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Sensors for Environmental and Life Science Applications

A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Chemical Sensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2021) | Viewed by 60305

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Najla Fourati

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
SATIE Laboratory, UMR CNRS 8029,Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, 75003 Paris, France
Interests: surface acoustic wave (SAW) bio and chemical sensors; electrochemical bio and chemical sensors; surface modification; AFM
Prof. Dr. Mohamed M. Chehimi

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
ITODYS Laboratory, Université Paris Cité & CNRS (UMR 7086), F-75013 Paris, France
Interests: surface chemical modification; biochar; composites; biomass conversion; surface analysis; XPS
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Real-time and in situ "warn, inform, and prevent" capabilities are the main goals of sensors for environmental and life science applications. Chemical and biological sensors are certainly the most appropriate devices that can fulfill these requirements. In recent years, much time and effort have been spent on electrochemical, optical, and gravimetric sensors, among others. The recent developments are directed towards minimal preparation of the sensing materials with sub-picomolar detection, portability for on-site and wireless/remote detections, multiplexed and parallel sensing, and smartphone applications.

This Special Issue will provide an opportunity for researchers to publish their original achievements related to the design, characterization, and validation of chemical and biological sensors for environmental and life science applications.

The Special Issue welcomes both original research and review articles that address the following non-exhaustive list of topics:

-Architecture of sensing materials: sp² C-based nanomaterials, metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles, composite materials, colloidal crystals and inverse opals, molecularly and ion-imprinted polymers, stretchable and implantable materials, antibodies, DNA, enzymes, etc.

-Analytes: molecules (drugs, toxins, pesticides, illicit substances, dyes, endocrine disruptors, glucose and related compounds, biocides), metal ions in the environment and in body fluids, (bio)macromolecules such as cancer markers, counterfeit medicines, etc.

-Matrices: body fluids, food and beverage samples, waste, rain, river waters, samples from water treatment plants and fish farms, landfill, etc.

-Devices: electrochemical sensors, optical sensors, piezoelectric sensors, magnetic sensors, immunosensors, DNA chips, microfluidic devices, mico/nano-sensors, printable sensors, wearable sensors, implantable sensors, sensing platforms, and smartphone-based sensing devices

We anticipate that this Special Issue will be of interest to our peers and newcomers in the field of sensors for environment and life science applications, as it covers several aspects ranging from surface chemistry and design of the sensing materials to the fabrication of devices for laboratory testing and on-site and remote sensing.

Dr. Najla Fourati
Prof. Dr. Mohamed M. Chehimi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sensors is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Environmental pollutants
  • Bio(macro)molecules
  • Drugs, toxins, and biocides
  • Sensing materials architecture
  • Surface modification
  • Body fluids
  • Water quality
  • Soils and treatment plants
  • Chemical and biological sensors
  • Sensing platforms
  • Portable devices
  • Wireless sensing

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review, Other

3 pages, 176 KiB  
Editorial
Editorial to the Special Issue SELSA: “Sensors for Environmental and Life Science Applications”
by Najla Fourati and Mohamed M. Chehimi
Sensors 2021, 21(16), 5353; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s21165353 - 09 Aug 2021
Viewed by 1472
Abstract
“Warn, inform, and prevent” are three essential elements to remember when designing sensors for real-time and in situ monitoring of organic, inorganic, and macromolecular compounds as well as micro-nanoparticles and microorganisms [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors for Environmental and Life Science Applications)

