diverse applications such as intelligent electronics, bionics, personalized medicine, and cargo grasping. However, the fabrication of such multifunctional soft robots has been challenging because of the integration of dissimilar materials into the robot body. Herein, we designed and fabricated a soft robotic multifunctional system using conventional papers and elastomeric polymers for the colorimetric detection of heavy metal ions (Hg2+ and Fe3+) in water samples. The magnetic actuation of the platforms was shown to correlate with the type of underlying paper and magnetic particle content in the mixtures. Moreover, it was observed that actuation can also be manipulated by controlling the magnetic field strength. A proof-of-concept robotic paper-based Hg2+, Zn2+, and Fe3+ ion detection was demonstrated by combining colorimetric paper sensors and magneto-papers. Our study highlights the significant potential of paper as a material for the fabrication of effective and multifunctional untethered soft robots.

Development of a dye nanoparticle-loaded test strip for the Zn(II) determination in metal plating wastes

Zincon/Latex-NR₃⁺ nanocomposite-loaded dye nanoparticle coated test strip (Zincon/Latex-NR₃⁺ DNTS) was fabricated to detect Zn(II) in plating wastewater by a unique color change from red-purple to deep blue and evaluated its detection performance in actual plating samples. The 5 × 5 mm square-cut DNTS attached sticks were immersed into 10 mL aliquots of aqueous solutions containing Zn(II) ion and 0.01 M TAPS buffer at pH 8.4 with stirring at 250 rpm for 60 min. The calibration curve for Zn(II) was prepared based on the integrated area intensity of reflectance by TLC at 620 nm with the 3σ detection limit was 48.61 ppb, and the quantitative range was approximately up to 1000 ppb. Although Cu(II), Mn(II), Ni(II), and Co(II) showed competitive interference due to complex formation with Zincon, a mixture of masking reagent including thiourea, 2-aminoethanthiol, and o-phenanthroline was effective in removing the contamination. To eliminate Cr(III) interference based on the incorporation of Zn(II) into Cr(III) hydrolyzed polymer, adding KBrO₃ and H₂SO₄ under boiling for several minutes was required. With appropriate pretreatment, all results of actual plating water samples by Zincon/LatexNR₃⁺ DNTS were close to those of ICP-OES.

Analytical chemistry toward on-site diagnostics

Analytical Chemistry, through quantitative and/or qualitative analysis (identification), is a discipline that involves the development of methodologies and the exploration of new principles to obtain answers to given problems. In situ analysis techniques have attracted attention for its ability to elucidate phenomena occurring and to evaluate amount of a certain component in substances at real time and biological samples as applications of such analysis technology. Lots of techniques have been performed to understand the fundamental phenomena in varied fields such as X-ray, vibrational, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopies and also analytical reagents that enable to semi-quantitative analysis just observation. In fact, applying various in situ techniques in analytical chemistry expands to the medical diagnosis, which leads to be able to detect early diseases. Here, we describe some of previous researches in many fields such as electrochemical device for energy storage, biology, environment, and pathology and briefly introduce our recent challenges to analytical chemistry toward the on-site diagnosis.

Biodegradable, three-dimensional colorimetric fliers for environmental monitoring

Recently reported winged microelectronic systems offer passive flight mechanisms as a dispersal strategy for purposes in environmental monitoring, population surveillance, pathogen tracking, and other applications. Initial studies indicate potential for technologies of this type, but advances in structural and responsive materials and in aerodynamically optimized geometries are necessary to improve the functionality and expand the modes of operation. Here, we introduce environmentally degradable materials as the basis of 3D fliers that allow remote, colorimetric assessments of multiple environmental parameters-pH, heavy metal concentrations, and ultraviolet exposure, along with humidity levels and temperature. Experimental and theoretical investigations of the aerodynamics of these systems reveal design considerations that include not only the geometries of the structures but also their mass distributions across a range of bioinspired designs. Preliminary field studies that rely on drones for deployment and for remote colorimetric analysis by machine learning interpretation of digital images illustrate scenarios for practical use.

