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Fullerene-C60 sensor for ultra-high sensitive detection of bisphenol-A and its treatment by green technology
06 November 2012,
11:54:21
Publication year:
2012
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Volume 176
Jahangir Ahmad Rather, Karolien De Wael
Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) are environmental pollutants that, once incorporated into an organism, affect the hormonal balance of humans and various species. Its presence in environment is of great importance in water quality related questions. The proposed method describes the development of an accurate, sensitive and selective sensor for the detection of bisphenol-A (BPA) and its treatment by green technology. A fullerene (C60) fabricated electrochemical sensor was developed for the ultrasensitive detection of BPA. The homemade sensor was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronocoulometry. The influence of measuring parameters such as pH and C60 loading on the analytical performance of the sensor was evaluated. Various kinetic parameters such as electron transfer number (n); charge transfer coefficient (α); electrode surface area (A) and diffusion coefficient (D) were also calculated. Under the optimal conditions, the oxidation peak current was linear over the concentration range of 74nM to 0.23μM with the detection limit (LOD) of 3.7nM. The fabricated sensor was successfully applied to the determination of BPA in wastewater samples and it has promising analytical applications for the direct determination of BPA at trace level.
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Volume 176
Jahangir Ahmad Rather, Karolien De Wael
Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) are environmental pollutants that, once incorporated into an organism, affect the hormonal balance of humans and various species. Its presence in environment is of great importance in water quality related questions. The proposed method describes the development of an accurate, sensitive and selective sensor for the detection of bisphenol-A (BPA) and its treatment by green technology. A fullerene (C60) fabricated electrochemical sensor was developed for the ultrasensitive detection of BPA. The homemade sensor was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronocoulometry. The influence of measuring parameters such as pH and C60 loading on the analytical performance of the sensor was evaluated. Various kinetic parameters such as electron transfer number (n); charge transfer coefficient (α); electrode surface area (A) and diffusion coefficient (D) were also calculated. Under the optimal conditions, the oxidation peak current was linear over the concentration range of 74nM to 0.23μM with the detection limit (LOD) of 3.7nM. The fabricated sensor was successfully applied to the determination of BPA in wastewater samples and it has promising analytical applications for the direct determination of BPA at trace level.
Plastic pillar inserts for three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures in 96-well plates
06 November 2012,
11:54:21
Publication year:
2012
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
Dong Woo Lee, Sang Hyun Yi, Se Hoon Jeong, Bosung Ku, Jhingook Kim, Moo-Yeal Lee
We have developed a plastic pillar insert to facilitate miniaturized three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures in 96-well plates by forming 3D hydrogel droplets containing cells (about 1μL) on the tip of the pillar insert. Hemispherical 3D droplets containing cells were formed simply by immersing the tip of the pillar insert into a mixture of poly-L-lysine (PLL) and BaCl2 in a cell-encapsulation apparatus, followed by dipping it into cell suspension in alginate. Compared to traditional 3D cell culture platforms such as polymer scaffolds in 96 wells and 3D hanging drop plates, it allows us to easily change cell growth media or expose 3D cells to reagents by immersing the tip of the pillar inserts in different 96 wells filled with growth media or reagents. As a proof of concept, A549 and PC9 cell lines from human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were grown on the pillar insert and tested for cytotoxicity with Erlotinib. Both cells on the tip of the pillar insert grew over time, forming 3D structures unlike traditional 2D cell monolayer cultures and mimicking in vivo-like cellular microenvironment. The number of cells in alginate droplets was linearly proportional to the cell seeding density. The doubling time of A549 and PC9 cells were 15.9h and 16.1h, respectively, which were similar to those obtained from traditional 2D cell cultures. IC50 values from A549 and PC9 cells exposed to Erlotinib for 3 days were 15.2±7.0μM and 1.7±0.4nM, respectively, indicating that PC9 cells with EGFR mutation are highly sensitive to Erlotinib. Interestingly, the IC50 value of 3D PC9 cells grown on the pillar insert was 6 times lower than those obtained from 2D PC9 cells grown on the surface of 96-wells, whereas the IC50 value of 3D A549 cells were 5 times higher than those from 2D A549 cells. The result may represent that A549 and PC9 cells grown on the pillar insert are better mimicking what happens in humans.