Research

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20 pages, 1107 KiB  
Article
Measurement Time Reduction by Means of Mathematical Modeling of Enzyme Mediated RedOx Reaction in Food Samples Biosensors
by Arantzazu Florez, Elena Murga, Itziar Ortiz de Zarate, Arrate Jaureguibeitia, Arkaitz Artetxe and Basilio Sierra
Sensors 2021, 21(9), 2990; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s21092990 - 24 Apr 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2546
Abstract
The possibility of measuring in real time the different types of analytes present in food is becoming a requirement in food industry. In this context, biosensors are presented as an alternative to traditional analytical methodologies due to their specificity, high sensitivity and ability [...] Read more.
The possibility of measuring in real time the different types of analytes present in food is becoming a requirement in food industry. In this context, biosensors are presented as an alternative to traditional analytical methodologies due to their specificity, high sensitivity and ability to work in real time. It has been observed that the behavior of the analysis curves of the biosensors follow a trend that is reproducible among all the measurements and that is specific to the reaction that occurs in the electrochemical cell and the analyte being analyzed. Kinetic reaction modeling is a widely used method to model processes that occur within the sensors, and this leads to the idea that a mathematical approximation can mimic the electrochemical reaction that takes place while the analysis of the sample is ongoing. For this purpose, a novel mathematical model is proposed to approximate the enzymatic reaction within the biosensor in real time, so the output of the measurement can be estimated in advance. The proposed model is based on adjusting an exponential decay model to the response of the biosensors using a nonlinear least-square method to minimize the error. The obtained results show that our proposed approach is capable of reducing about 40% the required measurement time in the sample analysis phase, while keeping the error rate low enough to meet the accuracy standards of the food industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors for Environmental and Life Science Applications)
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13 pages, 2612 KiB  
Article
Contribution to the Understanding of the Interaction between a Polydopamine Molecular Imprint and a Protein Model: Ionic Strength and pH Effect Investigation
by Amal Tlili, Ghada Attia, Sohayb Khaoulani, Zouhour Mazouz, Chouki Zerrouki, Nourdin Yaakoubi, Ali Othmane and Najla Fourati
Sensors 2021, 21(2), 619; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s21020619 - 17 Jan 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2652
Abstract
Several studies were devoted to the design of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based sensors for the detection of a given protein. Here, we bring elements that could contribute to the understanding of the interaction mechanism involved in the recognition of a protein by an [...] Read more.
Several studies were devoted to the design of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based sensors for the detection of a given protein. Here, we bring elements that could contribute to the understanding of the interaction mechanism involved in the recognition of a protein by an imprint. For this purpose, a polydopamine (PDA)-MIP was designed for bovine serum albumin (BSA) recognition. Prior to BSA grafting, the gold surfaces were functionalized with mixed self-assembled monolayers of (MUDA)/(MHOH) (1/9, v/v). The MIP was then elaborated by dopamine electropolymerization and further extraction of BSA templates by incubating the electrode in proteinase K solution. Three complementary techniques, electrochemistry, zetametry, and Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, were used to investigate pH and ionic strength effects on a MIP’s design and the further recognition process of the analytes by the imprints. Several MIPs were thus designed in acidic, neutral, and basic media and at various ionic strength values. Results indicate that the most appropriate conditions, to achieve a successful MIPs, were an ionic strength of 167 mM and a pH of 7.4. Sensitivity and dissociation constant of the designed sensor were of order of (3.36 ± 0.13) µA·cm−2·mg−1·mL and (8.56 ± 6.09) × 10−11 mg/mL, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors for Environmental and Life Science Applications)
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14 pages, 4096 KiB  
Article
Simulation/Experiment Confrontation, an Efficient Approach for Sensitive SAW Sensors Design
by Bilel Achour, Ghada Attia, Chouki Zerrouki, Najla Fourati, Kosai Raoof and Nourdin Yaakoubi
Sensors 2020, 20(17), 4994; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s20174994 - 03 Sep 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3669
Abstract
