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Novel Microneedle Patch-Based Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Sensor for the Detection of Pesticide Residues
Xin Yi1,2, Zhishan Yuan1,2, Xiao Yu1,2
1School of Electromechanical Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou510006, P. R. China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|January 19, 2023
Summary
A novel microneedle (MN) patch sensor using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) can detect pesticide residues on and within agricultural products. This minimally invasive sensor offers sensitive detection of thiram and thiabendazole (TBZ).
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Pesticide residues pose a global threat to human health.
- Conventional sensors struggle to detect residues both on the surface and internally within agricultural products.
- There is a need for sensitive, minimally invasive methods for comprehensive pesticide residue detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel microneedle (MN) patch-based sensor for simultaneous detection of pesticide residues on and inside agricultural products.
- To enhance the sensitivity and convenience of pesticide residue detection using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).
- To evaluate the efficacy of the developed MN-SERS sensor for specific pesticide residues.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a microneedle (MN) patch sensor incorporating silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and a sodium hyaluronate/poly(vinyl alcohol) (HA/PVA) hydrogel.
- Utilizing the MNs' stepped structure to increase surface area for enhanced analyte collection.
- Employing surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for signal amplification and detection of pesticide residues.
- Testing the sensor's performance with thiram and thiabendazole (TBZ) pesticide residues.
Main Results:
- The MN-SERS sensor successfully detected pesticide residues on and within agricultural products.
- The Ag NPs and HA/PVA hydrogel effectively amplified Raman signals, enabling sensitive detection.
- Detection limits of 10-7 M for thiram and 10-8 M for thiabendazole (TBZ) were achieved.
- The sensor demonstrated a convenient, minimally invasive detection process that does not harm agricultural products.
Conclusions:
- The developed microneedle patch-based SERS sensor offers a promising solution for simultaneous on- and in-surface detection of pesticide residues.
- The sensor's design, utilizing Ag NPs and HA/PVA hydrogel, provides efficient signal amplification and residue collection.
- This technology has potential applications in food safety, agricultural monitoring, and broader health and safety assessments for plants and animals.