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
Dong Woo Lee, Sang Hyun Yi, Se Hoon Jeong, Bosung Ku, Jhingook Kim, Moo-Yeal Lee
We have developed a plastic pillar insert to facilitate miniaturized three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures in 96-well plates by forming 3D hydrogel droplets containing cells (about 1μL) on the tip of the pillar insert. Hemispherical 3D droplets containing cells were formed simply by immersing the tip of the pillar insert into a mixture of poly-L-lysine (PLL) and BaCl2 in a cell-encapsulation apparatus, followed by dipping it into cell suspension in alginate. Compared to traditional 3D cell culture platforms such as polymer scaffolds in 96 wells and 3D hanging drop plates, it allows us to easily change cell growth media or expose 3D cells to reagents by immersing the tip of the pillar inserts in different 96 wells filled with growth media or reagents. As a proof of concept, A549 and PC9 cell lines from human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were grown on the pillar insert and tested for cytotoxicity with Erlotinib. Both cells on the tip of the pillar insert grew over time, forming 3D structures unlike traditional 2D cell monolayer cultures and mimicking in vivo-like cellular microenvironment. The number of cells in alginate droplets was linearly proportional to the cell seeding density. The doubling time of A549 and PC9 cells were 15.9h and 16.1h, respectively, which were similar to those obtained from traditional 2D cell cultures. IC50 values from A549 and PC9 cells exposed to Erlotinib for 3 days were 15.2±7.0μM and 1.7±0.4nM, respectively, indicating that PC9 cells with EGFR mutation are highly sensitive to Erlotinib. Interestingly, the IC50 value of 3D PC9 cells grown on the pillar insert was 6 times lower than those obtained from 2D PC9 cells grown on the surface of 96-wells, whereas the IC50 value of 3D A549 cells were 5 times higher than those from 2D A549 cells. The result may represent that A549 and PC9 cells grown on the pillar insert are better mimicking what happens in humans.
Novel Sensor Based on Ag/Ag2S Electrode for in Situ Measurement of Dissolved H2S in High Temperature and Pressure Fluids
06 November 2012,
11:54:21
Publication year:
2012
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
R.H. Zhang, X.T. Zhang, S.M. Hu
This H2S sensor, constructed from an Ag/Ag2S-based sensing element and coupled with a Zr/ZrO2 reference electrode, and YSZ/HgO/Hg electrode, had been tested for its potential response to H2S concentrations in fluids at temperatures from 0°C to 400°C and pressures up to 25 or 33 MPa, and is well suited for determining dissolved H2S concentrations in aqueous media at elevated temperatures from 0°C to 400°C and at high pressures. The Ag/Ag2S electrode is made of an Ag wire with an Ag2S film coating, which can be pressurized and heated at high pressures and temperatures. The Nernstian response of the Ag/Ag2S-YSZ/HgO/Hg cell potential to H2S concentrations at 400°C and 25 MPa is described as. ΔE (V)=0.625+0. 0667 log mH2S. The Nernstian response of the Ag/Ag2S−Zr/ZrO2 potential to H2S at 1°C and 33 MPa is described as:. ΔE (V)=-0.261 - 0.02966 log mH2S.