Sensitivity is one of the most important parameters to put in the foreground in all sensing applications. Its increase is therefore an ongoing challenge, particularly for surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors. Herein, finite element method (FEM) simulation using COMSOL Multiphysics software is first [...] Read more.
Sensitivity is one of the most important parameters to put in the foreground in all sensing applications. Its increase is therefore an ongoing challenge, particularly for surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors. Herein, finite element method (FEM) simulation using COMSOL Multiphysics software is first used to simulate the physical and electrical properties of SAW delay line. Results indicate that 2D configuration permits to accurately obtain all pertinent parameters, as in 3D simulation, with very substantial time saving. A good agreement between calculation and experiment, in terms of transfer functions (S21 spectra), was also shown to evaluate the dependence of the SAW sensors sensitivity on the operating frequency; 2D simulations have been conducted on 104 MHz and 208 MHz delay lines, coated with a polyisobutylene (PIB) as sensitive layer to dichloromethane (DCM). A fourfold increase in sensitivity was obtained by doubling frequency. Both sensors were then realized and tested as chem-sensors to detect zinc ions in liquid media. 9-{[4-({[4-(9anthrylmethoxy)phenyl]sulfanyl} methyl)]methyl] anthracene (TDP-AN) was selected as the sensing layer. Results show a comparable response curves for both designed sensors, in terms of limit of detection and dissociation constants Kd values. On the other hand, experimental sensitivity values were of the order of [7.0 ± 2.8] × 108 [°/M] and [16.0 ± 7.6] × 108 [°/M] for 104 MHz and 208 MHz sensors, respectively, confirming that the sensitivity increases with frequency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors for Environmental and Life Science Applications)
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14 pages, 12650 KiB  
Article
Inline Infrared Chemical Identification of Particulate Matter
by Javier Núñez, Yunqi Wang, Stefan Bäumer and Arjen Boersma
Sensors 2020, 20(15), 4193; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s20154193 - 28 Jul 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2999
Abstract
The health and environmental effects of particulate matter (PM) in the air depend on several parameters. Besides particle size, shape, and concentration, the chemical nature of the PM is also of great importance. State-of-the-art PM sensors only detect the particle size and concentration. [...] Read more.
The health and environmental effects of particulate matter (PM) in the air depend on several parameters. Besides particle size, shape, and concentration, the chemical nature of the PM is also of great importance. State-of-the-art PM sensors only detect the particle size and concentration. Small, low-cost sensors only identify PM according to PM2.5 and PM10 standards. Larger detectors measure the complete particle size distribution. However, the chemical composition of PM is not often assessed. The current paper presents the initial stages of the development of an infrared-based detector for the inline assessment of the chemistry of PM in the air. By combining a mini cyclone that is able to concentrate the particles at least a thousand fold and a hollow waveguide that aligns the flow of particles with infrared light, the feasibility of the concept was shown in this study. A clear differentiation between amorphous and crystalline silica was demonstrated at outdoor PM levels of lower than 1 mg per cubic meter. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors for Environmental and Life Science Applications)
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15 pages, 3163 KiB  
Article
Ratiometric Strategy for Electrochemical Sensing of Carbaryl Residue in Water and Vegetable Samples
by Min Zhang, Zeyuan Zhang, Yanjing Yang, Yi Zhang, Yufei Wang and Xinyi Chen
Sensors 2020, 20(5), 1524; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s20051524 - 10 Mar 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3320
Abstract
Accurate analysis of pesticide residue in real samples is essential for food safety and environmental protection. However, a traditional electrochemical sensor based on single-signal output is easily affected by background noise, environmental conditions, electrode diversity, and a complex matrix of samples, leading to [...] Read more.
