Colorimetric Sensor Array Based on Gold Nanoparticles and Amino Acids for Identification of Toxic Metal Ions in Water

Abstract

A facile colorimetric sensor array for detection of multiple toxic heavy metal ions (Hg(2+), Cd(2+), Fe(3+), Pb(2+), Al(3+), Cu(2+), and Cr(3+)) in water is demonstrated using 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA)-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and five amino acids (lysine, cysteine, histidine, tyrosine, and arginine). The presence of amino acids (which have functional groups that can form complexes with metal ions and MUA) regulates the aggregation of MUA-capped particles; it can either enhance or diminish the particle aggregation. The combinatorial colorimetric response of all channels of the sensor array (i.e., color change in each of AuNP and amino acid couples) enables naked-eye discrimination of all of the metal ions tested in this study with excellent selectivity.

Fluorescent and colorimetric sensors for environmental mercury detection

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Among the ions concerned, mercury is one of the most important analytes because of its toxicity to the ecosystem and damage to health, 9 as demonstrated by Minamata disease 10 and mercury poisoning in Iraq 11 . [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Among the ions concerned, mercury is one of the most important analytes because of its toxicity to the ecosystem and damage to health, 9 as demonstrated by Minamata disease 10 and mercury poisoning in Iraq 11 .…”

Noble metal nanoparticles in biosensors: recent studies and applications

“…The colorimetric assay is based on visual sensing of optical changes caused by the aggregation of the functionalized MNPs in the presence of specific analyte and has a wide range of applications ranging from environmental detection of toxic metals [17], to clinical diagnosis of analytes, such as glucose [191, 192], cancer biomarkers [193], and even viruses [194]. Figure 7 illustrates preparation of the GQDS/AgNP hybrid and colorimetric glucose detection process based on the color change of the hybrid.…”

Colorimetric Sensor Arrays for the Detection and Identification of Chemical Weapons and Explosives

“…Colorimetric arrays are such a versatile technique because of their ability to serve as effective detection tools for a diverse range of analytes including odorants and gases (Janzen et al., 2006; Suslick et al., 2007; Kemling and Suslick, 2011; Askim et al., 2013; Feng et al., 2010a, 2010b, 2010c; Janzen et al., 2006; Kemling and Suslick, 2011; Suslick et al., 2007), metal ions (Ariza-Avidad et al., 2014; Sener et al., 2014), nanoparticles (Mahmoudi et al., 2016), sugars (Musto and Suslick, 2010; Musto et al., 2009), amines (Bang et al., 2008; Bueno et al., 2015; Soga et al., 2013; ), anions (Feng et al., 2012; Palacios et al., 2007), organic compounds in water (Zhang and Suslick, 2005), narcotics (Baumes et al., 2010; Burks et al., 2010; Lyon et al., 2011; Smith et al., 2012), food spoilage (Huang et al., 2014; Salinas et al., 2014b), organic solvents (Rankin et al., 2015), fuels (Li et al., 2015b), and pesticides (Qian and Lin, 2015). Complex mixtures including beer, coffee, and soft drinks have also been characterized (Zhang and Suslick, 2007; Zhang et al., 2006; Suslick et al., 2010).…”