Ion imprinted polymers integrated into a multi-functional microfluidic paper-based analytical device for trace...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Cadmium (Cd(II)) is a toxic heavy metal pollutant requiring sensitive detection methods.
• Existing methods for Cd(II) detection can be expensive, complex, and not suitable for field use.
• Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) offer potential for portable and low-cost chemical sensing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, multi-functional μPAD for specific, portable, and low-cost detection of Cd(II) in water.
• To integrate ion imprinted polymers (IIPs) for selective Cd(II) separation within the μPAD.
• To combine the μPAD with a reduced graphene oxide-modified paper-based screen-printed carbon electrode (pSPCE) for sensitive electrochemical detection.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a multi-layer μPAD incorporating IIPs for Cd(II) separation.
• Preparation of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) via electroreduction on a pSPCE (rGO/pSPCE).
• Integration of the IIP-μPAD with the rGO/pSPCE for electrochemical sensing of Cd(II).

Main Results:

• The developed μPAD achieved a linear detection range for Cd(II) from 1 ng mL⁻¹ to 100 ng mL⁻¹.
• A low detection limit of 0.05 ng mL⁻¹ for Cd(II) was obtained.
• The μPAD showed high accuracy in real water samples, with recovery rates from 96.5% to 114.2% compared to ICP-MS.

Conclusions:

• The novel μPAD integrated with IIPs and rGO/pSPCE provides a highly sensitive, specific, and portable method for Cd(II) detection.
• The device offers advantages of low cost and suitability for on-site water quality monitoring.
• This technology represents a valuable tool for environmental analysis and public health protection.