Accurate analysis of pesticide residue in real samples is essential for food safety and environmental protection. However, a traditional electrochemical sensor based on single-signal output is easily affected by background noise, environmental conditions, electrode diversity, and a complex matrix of samples, leading to extremely low accuracy. Hence, in this paper, a ratiometric strategy based on dual-signal output was adopted to build inner correction for sensing of widely-used carbaryl (CBL) for the first time. By comparison, Nile blue A (NB) was selected as reference probe, due to its well-defined peak, few effects on the target peak of CBL, and excellent stability. The effects of a derivatization method, technique mode, and pH were also investigated. Then the performance of the proposed ratiometric sensor was assessed in terms of three aspects including the elimination of system noise, electrode deviation and matrix effect. Compared with traditional single-signal sensor, the ratiometric sensor showed a much better linear correlation coefficient (r > 0.99), reproducibility (RSD < 10%), and limit of detection (LOD = 1.0 μM). The results indicated the introduction of proper reference probe could ensure the interdependence of target and reference signal on the same sensing environment, thus inner correction was fulfilled, which provided a promising tool for accurate analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors for Environmental and Life Science Applications)
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17 pages, 4383 KiB  
Article
Coupling of Anodic Stripping Voltammetry with Sampled-Current Voltammetry on an Electrode Array: Application to Lead Detection
by Isabelle Mazerie and Florence Geneste
Sensors 2020, 20(5), 1327; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s20051327 - 29 Feb 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3096
Abstract
Electrochemical detection systems are very promising for pollution monitoring owing to their easy miniaturization and low cost. For this purpose, we have recently developed a new concept of device based on Electrodes Array for Sampled-Current Voltammetry (EASCV), which is compatible with miniaturization and [...] Read more.
Electrochemical detection systems are very promising for pollution monitoring owing to their easy miniaturization and low cost. For this purpose, we have recently developed a new concept of device based on Electrodes Array for Sampled-Current Voltammetry (EASCV), which is compatible with miniaturization and portability. In this work, to improve the sensitivity of the analytical method, we added a preconcentration step before EASCV analysis, combining sampled-current voltammetry with anodic stripping voltammetry. Lead was chosen as analyte for this probe of concept owing to its high toxicity. The conditions for electrodeposition of lead on gold were optimized by means of under potential deposition. Current intensities 300 times higher than with linear sweep anodic stripping voltammetry were obtained, showing the interest in the method. The value of the sampling time directly affected the sensitivity of the sensor given by the slope of the linear calibration curve. The sensor exhibited a limit of detection of 1.16 mg L−1, similar to those obtained with linear sweep anodic stripping voltammetry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors for Environmental and Life Science Applications)
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14 pages, 2405 KiB  
Article
Nanocomposite Based on Poly (para-phenylene)/Chemical Reduced Graphene Oxide as a Platform for Simultaneous Detection of Ascorbic Acid, Dopamine and Uric Acid
by Zouhour Hsine, Salma Bizid, Rym Mlika, Hélène Sauriat-Dorizon, Ayoub Haj Said and Hafsa Korri-Youssoufi
Sensors 2020, 20(5), 1256; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s20051256 - 25 Feb 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3391
Abstract
In this study, an efficient and simple designed nanohybrid created for individual and simultaneous detection of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA). This nanohybrid is a combination of chemical reduced graphene oxide (CRGO) and redox poly(para-phenylene) (Fc-ac-PP) modified in a [...] Read more.
In this study, an efficient and simple designed nanohybrid created for individual and simultaneous detection of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA). This nanohybrid is a combination of chemical reduced graphene oxide (CRGO) and redox poly(para-phenylene) (Fc-ac-PP) modified in a lateral position with ferrrocenyl group CRGO/Fc-ac-PPP. The CRGO/Fc-ac-PPP nanohybrid demonstrated a synergistic effect resulting in a large conductivity, surface area and catalytic properties provided by the redox attached ferrocene. Moreover, this nanocomposite is able to detect individually as well as simultaneously AA, DA and UA in a co-existence system with defined and separated redox peaks oxidation. The linear response ranges for AA, DA and UA, when detected simultaneously, are 0.1–10000 μM, 0.0001–1000 μM and 0.1–10000 μM, respectively, and the detection limits (S/N = 3) are 0.046 μM, 0.2 nM and 0.013 μM, respectively. The proposed sensor shown satisfactory results when applied to real spiked urine samples for measuring the abnormal high or lowconcentration of AA, DA and UA in vivo. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors for Environmental and Life Science Applications)
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Graphical abstract

