SERS-based pesticide detection by using nanofinger sensors

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Pesticides like chlorpyrifos (CPF) and thiabendazole (TBZ) are widely used but pose public health risks.
• Sensitive, rapid, and simple detection methods for trace pesticide levels are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a portable and cost-effective sensor system for ultrasensitive pesticide detection.
• To establish a chemical fingerprint for CPF and TBZ using SERS.

Main Methods:

• Development of a portable sensor system integrating gold nanofinger sensor strips and a custom Raman spectrometer.
• Utilizing Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) for pesticide analysis.
• Investigating the chemical interaction between pesticides and gold nanofingers.

Main Results:

• The portable SERS sensor system achieved simple, sensitive, and rapid detection of pesticides.
• Detection limits were established at 35 parts per trillion (ppt) for CPF in drinking water and 7 parts per billion (ppb) for TBZ on apple skin.
• Successful identification of CPF and TBZ within a 15-minute timeframe.

Conclusions:

• The developed portable SERS-sensor system offers a practical solution for on-site pesticide detection.
• The method provides a reliable and cost-effective alternative to traditional laboratory-based analyses.
• This technology has significant implications for public health and food safety monitoring.