BAPTA-based potentiometric polymer sensor: towards sensing inflammations and infections.

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Potentiometric ion sensors are crucial electrochemical devices.
• Elevated local calcium ion concentrations in interstitial fluid indicate inflammation or infection.
• Early detection of such pathologies is vital for implant longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a selective potentiometric sensor for Ca2+ detection.
• To integrate a calcium chelator into a conductive polymer matrix.
• To enable early diagnosis of implant-associated inflammation or infection.

Main Methods:

• Electrochemical polymerization of 2,2'-bithiophene (BT) and 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA).
• Fabrication of a conductive polymer layer for ion sensing.
• Potentiometric measurements to evaluate sensor performance and selectivity.

Main Results:

• Successful incorporation of BAPTA into the BT polymer matrix.
• Demonstrated Nernstian behavior for Ca2+ detection with a slope of ~20 mV/decade.
• Achieved high selectivity for Ca2+ over Mg2+ ions (selectivity coefficient of -0.4).

Conclusions:

• The developed sensor effectively detects Ca2+ ions in a relevant concentration range.
• The sensor's selectivity and Nernstian response confirm its potential for clinical applications.
• This technology offers a promising tool for the early diagnosis of implant-related pathologies.