17 pages, 4240 KiB  
Article
Polypyrrole-Wrapped Carbon Nanotube Composite Films Coated on Diazonium-Modified Flexible ITO Sheets for the Electroanalysis of Heavy Metal Ions
by Momath Lo, Mahamadou Seydou, Asma Bensghaïer, Rémy Pires, Diariatou Gningue-Sall, Jean-Jacques Aaron, Zineb Mekhalif, Joseph Delhalle and Mohamed M. Chehimi
Sensors 2020, 20(3), 580; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s20030580 - 21 Jan 2020
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 4012
Abstract
Highly sensitive multicomponent materials designed for the recognition of hazardous compounds request control over interfacial chemistry. The latter is a key parameter in the construction of the sensing (macro) molecular architectures. In this work, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were deposited on diazonium-modified, flexible [...] Read more.
Highly sensitive multicomponent materials designed for the recognition of hazardous compounds request control over interfacial chemistry. The latter is a key parameter in the construction of the sensing (macro) molecular architectures. In this work, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were deposited on diazonium-modified, flexible indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes prior to the electropolymerization of pyrrole. This three-step process, including diazonium electroreduction, the deposition of CNTs and electropolymerization, provided adhesively-bonded, polypyrrole-wrapped CNT composite coatings on aminophenyl-modified flexible ITO sheets. The aminophenyl (AP) groups were attached to ITO by electroreduction of the in-situ generated aminobenzenediazonium compound in aqueous, acidic medium. For the first time, polypyrrole (PPy) was electrodeposited in the presence of both benzenesulfonic acid (dopant) and ethylene glycol-bis(2-aminoethylether)-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), which acts as a chelator. The flexible electrodes were characterized by XPS, Raman and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which provided strong supporting evidence for the wrapping of CNTs by the electrodeposited PPy. Indeed, the CNT average diameter increased from 18 ± 2.6 nm to 27 ± 4.8, 35.6 ± 5.9 and 175 ± 20.1 after 1, 5 and 10 of electropolymerization of pyrrole, respectively. The PPy/CNT/NH2-ITO films generated by this strategy exhibit significantly improved stability and higher conductivity compared to a similar PPy coating without any embedded CNTs, as assessed by from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. The potentiometric response was linear in the 10−8–3 × 10−7 mol L−1 Pb(II) concentration range, and the detection limit was 2.9 × 10−9 mol L−1 at S/N = 3. The EGTA was found to drastically improve selectivity for Pb(II) over Cu(II). To account for this improvement, the density functional theory (DFT) was employed to calculate the EGTA–metal ion interaction energy, which was found to be −374.6 and −116.4 kJ/mol for Pb(II) and Cu(II), respectively, considering solvation effects. This work demonstrates the power of a subtle combination of diazonium coupling agent, CNTs, chelators and conductive polymers to design high-performance electrochemical sensors for environmental applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors for Environmental and Life Science Applications)
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Review

