A portability self-powered sensor facilitates sensitive Cd²⁺ detection: Dual mechanism and three quantitative mode

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biosensors

Background:

• Cadmium ions (Cd²⁺) are hazardous heavy metal contaminants affecting food safety and human health.
• Highly sensitive detection methods for Cd²⁺ are crucial for public health.
• Enzyme biofuel cells (EBFCs) offer self-powered sensing, simplifying equipment for portable applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an innovative, portable sensor for on-site and real-time Cd²⁺ detection.
• To enhance Cd²⁺ detection sensitivity and specificity using a hybridization chain reaction (HCR) and DNAzyme strategy.
• To integrate the sensor with smartphones for instrument-free quantitative analysis.

Main Methods:

• Integration of a biosensor with a screen-printed electrode.
• Utilizing a hybridization chain reaction (HCR) combined with a Cd²⁺-dependent DNAzyme signal amplification strategy.
• Employing a self-powered sensing system based on enzyme biofuel cells (EBFCs).
• Combining colorimetric and electrical signal output modes for dual-mechanism detection.

Main Results:

• The developed sensor enables highly sensitive and specific Cd²⁺ detection.
• The self-powered system allows for portable, on-site, and real-time quantitative analysis using smartphones.
• Dual-mechanism detection with multiple quantitative modes ensures visualized and accurate results.
• The strategy demonstrates significant improvements in hazard detection technology.

Conclusions:

• The innovative self-powered biosensor offers a simple, portable, and rapid solution for Cd²⁺ detection.
• This technology significantly enhances intelligent Cd²⁺ detection capabilities and expands the application of self-powered sensing.
• The findings contribute to improving food safety detection systems and protecting consumer health.