A visualization-enhanced electrochemical sensing system with mobile data transmission for rapid...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Food Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) contamination in food poses a global health risk.
• Accurate and rapid detection methods are crucial for food safety.
• Existing methods can be time-consuming and require specialized equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a portable molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor (MIECS) for real-time 3-MCPD detection.
• To integrate the sensor with a smartphone application for data visualization and analysis.
• To provide a cost-effective and selective tool for food safety monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a chitosan-based MIECS using molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and carbon dots (CDs).
• Optimization of sensor synthesis parameters including chitosan concentration, template-to-monomer ratio, glutaraldehyde concentration, and deposition time.
• Validation of sensor performance in real food samples (drinking water, soy sauce) using electrochemical analysis via a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone application.

Main Results:

• The MIECS achieved a linear detection range of 1.00 × 10^-7-1.00 × 10^-3 mol/L for 3-MCPD.
• A low detection limit of 1.8 × 10^-8 mol/L was obtained.
• Recovery rates in food samples ranged from 80.63% to 127.00%, indicating good accuracy.
• The sensor demonstrated high selectivity and stability.

Conclusions:

• The developed portable MIECS offers a promising solution for rapid and intelligent 3-MCPD detection in food.
• Integration with a smartphone application enhances usability and data accessibility for food safety professionals.
• The sensor's selectivity, stability, and cost-effectiveness make it suitable for widespread food safety monitoring applications.