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42 pages, 98875 KiB  
Review
Towards Clean and Safe Water: A Review on the Emerging Role of Imprinted Polymer-Based Electrochemical Sensors
by Xiaofeng Zheng, Sohayb Khaoulani, Nadia Ktari, Momath Lo, Ahmed M. Khalil, Chouki Zerrouki, Najla Fourati and Mohamed M. Chehimi
Sensors 2021, 21(13), 4300; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s21134300 - 23 Jun 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3883
Abstract
This review critically summarizes the knowledge of imprinted polymer-based electrochemical sensors for the detection of pesticides, metal ions and waterborne pathogenic bacteria, focusing on the last five years. MIP-based electrochemical sensors exhibit low limits of detection (LOD), high selectivity, high sensitivity and low [...] Read more.
This review critically summarizes the knowledge of imprinted polymer-based electrochemical sensors for the detection of pesticides, metal ions and waterborne pathogenic bacteria, focusing on the last five years. MIP-based electrochemical sensors exhibit low limits of detection (LOD), high selectivity, high sensitivity and low cost. We put the emphasis on the design of imprinted polymers and their composites and coatings by radical polymerization, oxidative polymerization of conjugated monomers or sol-gel chemistry. Whilst most imprinted polymers are used in conjunction with differential pulse or square wave voltammetry for sensing organics and metal ions, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) appears as the chief technique for detecting bacteria or their corresponding proteins. Interestingly, bacteria could also be probed via their quorum sensing signaling molecules or flagella proteins. If much has been developed in the past decade with glassy carbon or gold electrodes, it is clear that carbon paste electrodes of imprinted polymers are more and more investigated due to their versatility. Shortlisted case studies were critically reviewed and discussed; clearly, a plethora of tricky strategies of designing selective electrochemical sensors are offered to “Imprinters”. We anticipate that this review will be of interest to experts and newcomers in the field who are paying time and effort combining electrochemical sensors with MIP technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors for Environmental and Life Science Applications)
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50 pages, 3716 KiB  
Review
A Review of Nanocomposite-Modified Electrochemical Sensors for Water Quality Monitoring
by Olfa Kanoun, Tamara Lazarević-Pašti, Igor Pašti, Salem Nasraoui, Malak Talbi, Amina Brahem, Anurag Adiraju, Evgeniya Sheremet, Raul D. Rodriguez, Mounir Ben Ali and Ammar Al-Hamry
Sensors 2021, 21(12), 4131; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s21124131 - 16 Jun 2021
Cited by 62 | Viewed by 11463
Abstract
Electrochemical sensors play a significant role in detecting chemical ions, molecules, and pathogens in water and other applications. These sensors are sensitive, portable, fast, inexpensive, and suitable for online and in-situ measurements compared to other methods. They can provide the detection for any [...] Read more.
Electrochemical sensors play a significant role in detecting chemical ions, molecules, and pathogens in water and other applications. These sensors are sensitive, portable, fast, inexpensive, and suitable for online and in-situ measurements compared to other methods. They can provide the detection for any compound that can undergo certain transformations within a potential window. It enables applications in multiple ion detection, mainly since these sensors are primarily non-specific. In this paper, we provide a survey of electrochemical sensors for the detection of water contaminants, i.e., pesticides, nitrate, nitrite, phosphorus, water hardeners, disinfectant, and other emergent contaminants (phenol, estrogen, gallic acid etc.). We focus on the influence of surface modification of the working electrodes by carbon nanomaterials, metallic nanostructures, imprinted polymers and evaluate the corresponding sensing performance. Especially for pesticides, which are challenging and need special care, we highlight biosensors, such as enzymatic sensors, immunobiosensor, aptasensors, and biomimetic sensors. We discuss the sensors’ overall performance, especially concerning real-sample performance and the capability for actual field application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors for Environmental and Life Science Applications)
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16 pages, 1762 KiB  
Review
Recent Developments in Graphene-Based Toxic Gas Sensors: A Theoretical Overview
by Heriberto Cruz-Martínez, Hugo Rojas-Chávez, Fernando Montejo-Alvaro, Yesica A. Peña-Castañeda, Pastor T. Matadamas-Ortiz and Dora I. Medina
Sensors 2021, 21(6), 1992; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s21061992 - 11 Mar 2021
Cited by 61 | Viewed by 6272
Abstract
Detecting and monitoring air-polluting gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur oxides (SOx) are critical, as these gases are toxic and harm the ecosystem and the human health. Therefore, it is necessary to design high-performance [...] Read more.
Detecting and monitoring air-polluting gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur oxides (SOx) are critical, as these gases are toxic and harm the ecosystem and the human health. Therefore, it is necessary to design high-performance gas sensors for toxic gas detection. In this sense, graphene-based materials are promising for use as toxic gas sensors. In addition to experimental investigations, first-principle methods have enabled graphene-based sensor design to progress by leaps and bounds. This review presents a detailed analysis of graphene-based toxic gas sensors by using first-principle methods. The modifications made to graphene, such as decorated, defective, and doped to improve the detection of NOx, SOx, and CO toxic gases are revised and analyzed. In general, graphene decorated with transition metals, defective graphene, and doped graphene have a higher sensibility toward the toxic gases than pristine graphene. This review shows the relevance of using first-principle studies for the design of novel and efficient toxic gas sensors. The theoretical results obtained to date can greatly help experimental groups to design novel and efficient graphene-based toxic gas sensors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors for Environmental and Life Science Applications)
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32 pages, 2013 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Electrochemical Monitoring of Chromium
by Nazha Hilali, Hasna Mohammadi, Aziz Amine, Nadia Zine and Abdelhamid Errachid
Sensors 2020, 20(18), 5153; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s20185153 - 09 Sep 2020
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4478
Abstract
The extensive use of chromium by several industries conducts to the discharge of an immense quantity of its various forms in the environment which affects drastically the ecological and biological lives especially in the case of hexavalent chromium. Electrochemical sensors and biosensors are [...] Read more.
The extensive use of chromium by several industries conducts to the discharge of an immense quantity of its various forms in the environment which affects drastically the ecological and biological lives especially in the case of hexavalent chromium. Electrochemical sensors and biosensors are useful devices for chromium determination. In the last five years, several sensors based on the modification of electrode surface by different nanomaterials (fluorine tin oxide, titanium dioxide, carbon nanomaterials, metallic nanoparticles and nanocomposite) and biosensors with different biorecognition elements (microbial fuel cell, bacteria, enzyme, DNA) were employed for chromium monitoring. Herein, recent advances related to the use of electrochemical approaches for measurement of trivalent and hexavalent chromium from 2015 to 2020 are reported. A discussion of both chromium species detections and speciation studies is provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors for Environmental and Life Science Applications)
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Other

