Microanalysis based on paper device functionalized with cuprizone to determine Cu²⁺ in sugar cane spirits using a...

In this work we propose for the first time, a paper-based test strip to analyse Cu²⁺ content in sugar cane spirits, which, due to its simplicity, high portability and fast analytical response (3 min), can be easily applied to in situ analyses by producers. The test strip was developed aiming: i) identify qualitatively the Cu²⁺ content in sugar cane spirits, and, ii) determine quantitatively the Cu²⁺ content using a digital image method employing a smartphone. The paper-based test strip was functionalized with cuprizone and optimized through a Box-Behnken, an experimental design for obtaining the best reaction conditions. Based on qualitative method with naked eyes approach performed by six volunteers analyst untrained, the method present a percentage of accuracy of 93%. For the quantitative analysis, it was determined the metal content at a level of statistical agreement with the reference method, as well as it was obtained the dynamic linear range from 2 to 13 mg L^-1 with limits of detection and quantification of 0.034 and 0.103 mg L^-1, respectively. Furthermore, the quantitative method showed a reliable precision with an RSD of 4.3% (n = 10) and the recovery of Cu²⁺ ranged from 80 to 103.8%.