Colorimetric analysis based on solid-phase extraction with sedimentable dispersed particulates: demonstration of concept and application for on-site environmental water analysis

A novel simple and functional colorimetric methodology for on-site environmental water analysis was proposed. This method combines coloration of the analyte and extraction of the colored species on dispersed particulates during their sedimentation in the same container. The whole analysis can be performed within 15 min by comprising the addition of 1 mL of sample solution into a 1.5-mL microtube containing the powders of coloring reagents and the sedimentable fine particulates as an adsorbent. The analyte is determined by comparing the sediment color with the standard color by visual inspection or the color information of the photo image. The potential of this methodology was demonstrated through developing colorimetry for Fe²⁺ with o-phenanthroline, NO₂^- by azo-dye formation, HCHO by the MBTH method, and PO₄^3- by the 4-aminoantipyrine method based on the enzyme reactions. The material, size, amount of the adsorbent particles, and other conditions were optimized for each analytes. The advantages of the methodology were as follows: high sensitivity, easy controllability of the sensitivity over the wide range by the amount, size, and material of the particulates, lower interference from the colored matrix components due to obtaining the color data from not the aqueous phase but the sedimented particulates, and acceleration of the color development rate by the particulates as seen in NO₂^- determination as consequence shorten the operation time. A simple device equipped with twin cells was proposed for on-site analysis which contains two successive different coloring operations. The developed methods were successfully applied to the environmental water samples with the good agreement of the results with those by the usual instrumental methods.

Photophysical Details and O2-Sensing Analysis of a Eu(III) Complex in Polymer Composite Nanofibers Prepared by Electrospinning

An as-synthesized Eu(III) complex, denoted as Eu(N-DPNQ)(TTD)₃, was prepared and characterized, and the antenna mechanism between these ligands and central metal emitter was studied. Here DPNQ means 10-ethyl-10H-indolo [2′,3':5,6]pyrazino[2,3-f][1,10]phenanthroline and TTD is 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(thiophen-2-yl)butane-1,3-dione. We find that Eu(N-DPNQ)(TTD)₃ emission intensity dependents on oxygen concentration, and O₂-sensing skill of Eu(N-DPNQ)(TTD)₃ in polymer composite nanofibers of poly (vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) prepared by electrospinning is investigated. Results reveal that the emission quenching of Eu(N-DPNQ)(TTD)₃ is caused by the ground state (triplet) oxygen quenching on antenna ligands triplet state. The Eu(N-DPNQ)(TTD)₃ doped composite nanofiber with a loading level of 6 wt% exhibits the best result with sensitivity of 2.43 and response time of 10 s, along with linear response.

Understanding fluorometric interactions in ion-responsive sustainable polymer nanocomposite scaffolds

The fluorescent colour in biodegradable and biocompatible flexible polymer nanocomposite gels was modulated in order to gain insight into the interfacial interactions of functional scaffolds with metal ions. The hybrid nanomaterials were introduced into the polymer matrix to obtain mechanically robust porous morphologies where the intrinsic luminescence matrix was found to critically enhance the threshold of the visual detection limits. The quenching of fluorescence intensity has been predominantly attributed to the interactions of functional receptors of luminescent nanofillers with respect to the chromophores of the fluorescent matrix. The chromium ion is selected to understand the change in fluorescence intensity of the nanocomposite gel with the degree of metal ion adsorption. The number of functional nanomaterials loaded into the matrix and the luminescence nature of the base polymer are varied with the purpose of gaining insight into the remote sensing mechanism of the colorimetric fluorescent probe.

Colorimetric Sensing of Pb2+ Ion by Using Ag Nanoparticles in the Presence of Dithizone

Colorimetric analysis of heavy metal ions can be realized by the aid of Ag nanoparticles to improve the analytical characteristics. The method is based on the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties of the Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs). In this work, we applied the AgNPs with the addition of dithizone to further improve the selectivity and sensitivity of Pb2+ analysis. Colorimetric sensing of Pb2+ ions based on the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-stabilized-colloidal AgNPs in the presence of dithizone is reported. A linear decrease in the AgNPs LSPR absorbance at 421 nm was observed along with the increase in the Pb2+ concentration in the range of 0.50–10 µg/L. The other ions give a minor change in the LSPR absorbance of colloidal AgNPs. The Pb2+ limit of detection, the limit of quantification, and sensitivity were found to be 0.64 ± 0.04 µg/L, 2.1 ± 0.15 µg/L, 0.0282 ± 0.0040 L/µg (n = 5), respectively. The obtained sensitivity is comparable with that of the immunosensing method. The proposed method could offer a good alternative for colorimetric analysis of Pb2+ ions by using nanoparticles in the presence of ligands, which can improve selectivity.