10 pages, 10158 KiB  
Letter
Potentiometric Sensor Based on Carbon Paste Electrode for Monitoring Total Residual Chlorine in Electrolytically-Treated Ballast Water
by Yaning Zhang, Zhihui Li, Xiaotong Guo, Guangzhou Liu and Shuyong Zhang
Sensors 2021, 21(2), 350; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s21020350 - 07 Jan 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2596
Abstract
A new potentiometric sensor based on modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) was prepared for the sensitive and selective detection of total residual chlorine (TRC) in simulated electrolytically-treated ballast water (BW). The modified CPE was prepared using ferrocene (Fc) as the sensing species and [...] Read more.
A new potentiometric sensor based on modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) was prepared for the sensitive and selective detection of total residual chlorine (TRC) in simulated electrolytically-treated ballast water (BW). The modified CPE was prepared using ferrocene (Fc) as the sensing species and paraffin oil as the binder. It is revealed that the addition of Fc can significantly shorten the response time and improve the reproducibility, selectivity, and stability of the sensor. The open circuit potential of the Fc-CPE is in linear proportion to the logarithm of TRC within the TRC concentration range from 1 mg∙dm−3 to 15 mg∙dm−3. In addition, the Fc-CPE sensor exhibits good selectivity to TRC over a wide concentration range of the possible co-exiting interference ions in seawater. The Fc-CPE electrode can be used as a convenient and reliable sensor for the continuous monitoring of TRC during the electrolytic treatment of BW. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors for Environmental and Life Science Applications)
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12 pages, 3245 KiB  
Letter
Protein Determination with Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Recognition Combined with Birefringence Liquid Crystal Detection
by Maciej Cieplak, Rafał Węgłowski, Zofia Iskierko, Dorota Węgłowska, Piyush S. Sharma, Krzysztof R. Noworyta, Francis D’Souza and Wlodzimierz Kutner
Sensors 2020, 20(17), 4692; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s20174692 - 20 Aug 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2649
Abstract
Liquid crystal-based sensors offer the advantage of high sensitivity at a low cost. However, they often lack selectivity altogether or require costly and unstable biomaterials to impart this selectivity. To incur this selectivity, we herein integrated a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) film recognition [...] Read more.
Liquid crystal-based sensors offer the advantage of high sensitivity at a low cost. However, they often lack selectivity altogether or require costly and unstable biomaterials to impart this selectivity. To incur this selectivity, we herein integrated a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) film recognition unit with a liquid crystal (LC) in an optical cell transducer. We tested the resulting chemosensor for protein determination. We examined two different LCs, each with a different optical birefringence. That way, we revealed the influence of that parameter on the sensitivity of the (human serum albumin)-templated (MIP-HSA) LC chemosensor. The response of this chemosensor with the (MIP-HSA)-recognizing film was linear from 2.2 to 15.2 µM HSA, with a limit of detection of 2.2 µM. These values are sufficient to use the devised chemosensor for HSA determination in biological samples. Importantly, the imprinting factor (IF) of this chemosensor was appreciable, reaching IF = 3.7. This IF value indicated the predominant binding of the HSA through specific rather than nonspecific interactions with the MIP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors for Environmental and Life Science Applications)
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