Integrated microfluidic channel and stretchable organogels embedded probe for cyanide capture

Area of Science:

• Chemical Sensing
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Cyanide ions pose significant environmental and health risks.
• Accurate and sensitive detection methods are crucial for monitoring cyanide levels.
• Existing methods may lack the sensitivity, speed, or portability required for field applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel dual-mode sensor (PBO) for selective and efficient cyanide ion detection.
• To characterize the sensor's performance in terms of sensitivity, mechanism, and stoichiometry.
• To demonstrate the sensor's applicability in various formats, including solution, solid-state, and flow-based systems.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of the PBO sensor with a donor-π-acceptor framework.
• Spectroscopic analysis (¹H NMR titration) and mass spectrometry (HRMS) to elucidate the sensing mechanism.
• Job's plot analysis to determine the stoichiometry of the PBO-cyanide interaction.
• Performance evaluation including limit of detection (LOD) determination for colorimetric and fluorimetric modes.

Main Results:

• The PBO sensor demonstrated selective and efficient colorimetric and fluorimetric responses to cyanide ions.
• Sensing mechanism confirmed via ¹H NMR and HRMS, revealing a 1:1 adduct formation.
• Achieved ultra-low detection limits: 1.29 μM (colorimetric) and 2.8 × 10^-10 M (fluorimetric), below WHO guidelines.
• Successful integration into microfluidic devices and organogels for versatile sensing applications.

Conclusions:

• The PBO sensor offers a highly sensitive, selective, and dual-mode approach for cyanide detection.
• Its adaptability to different platforms (solution, solid-state, flow) enhances its practical utility.
• PBO provides a robust, user-friendly, and cost-effective solution for real-time environmental and safety monitoring of cyanide.