Reliable quantification of mercury in natural waters using surface modified magnetite nanoparticles

Reliable determination of mercury (Hg) in natural waters is a major analytical challenge due to its low concentration and to the risk of Hg losses or contamination during sampling, storage and pre-treatment of samples. The present work proposes a simple, efficient, sensitive and easy-handling methodology for extraction, pre-concentration and quantification of total dissolved mercury in natural waters, using iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) coated with silica shells functionalized with dithiocarbamate groups (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂SiDTC). Ten mg L^-1 of these NPs were sufficient to remove 83-97% of 500 to 10 ng L^-1 of Hg in ultra-pure water and artificial seawater, used as model Hg solutions, within 24 h. Mercury sorbed to the NPs was then measured directly by thermal decomposition atomic absorption spectrometry with gold amalgamation. The detection limit of approximately 1.8 ng L^-1 is lower than the values reported in dispersive solid phase extraction for other magnetic sorbents. As a proof-of-concept, the proposed methodology was successfully tested in real samples of fresh and saline waters and more than 91% of Hg was recovered. With this methodology the extraction and pre-concentration steps may be carried out in situ decreasing the risk of Hg losses or contamination during sampling, storage and pre-treatment of water samples.

Facile Ag-Film Based Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Using DNA Molecular Switch for Ultra-Sensitive Mercury Ions Detection

Heavy metal pollution has long been the focus of attention because of its serious threat to human health and the environment. Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has shown great potential for metal detection owing to many advantages, including, requiring fewer samples, its minimal damage to specimen, and its high sensitivity. In this work, we proposed a simple and distinctive method, based on SERS, using facile silver film (Ag-film) combined with a DNA molecular switch, which allowed for the highly specific detection of heavy metal mercury ions (Hg²⁺). When in the presence of Hg²⁺ ions, the signals from Raman probes attach to single-stranded DNA, which will be dramatically enhanced due to the specific structural change of DNA strands-resulting from the interaction between Hg²⁺ ions and DNA bases. This SERS sensor could achieve an ultralow limit of detection (1.35 × 10^-15 M) for Hg²⁺ detection. In addition, we applied this SERS sensor to detect Hg²⁺ in real blood samples. The results suggested that this SERS platform could be a promising alternative tool for Hg²⁺ detection in clinical, environmental, and food inspection.

Detection of mercury ions in water using a membrane-based colorimetric sensor

The effectiveness of a colorimetric sensor is highly influential by the morphology characteristics of a membrane platform that affect the color change responses.

A Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR)-based, simple, receptor-free and regeneratable Hg(2+) detection system

A simple, receptor-free and regeneratable Hg(2+) sensor, which utilizes localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) shifts of a gold nanorod (GNR), has been developed. Precipitation induced by coordination of Hg(2+) to citrate alters the local refractive index (RI) around the GNR surface on glass slide, promoting a red-shift in its LSPR absorption peak. This phenomenon is used to design a sensor that enables quantitative detection of Hg(2+) in the 1nM to 1mM concentration range with good linearity (0.9507 correlation coefficient) and limit of detection (LOD) is reached to 0.38nM. A high selectivity of this sensor for Hg(2+) is demonstrated by the specific LSPR red-shift of 27.67nm promoted by Hg(2+) in comparison to those caused by other metal ions. In addition, the reusability of the new sensor chip is shown by its successful reuse eight-times following successive washing/precipitation steps. Lastly, the sensor displays excellent recoveries in spiking test with real water samples, such as tap water, lake and river. The simple combination of precipitation of Hg(2+)-citrate complex and the LSPR red-shift has led to the design of a novel sensing strategy for Hg(2+) detection.