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
R.H. Zhang, X.T. Zhang, S.M. Hu
This H2S sensor, constructed from an Ag/Ag2S-based sensing element and coupled with a Zr/ZrO2 reference electrode, and YSZ/HgO/Hg electrode, had been tested for its potential response to H2S concentrations in fluids at temperatures from 0°C to 400°C and pressures up to 25 or 33 MPa, and is well suited for determining dissolved H2S concentrations in aqueous media at elevated temperatures from 0°C to 400°C and at high pressures. The Ag/Ag2S electrode is made of an Ag wire with an Ag2S film coating, which can be pressurized and heated at high pressures and temperatures. The Nernstian response of the Ag/Ag2S-YSZ/HgO/Hg cell potential to H2S concentrations at 400°C and 25 MPa is described as. ΔE (V)=0.625+0. 0667 log mH2S. The Nernstian response of the Ag/Ag2S−Zr/ZrO2 potential to H2S at 1°C and 33 MPa is described as:. ΔE (V)=-0.261 - 0.02966 log mH2S.
Nanowire-based gas sensors
06 November 2012,
11:54:21
Publication year:
2012
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
Xianping Chen, Cell K.Y. Wong, Cadmus A. Yuan, Guoqi Zhang
Gas sensors fabricated with nanowires as the detecting elements are powerful due to their many improved characteristics such as high surface-to-volume ratios, ultrasensitivity, higher selectivity, low power consumption, and fast response. This paper gives an overview on the recent process of the development of nanotechnology and nanowire-based gas sensors. The two basic approaches, top-down and bottom-up, for synthesizing nanowires are compared. The conduction mechanisms, sensing performances, configurations, and sensing principles of different nanowire gas sensors and arrays are summarized and discussed. Meanwhile, an emerging nanowires fabrication method and a self-powered nanowire pH sensor are highlighted. The scientific and technological challenges in the field are discussed at the end of the review.
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
Xianping Chen, Cell K.Y. Wong, Cadmus A. Yuan, Guoqi Zhang
Gas sensors fabricated with nanowires as the detecting elements are powerful due to their many improved characteristics such as high surface-to-volume ratios, ultrasensitivity, higher selectivity, low power consumption, and fast response. This paper gives an overview on the recent process of the development of nanotechnology and nanowire-based gas sensors. The two basic approaches, top-down and bottom-up, for synthesizing nanowires are compared. The conduction mechanisms, sensing performances, configurations, and sensing principles of different nanowire gas sensors and arrays are summarized and discussed. Meanwhile, an emerging nanowires fabrication method and a self-powered nanowire pH sensor are highlighted. The scientific and technological challenges in the field are discussed at the end of the review.
Power Reduction with Enhanced Sensitivity for Pellistor Methane Sensor by Improved Thermal Insulation Packaging
06 November 2012,
11:54:21
Publication year:
2012
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
Hongyu Ma, Enjie Ding
The pellistor (catalytic combustion) methane sensor is a typical sensor with high working temperature. Historically, its heat dissipation via packaging has not been fully considered for power minimization. A large amount of thermal energy from the pellistor sensor is typically lost to the environment because of the sensor's high sensing temperature and quasi-closed metal packaging. A promising new approach to minimize the sensor power budget will be developed when part of this heat energy is successfully retained. In this paper, we explore this possibility by introducing hydrophobic silica aerogel as packaging material owing to its excellent low thermal conductivity and high gas permeability. Experimental results reveal that a significant power decrease of approximately 30% and high sensitivity can be simultaneously achieved for the traditional active pellistor methane sensor with thermal insulation-strengthened packaging with silica aerogel.
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
Hongyu Ma, Enjie Ding
The pellistor (catalytic combustion) methane sensor is a typical sensor with high working temperature. Historically, its heat dissipation via packaging has not been fully considered for power minimization. A large amount of thermal energy from the pellistor sensor is typically lost to the environment because of the sensor's high sensing temperature and quasi-closed metal packaging. A promising new approach to minimize the sensor power budget will be developed when part of this heat energy is successfully retained. In this paper, we explore this possibility by introducing hydrophobic silica aerogel as packaging material owing to its excellent low thermal conductivity and high gas permeability. Experimental results reveal that a significant power decrease of approximately 30% and high sensitivity can be simultaneously achieved for the traditional active pellistor methane sensor with thermal insulation-strengthened packaging with silica aerogel.
