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A scanner-based colorimetric mercuric ion detection using Tween-20-stabilized AuNPs solution in 96-well plates
Sujittra Poorahong1,2,3, Anusorn Niammusik1,4, Pawinee Chaykleang1,3
1a Trace Analysis and Biosensor Research Center , Prince of Songkla University , Hat Yai , Songkhla , Thailand.
Summary
A new colorimetric method detects trace mercuric ions (Hg2+) using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). This high-throughput assay offers a sensitive, cost-effective, and rapid approach for mercury detection in various samples.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Accurate detection of trace heavy metals like mercuric ions (Hg2+) is crucial for environmental monitoring and public health.
- Existing methods for mercury detection can be time-consuming, expensive, or require specialized equipment.
- Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) offer unique optical properties suitable for developing novel sensing platforms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a sensitive, high-throughput, and cost-effective colorimetric method for detecting trace mercuric ions (Hg2+).
- To utilize the aggregation behavior of Tween-20 stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) induced by Hg2+ for quantitative analysis.
- To validate the method's accuracy and selectivity for mercury detection in environmental samples.
Main Methods:
- Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized and stabilized with Tween-20.
- The colorimetric response of AuNPs to mercuric ions (Hg2+) was investigated, observing a color change from red to blue upon Hg2+ addition due to aggregation.
- Quantitative analysis was performed by measuring Red Green Blue (RGB) values from scanned images of samples in 96-well plates.
- Experimental parameters including Tween-20 concentration, NaCl concentration, reactant ratios, and incubation time were optimized.
Main Results:
- The developed method demonstrated a linear calibration plot for Hg2+ over a concentration range of 0.10-2.00 mg L-1.
- A low detection limit of 0.050 mg L-1 (S/N = 3) was achieved.
- The assay exhibited high selectivity, with no significant interference from other metal ions even at 100-fold excess concentrations.
- Validation using standard solutions and spiked water samples confirmed the method's accuracy.
Conclusions:
- The developed colorimetric method using Tween-20 modified AuNPs is a sensitive, selective, and high-throughput technique for detecting trace mercuric ions (Hg2+).
- The method's simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and reliance on readily available equipment make it suitable for widespread application.
- This approach holds significant potential for on-site and field-based mercury monitoring.