Interaction evaluation of silver and dithizone complexes using DFT calculations and NMR analysis

Silver has distinct antibacterial properties and has been used as a component of commercial products with many applications. An increasing number of commercial products cause risks of silver effects for human and environment such as the symptoms of Argyria and the release of silver to the environment. Therefore, the detection of silver in the aquatic environment is important. The colorimetric chemosensor is designed by the basic of ligand interactions with metal ion, leading to the change of signals for the naked-eyes which is very useful method to this application. Dithizone ligand is considered as one of the effective chelating reagents for metal ions due to its high selectivity and sensitivity of a photochromic reaction for silver as well as the linear backbone of dithizone affords the rotation of various isomeric forms. The present study is focused on the conformation and interaction of dithizone with silver using density functional theory (DFT). The interaction parameters were determined in term of binding energy of complexes and the geometry optimization, frequency of the structures and calculation of binding energies using density functional approaches B3LYP and the 6-31G(d,p) basis set. Moreover, the interaction of silver-dithizone complexes was supported by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectrum that were simulated by using B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) and (1)H NMR spectra calculation using B3LYP/6-311+G(2d,p) method compared with the experimental data. The results showed the ion exchange interaction between hydrogen of dithizone and silver atom with minimized binding energies of silver-dithizone interaction. Therefore, the results can be the useful information for determination of complex interaction using the analysis of computer simulations.

Multiple signal amplified electrochemiluminescent immunoassay for Hg2+ using graphene-coupled quantum dots and gold nanoparticles-labeled horseradish peroxidase

A multiple signal amplification strategy was designed for an ultrasensitive competitive immunoassay for Hg(2+). This strategy was achieved using graphene conjugated with a large number of CdSe quantum dots to enhance the basal signal and enormous horseradish peroxidase (HRP) labeled with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to consume the coreactant H2O2 generated in situ. The immunosensor was constructed by immobilization of coating antigen on poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)-graphene-CdSe composites (PDDA-GN-CdSe), and a strong electrochemiluminescence (ECL) signal was obtained. When the immunosensor was immersed in antibody-AuNPs-HRP composites, the ECL signal greatly decreased, which was ascribed to the bound enzyme on the electrode surface. The self-produced coreactant H2O2 was consumed by o-phenylenediamine in the presence of enzyme, effectively decreasing the ECL intensity from the quantum dots. The Hg(2+) in solution and the corresponding coating antigen competed for the limited antibody, and thus, the ECL intensity was linearly dependent on the logarithm of the mercury(II) concentration from 0.2 to 1000 ng mL(-1) with a detection limit of 0.06 ng mL(-1). The immunoassay exhibited good stability and accuracy and acceptable reproducibility, indicating that it provides a promising approach for the detection of trace mercury and other small molecular compounds in environmental samples.

Robust transparent mesoporous silica membranes as matrices for colorimetric sensors

Transparent functionalized mesoporous silica membranes have been prepared with high surface areas (∼500 m² g⁻¹) that exhibit high sensitivities for colorimetric detection and sensing of dilute heavy-metal ions (e.g., Pb²⁺).

Flow injection chemiluminescence immunoassay based on resin beads, enzymatic amplification and a novel monoclonal antibody for determination of Hg2+

A convenient competitive immunoassay of Hg²⁺ using carboxylic resin beads, specific monoclonal antibody and enzymatic amplification is proposed with flow injection chemiluminescence detection.

Highly sensitive SERS sensor for mercury ions based on the catalytic reaction of mercury ion decorated Ag nanoparticles

Schematic diagram of the SERS sensing mechanism for mercury ions by a catalytic oxidation reaction.

Sensitive determination of trace mercury by UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy after complexation and membrane filtration-enrichment

A simple, sensitive and selective solid phase reflectometry method is proposed for the determination of trace mercury in aqueous samples. The complexation reagent dithizone was firstly injected into the properly buffered solution with vigorous stirring, which started a simultaneous formation of nanoparticles suspension of dithizone and its complexation reaction with the mercury(II) ions to make Hg-dithizone nanoparticles. After a definite time, the mixture was filtered with membrane, and then quantified directly on the surface of the membrane by using integrating sphere accessory of the UV-visible spectrophotometer. The quantitative analysis was carried out at a wavelength of 485 nm since it yielded the largest difference in diffuse reflectance spectra before and after reaction with mercury(II).A good linear correlation in the range of 0.2-4.0 μg/L with a squared correlation coefficient (R(2)) of 0.9944 and a detection limit of 0.12 μg/L were obtained. The accuracy of the method was evaluated by the analysis of spiked mercury(II) concentrations determined using this method along with those determined by the atomic fluorescence mercury vapourmeter and the results obtained were in good agreement. The proposed method was applied to the determination of mercury in tap water and river water samples with the recovery in an acceptable range (95.7-105.3%).

