Chitosan Film Sensor for Ammonia Detection in Microdiffusion Analytical Devices

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Chitosan films possess unique properties like high adsorption capacity, filmability, and transparency, making them suitable for sensor applications.
• Ammonia detection is crucial in various fields, including clinical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.
• Existing ammonia detection methods can be complex and require specialized laboratory equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a chitosan-based film sensor for the detection and quantification of ammonia.
• To characterize the properties of the developed chitosan film sensor.
• To evaluate the sensor's performance in detecting ammonia in biological samples.

Main Methods:

• A chitosan film matrix was prepared by dispersing an ammonia-specific reagent (Nessler's reagent).
• The chitosan film sensor was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
• A gas diffusion device incorporating the chitosan film sensor was used for ammonia vapor collection and detection from biological samples.

Main Results:

• The developed chitosan film sensor exhibited suitable properties for ammonia detection.
• The sensor demonstrated a color change that correlated with ammonia concentration in human serum and artificial urine samples.
• The method allowed for facile ammonia detection and concentration measurement.

Conclusions:

• The chitosan film sensor provides a simple and effective method for ammonia detection.
• This sensor is valuable for clinical laboratories, point-of-care devices, and resource-limited settings.
• The developed sensor broadens the application of chitosan-based materials in analytical sensing.