Disulfide Compound-Impregnated Paper Substrate-Based Highly Efficient Colorimetric Gas Sensor for Detection of...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomedical Diagnostics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) are key biomarkers for periodontal disease.
• Noninvasive breath analysis offers a promising diagnostic avenue.
• Accurate detection of VSCs like methyl mercaptan and hydrogen sulfide is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a selective and sensitive paper-based gas sensor for VSCs.
• To establish a colorimetric method for quantifying VSC concentrations.
• To evaluate the sensor's potential for point-of-care diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• A cellulose paper substrate was impregnated with 2,2'-dithiobis(5-nitropyridine) and sodium acetate.
• The sensor's color change upon exposure to VSCs was analyzed using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (420 nm).
• Kubelka-Munk (K-M) values and B/R ratios were correlated with VSC concentrations.

Main Results:

• The sensor exhibited reversible color change from white to yellow upon VSC exposure.
• A linear relationship was established between K-M values at 420 nm and VSC concentrations.
• High sensitivity was achieved with detection limits of 45 ppb for methyl mercaptan and 7.1 ppb for hydrogen sulfide.

Conclusions:

• The developed paper-based sensor offers a cost-effective and simple method for detecting VSCs.
• Colorimetric analysis enables quantitative VSC measurement, suitable for clinical applications.
• This sensor is ideal for point-of-care diagnostics of VSC-related conditions like periodontal disease.