Highly sensitive and specific determination of mercury(II) ion in water, food and cosmetic samples with an ELISA based on a novel monoclonal antibody

Mercury is one of the most toxic heavy metals present in the environment. In this study, a highly sensitive and specific monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the determination of Hg(2+) was developed. A new bifunctional ligand, 6-mercaptonicotinic acid (MNA), which contains a pyridine ring bearing a carboxylic group and a mercapto group, was selected for the preparation of immunogen. After immunization of mice and performing the hybridoma technique, the obtained mAb was characterized for its binding affinity and selectivity for Hg(2+). Based on this novel mAb, an ELISA was established. At optimal experimental conditions, the standard curve of the ELISA for Hg(2+) was constructed in concentration range of 0.1-100 ng mL(-1). The values of IC(50) and LOD of the assay were found to be 1.12 and 0.08 ng mL(-1). The cross-reactivity was lower than 2% with MNA, CH(3)Hg, and CH(3)Hg-MNA and was 11.5% and 4.4% for Hg(+) and Au(3+), respectively. No cross-reactivity was found with other metal ions such as Cu(2+), Sn(2+), Ni(2+), Mn(2+), Pb(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), Fe(2+), Co(2+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), and anions such as Cl(-), NO(3)(-), NO(2)(-), HCO(3)(-), F(-), and SO(4)(2-), indicating that the assay displays not only high sensitivity but also high selectivity. Different kinds of samples including water, milk, green vegetable, kelp, facial cleanser, and night cream were spiked with Hg(2+) and the extracts were analyzed by ELISA. Acceptable recovery rates of 80.0-113.0% and coefficients of variation of 1.9-18.6% were obtained. A linear relationship between ELISA and cold-vapor atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (CV-AFS) as indicated by a correlation coefficient of 0.97 for liquid samples (water samples) and 0.98 for other samples was obtained. The proposed mAb-based ELISA provides a feasible analytical method for highly sensitive and specific, fast, simple, and accurate determination of uncomplexed trace Hg(2+) in environmental and food samples.

A nanofiber functionalized with dithizone by co-electrospinning for lead (II) adsorption from aqueous media

An electrospun nanofiber was utilized as a sorbent in packed fiber solid phase extraction (PFSPE) for selective separation and preconcentration of lead (II). The nanofiber had a polystyrene (PS) backbone, which was functionalized with dithizone (DZ) by co-electrospinning of a PS solution containing DZ. The nanofiber exhibited its performance in a cartridge prepared by packing 5mg of nanofiber. The nanofiber was characterized by a scanning electron microscope and IR spectra. The diameter of the nanofiber was less than 400 nm. After being activated by 2.0 mol L(-1) NaOH aqueous solution, the nanofiber quantitatively sorbed lead (II) at pH 8.5, and the metal ion could be desorbed from it by three times of elution with a small volume of 0.1 mol L(-1) HNO(3) aqueous solution. The breakthrough capacity was 16 μg mg(-1). The nanofiber could be used for concentration of lead (II) from water and other aqueous media, such as plasma with stable recovery in a simple and convenient manner.

Surface modified electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) membranes for extracting nanoparticles from water

Contamination of water from nanomaterials will be an emerging problem in the future due to incorporation of nanomaterials in many commercial products and improper disposal of waste materials. In this report, electrospun polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers (PVA NFs) with diameters ranging between 300 and 500 nm were used for the extraction of nanosized contaminants from the aqueous environment. To obtain the best extraction efficiency, surface hydroxyl groups of PVA NFs were chemically modified with functional groups, such as thiols and amines. Two model nanoparticles (silver and gold) dissolved in water were used for adsorption studies. Depending on the nature of the surface functionalities, the fibers showed unique ability to adsorb nanoparticles. The extraction studies revealed that the amine and thiol modified PVA NFs showed 90% extraction efficiency for both silver and gold nanoparticles. The thiol and amine functionalized PVA NFs showed maximum adsorption capacities (Q(t)) towards Au NPs, which were around 79-84 mg g(-1). Similarly for Ag NP extraction, amine functionalized PVA NFs showed a value for Q(t) at 56 mg g(-1). Our results highlight that functionalized nanofibers have high extraction efficiency for dissolved nanoparticles in water and can be used for removal of the nanocontaminants from the aqueous environment.