Graphical abstract Highlights
Compared with the pellistor packaged without silica aerogel, the pellistor packaged with silica aerogel shows higher and sharp rising sensitivity at low power supply. What's more interesting is that the power reduction is about 30% when taking the maximum sensitivity of the pellistor without silica aerogel package as a reference. . ► To reduce power consumption of pellistor methane sensor by means of improvement of package thermal insulation, silica aerogel was introduced into the conventional TO packaging of pellistor. ► Power declines at least about 30% without sensitivity degradation relying on aerogel's super-thermal-isolation capability. It is totally different with dimension miniaturization technology, which is generally accompanied with unsatisfied sensitivity. ► Experiments demonstrate that enhancing package thermal insulation would be a new attractive power reduction approach for catalytic combustion gas sensors and even other high-temperature gas sensor for meeting the demand of wireless sensor net.Solid state electrochemical hydrogen sensor for aluminium and aluminium alloy melts
06 November 2012,
11:54:21
Publication year:
2012
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
Carsten Schwandt
The presence of dissolved hydrogen in molten aluminium and its alloys has a critical impact on the quality of cast aluminium components. The quantitative analysis of hydrogen in these melts is therefore of major importance in the aluminium industry. Research work conducted at the University of Cambridge and subsequent development work performed in conjunction with an industrial partner, have resulted in a novel, and now commercialised, electrochemical hydrogen sensor for aluminium melts. The sensor operates in the potentiostatic mode and relies on a proton-conducting solid electrolyte and a metal/hydrogen-based solid reference electrode. This article summarises the main steps of the underlying research and development programme, covering the actual gas sensor, test measurements in gas phases under laboratory conditions, the probe for molten metal application, and test measurements in aluminium melts under industrial conditions.
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
Carsten Schwandt
The presence of dissolved hydrogen in molten aluminium and its alloys has a critical impact on the quality of cast aluminium components. The quantitative analysis of hydrogen in these melts is therefore of major importance in the aluminium industry. Research work conducted at the University of Cambridge and subsequent development work performed in conjunction with an industrial partner, have resulted in a novel, and now commercialised, electrochemical hydrogen sensor for aluminium melts. The sensor operates in the potentiostatic mode and relies on a proton-conducting solid electrolyte and a metal/hydrogen-based solid reference electrode. This article summarises the main steps of the underlying research and development programme, covering the actual gas sensor, test measurements in gas phases under laboratory conditions, the probe for molten metal application, and test measurements in aluminium melts under industrial conditions.
Highlights
► A novel solid state electrochemical hydrogen sensor has been developed. ► The sensor uses a ceramic proton conductor and a solid metal/hydrogen reference. ► A refractory probe for use of the sensor in aluminium melts has been developed. ► The novel analyser has performed successfully in trials under industrial conditions. ► The research and development programme has led to a commercialised product.Cu2+-Selective “Off-On” Chemsensor Based on the Rhodamine Derivative Bearing 8-hydroxyquinoline moiety and Its Application in Live Cell Imaging
06 November 2012,
11:54:21
Publication year:
2012
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
Jiaoliang Wang, Liping Long, Dan Xie, Xiaofeng Song
A rhodamine-based fluorescence chemsensor bearing the 8-hydroxyquinoline unit is developed as a reversible turn-on chemosensor for Cu2+. It exhibits a highly sensitive fluorescent response toward Cu2+ in aqueous media with an 80-fold fluorescence intensity enhancement under 10 equiv of Cu2+ added. This indicates that the synthesized chemosensor effectively avoided the fluorescence quenching for the paramagnetic nature of Cu2+ via its strong binding capability toward Cu2+. The chemosensor Rh-Q exhibits a dynamic response range for Cu2+ from 2×10−7 to 5×10−5 M, with a detection limit of 0.19μM, and good selectivity for Cu2+ over other heavy and transition metal (HTM) ions in Tris-HCl/EtOH (7: 3, v/v, pH 7.4). In addition, the turn-on fluorescent change upon the addition of Cu2+ is also applied in cell imaging.
