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Zansors LLC

Superfund Research Program

Disposable Paper-Based Electrochemical Metal Ion Sensors for Water Safety Testing

Project Leader: Rebecca Y. Lai
Grant Number: R41ES024626
Funding Period: Phase I: July 2014 – August 2015
View this project in the NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools (RePORT)

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Summary

Researchers at Zansors LLC are developing a generalizable electrochemical biosensing platform for detection of metal ions in water. Specifically, they are validating the design of a convenient, cost-effective electrochemical ion (E-ION) sensing platform for direct detection of metal ion contaminants such as mercury (Hg2+), silver (Ag+), and copper (Cu2+) in drinking water. While previously developed metal ions sensors have been demonstrated to possess exceptional sensitivity and selectivity, no generalizable sensor architecture that is applicable to the detection of a wide range of metal ions has been realized to date.

The E- ION sensor's signaling mechanism relies on the dampening of the DNA recognition probe dynamics upon target binding which involves inter-strand metal complexation, thereby creating a sensor that is inherently "signal-off" when interrogated using alternating current voltammetry. However, by varying the applied frequency in square wave voltammetry, these sensors can be converted into "signal-on" sensors, which is, in general, more desirable. More importantly, these sensors are being fabricated on a gold-plated screen-printed carbon electrode array, enabling them to be mass-produced at relatively low cost. The sensitivity and selectivity of these sensors should be comparable to current optical approaches, while offering the improved stability, reusability, and operational convenience of direct electrochemical detection.

The researchers are developing an inexpensive biosensor array to monitor levels of metal ion contaminants in drinking water. The "real-world" applicability of the sensor array will be validated by demonstrating sensitive and selective detection of Hg2+, Ag+, and Cu2+ in real household water samples. Successful completion of the project will provide consumers with an economical and simple method to ensure water quality for both drinking and other household applications. The research could have a major positive impact on human health and quality of life, especially for those who reside in relatively low resources, rural and remote areas.

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