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Smartphone Determination of Formaldehyde in Milk and Cosmetics Samples Using Gas-Diffusion Microextraction Devices
Juliana Casanova Pinho1, Gabriel Baroffaldi Piassalonga1, Saidy Cristina Ayala-Durán1
1Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Chemistry, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry, National Institute for Alternative Technologies of Detection, Toxicological Evaluation, and Removal of Micropollutants and Radioactives (INCT-DATREM), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-060, Brazil.
A new, low-cost method uses a 3D-printed device and smartphone to detect formaldehyde in milk and cosmetics. This innovative approach offers accurate, accessible chemical analysis for consumer product safety.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Consumer Product Safety
Background:
- Formaldehyde is a common contaminant in food and cosmetic products, necessitating reliable detection methods.
- Existing methods for formaldehyde detection can be expensive and complex, limiting accessibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a low-cost, direct method for formaldehyde determination in milk and cosmetic samples.
- To utilize a smartphone for colorimetric analysis, enhancing accessibility and reducing costs.
Main Methods:
- A 3D-printed gas-diffusion microextraction module was employed for formaldehyde extraction.
- Smartphone-based colorimetric analysis coupled with a MATLAB algorithm for automated data processing.
- Standard addition calibration and comparison with UV/Vis spectrophotometry and HS-GC-MS for validation.
Main Results:
- The developed method accurately quantified formaldehyde in various milk types and a hair cream sample.
- Smartphone-based detection showed comparable results to traditional spectrophotometry.
- The method's accuracy exceeded 90% when validated against chromatographic and spectrophotometric techniques.
Conclusions:
- The smartphone-based, 3D-printed microextraction module offers a viable, low-cost alternative for formaldehyde detection.
- This method provides a practical solution for rapid screening of formaldehyde in consumer products.
- The study highlights the potential of portable analytical devices for enhancing chemical safety monitoring.