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
Jiaoliang Wang, Liping Long, Dan Xie, Xiaofeng Song
A rhodamine-based fluorescence chemsensor bearing the 8-hydroxyquinoline unit is developed as a reversible turn-on chemosensor for Cu2+. It exhibits a highly sensitive fluorescent response toward Cu2+ in aqueous media with an 80-fold fluorescence intensity enhancement under 10 equiv of Cu2+ added. This indicates that the synthesized chemosensor effectively avoided the fluorescence quenching for the paramagnetic nature of Cu2+ via its strong binding capability toward Cu2+. The chemosensor Rh-Q exhibits a dynamic response range for Cu2+ from 2×10−7 to 5×10−5 M, with a detection limit of 0.19μM, and good selectivity for Cu2+ over other heavy and transition metal (HTM) ions in Tris-HCl/EtOH (7: 3, v/v, pH 7.4). In addition, the turn-on fluorescent change upon the addition of Cu2+ is also applied in cell imaging.
Graphical abstract
Highlights
Graphical abstract ► We report a new reversible Cu2+-Selective “Off-On” fluorescent chemosensor. ► It exhibite reversibility, high sensitivity with a 80-fold fluorescence enhancement. ► It exhibited a low detection limit of 0.19mM and high selectivity for Cu2+. ► It is applied in vitro imaging of Cu2+ in the living cells and potentially in vivo.Interfacial Oxidation-Dehydration Induced Formation of Porous SnO2 Hollow Nanospheres and Their Gas Sensing Properties
06 November 2012,
11:54:21
Publication year:
2012
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
Xicheng Ma, Haiyan Song, Congsheng Guan
Uniform porous SnO2 hollow nanospheres with average diameters of about 100-200nm have been reproducibly synthesized via a facile template- and surfactant-free hydrothermal method, using hydrogen peroxide 30% and stannous sulfate as precursors. The morphology, composition and structure of the resultant products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption-desorption technique. Experimental results demonstrated that the formation of these porous SnO2 nanostructures is ascribed to an interfacial oxidation-dehydration mechanism. H2O2 usage has an important effect on both the morphology and purity of the final products. The gas sensing properties of the as-prepared porous SnO2 hollow nanospheres were investigated. By comparative gas sensing tests, the porous SnO2 hollow nanospheres exhibited superior gas sensing performances over commercial SnO2 nanopowders toward some typical volatile organic compounds (VOCs), implying their promising applications in gas sensors.
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
Xicheng Ma, Haiyan Song, Congsheng Guan
Uniform porous SnO2 hollow nanospheres with average diameters of about 100-200nm have been reproducibly synthesized via a facile template- and surfactant-free hydrothermal method, using hydrogen peroxide 30% and stannous sulfate as precursors. The morphology, composition and structure of the resultant products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption-desorption technique. Experimental results demonstrated that the formation of these porous SnO2 nanostructures is ascribed to an interfacial oxidation-dehydration mechanism. H2O2 usage has an important effect on both the morphology and purity of the final products. The gas sensing properties of the as-prepared porous SnO2 hollow nanospheres were investigated. By comparative gas sensing tests, the porous SnO2 hollow nanospheres exhibited superior gas sensing performances over commercial SnO2 nanopowders toward some typical volatile organic compounds (VOCs), implying their promising applications in gas sensors.
