A remote-controlled portable workstation for highly sensitive and real-time chemiluminescent detection of cadmium

The prevention of pollution requires real-time monitoring of cadmium (Cd²⁺) concentration in the food, as it has a dramatic impact on poultry and can pose a threat to human health. Here, we fabricate a portable workstation integrating a microfluidic chip that facilitates real-time monitoring of Cd²⁺ levels in real samples by utilizing the Luminol-KMnO₄ chemiluminescence (CL) system. Interestingly, Cd²⁺ can significantly enhance the CL signal, resulting in sensitive detection of Cd²⁺ in the range of 0-0.18 mg/L with the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.207 μg/L. Furthermore, a remote-controlled unit is integrated into the portable workstation to form a remote-controlled portable workstation (RCPW) performing automated point-of-care testing (POCT) of Cd²⁺. The as-prepared strategy allows remote control of RCPW to avoid long-distance transportation of samples to achieve real-time target monitoring. Consequently, this system furnishes RCPW for monitoring Cd²⁺ levels in real samples, thereby holding potential for applications in preventing food pollution.