Noodle based analytical devices for cost effective green chemical analysis

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Green Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Traditional chemical analysis methods can be expensive and environmentally impactful.
• There is a need for accessible and sustainable analytical techniques.
• Noodle-based materials offer unique properties for low-cost device fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate noodle-based analytical platforms for cost-effective and green chemical analysis.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of using noodle platforms for quantitative assays.
• To explore the use of natural reagents in noodle-based analytical devices.

Main Methods:

• Two distinct noodle-based analytical platforms were designed and fabricated.
• Laminar flow conditions were established within the noodle platforms.
• Detection of analytes was performed using a webcam or flatbed scanner.
• Acid-base reactions (acetic acid, sodium hydroxide) and copper ion (Cu2+) assays were conducted as model studies.
• Natural reagents, including butterfly pea flower extract, were employed.

Main Results:

• Noodle platforms successfully supported laminar flow for analytical assays.
• The platforms demonstrated effective detection of acetic acid and sodium hydroxide using both bromothymol blue and butterfly pea flower extract.
• Copper ion concentration was accurately determined through a redox reaction utilizing the inherent starch in noodles.
• The developed methods were validated using real-world samples.

Conclusions:

• Noodle-based analytical devices represent a viable, low-cost, and environmentally friendly alternative for chemical analysis.
• These platforms are versatile and can be adapted for various types of chemical assays.
• The integration of natural reagents further enhances the green credentials of these analytical tools.