Determination of lactose by a novel third generation biosensor based on a cellobiose dehydrogenase and aryl diazonium modified single wall carbon nanotubes electrode
06 November 2012,
11:54:21
Publication year:
2012
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
Federico Tasca, Roland Ludwig, Lo Gorton, Riccarda Antiochia
In this paper a new third-generation amperometric biosensor for lactose determination is described. The biosensor is based on the highly efficient direct electron transfer (DET) between cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) from Phanerochate sordida (PsCDH) and single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). The SWNCTs were surface modified with aryl diazonium salts of p-phenylenediamine (NH2-PD) and deposited on top of a glassy carbon (GC) electrode. The PsCDHNH2-PD/SWCNT-GC biosensor showed very efficient DET and exhibited an extraordinary high current density of 500μAcm−2 in a 5mM lactose solution at pH 3.5. The biosensor has a detection limit for lactose of 0.5μM, a large linear range from 1 to 150μM lactose and a high sensitivity (476.8nA μM−1 cm−2). It shows also a fast response time (4 s), good reproducibility (RSD=1.75%) and good stability (half-life 12 days). In addition, it is easy and simple to manufacture, cheap because a low amount of enzyme is required and highly selective, as no significant interference was observed. For these reasons, it can represents a valid alternative to HPLC measurements for lactose determination in milk and dairy products.
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
Federico Tasca, Roland Ludwig, Lo Gorton, Riccarda Antiochia
In this paper a new third-generation amperometric biosensor for lactose determination is described. The biosensor is based on the highly efficient direct electron transfer (DET) between cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) from Phanerochate sordida (PsCDH) and single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). The SWNCTs were surface modified with aryl diazonium salts of p-phenylenediamine (NH2-PD) and deposited on top of a glassy carbon (GC) electrode. The PsCDHNH2-PD/SWCNT-GC biosensor showed very efficient DET and exhibited an extraordinary high current density of 500μAcm−2 in a 5mM lactose solution at pH 3.5. The biosensor has a detection limit for lactose of 0.5μM, a large linear range from 1 to 150μM lactose and a high sensitivity (476.8nA μM−1 cm−2). It shows also a fast response time (4 s), good reproducibility (RSD=1.75%) and good stability (half-life 12 days). In addition, it is easy and simple to manufacture, cheap because a low amount of enzyme is required and highly selective, as no significant interference was observed. For these reasons, it can represents a valid alternative to HPLC measurements for lactose determination in milk and dairy products.
Ultrasensitive and Label-free Detection of Annexin A3 Based on Quartz Crystal Microbalance
06 November 2012,
11:54:21
Publication year:
2012
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
Young Jun Kim, Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Jae-Joon Lee
Cadmium sulfide (CdS) quantum dots (QDs) were coupled to an Au nanoimmunosensor on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) to form the basis of an ultrasensitive and label-free sensor of annexin A3 (ANXA3), a lung and prostate cancer biomarker protein. Polyclonal anti-ANXA3 antibody was covalently immobilized on the CdS QDs, which had previously been functionalized with carboxyl groups and bound to a cystamine self-assembled monolayer on the Au/QCM. Frequency changes induced by the binding of ANXA3 to the anti-ANXA3 on the probe's surface allowed the very sensitive detection of GST-ANXA3 with a detection limit of 0.075±0.01ng/mL. The sensor could detect ANXA3 at 0.1ng/mL in spiked human blood and urine samples in less than 15min without any interference from other proteins.
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
Young Jun Kim, Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Jae-Joon Lee
Cadmium sulfide (CdS) quantum dots (QDs) were coupled to an Au nanoimmunosensor on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) to form the basis of an ultrasensitive and label-free sensor of annexin A3 (ANXA3), a lung and prostate cancer biomarker protein. Polyclonal anti-ANXA3 antibody was covalently immobilized on the CdS QDs, which had previously been functionalized with carboxyl groups and bound to a cystamine self-assembled monolayer on the Au/QCM. Frequency changes induced by the binding of ANXA3 to the anti-ANXA3 on the probe's surface allowed the very sensitive detection of GST-ANXA3 with a detection limit of 0.075±0.01ng/mL. The sensor could detect ANXA3 at 0.1ng/mL in spiked human blood and urine samples in less than 15min without any interference from other proteins.
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