Abstract
Ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) are highly important for ion detection. Paper-based ISEs are a simple, low cost, and disposable alternative to conventional solid-contact ISEs. However, widespread use of paper-based ISEs has been limited due to poor detection limits (in the micromolar range), reliability, and selectivity.
UCF researchers have developed novel ultra-sensitive paper-based ISEs that improve the applicability, reproducibility, reliability, and selectivity towards a target ion. Unlike other currently available ISEs, which require a pre-conditioning step in an analyte ion solution prior to measurement, these novel ISEs require no pre-conditioning and have demonstrated unprecedented limits of detection (2.5×10-9, 2.7×10-8, and 3.3×10-8 M) for cadmium, silver, and potassium ions, respectively. In addition to traditional ion detection, these new paper-strip ISEs can be used for in-situ analysis of bodily fluids (e.g., sweat, tears, etc.) and to assay biomolecules (e.g., proteins and DNA), providing cost-effective medical diagnostics. These electrodes can also be fabricated with glass, silica, or plastic.
Benefit
Low-cost alternative to solid-contact ISEsUltra-sensitive, lower limits of ion detection in nanomolar rangeImproved applicability, reproducibility, reliability, and selectivityDoes not require pre-conditioning, allowing for immediate on-site analysisMarket Application
Biomedical analysisEnvironmental analysisIndustrial and food processingSensorsPublications
Nanomolar Detection Limits of Cd2+, Ag+, and K+ Using Paper-Strip Ion-Selective Electrodes, Analytical Chemistry, July 15, 2014, 86 (15), pp 7269–7273
