Rosalba Pitruzzella , Filipa Sequeira , Alessandra Cutaia , Chiara Marzano , Francesco Arcadio , Catarina Cardoso Novo , Ricardo Oliveira , Maria Pesavento , Luigi Zeni , Giancarla Alberti , Rogerio Nunes Nogueira , Nunzio Cennamo
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
In order to monitor analytes in liquid matrices, optical fiber probes in reflection mode can be exploited in several application fields. This work presents a novel sensing approach based on C-shaped waveguides obtained by filling PVC C-shaped channels with microbeads of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP-microbeads). Specifically, for the first time, MIP microbeads are used as a sensitive core of optical waveguides with several advantages. The MIP microbeads C-shaped waveguide is in contact with a polished plastic optical fiber (POF) at one end to connect the sensitive region with the light source and the detector in a reflection-based scheme via a simple POF-based splitter. As a proof of concept, the MIP-microbeads were prepared using 2-furaldehyde (2-FAL) as the template to compare the results with other optical fiber sensors. Moreover, to highlight the performance improvement of the proposed sensing approach compared to MIP-based configurations, a sensor based on an MIP (MIP-mass sensor) instead of MIP-microbeads has been developed, tested, and compared with the MIP-microbeads sensor and the state-of-the-art.
The results obtained via the MIP-microbeads sensor demonstrated the best performance, with an ultra-low detection limit at a pico-nano molar level and an ultra-wide detection concentration range of about four orders of magnitude. Moreover, the proposed optical-chemical sensor probe is small-size (at a micron scale), simple to realize, low-cost, mechanically robust, suitable for installation even in extreme conditions, and can be used in a real scenario where a reflection scheme sensor is required. An experimental test in the food application field is reported.
期刊介绍:
Talanta provides a forum for the publication of original research papers, short communications, and critical reviews in all branches of pure and applied analytical chemistry. Papers are evaluated based on established guidelines, including the fundamental nature of the study, scientific novelty, substantial improvement or advantage over existing technology or methods, and demonstrated analytical applicability. Original research papers on fundamental studies, and on novel sensor and instrumentation developments, are encouraged. Novel or improved applications in areas such as clinical and biological chemistry, environmental analysis, geochemistry, materials science and engineering, and analytical platforms for omics development are welcome.
Analytical performance of methods should be determined, including interference and matrix effects, and methods should be validated by comparison with a standard method, or analysis of a certified reference material. Simple spiking recoveries may not be sufficient. The developed method should especially comprise information on selectivity, sensitivity, detection limits, accuracy, and reliability. However, applying official validation or robustness studies to a routine method or technique does not necessarily constitute novelty. Proper statistical treatment of the data should be provided. Relevant literature should be cited, including related publications by the authors, and authors should discuss how their proposed methodology compares with previously reported methods.