Highly selective piezoresistive sensor for mercury (Hg²⁺) ions detection using mercaptosuccinic acid-functionalized microcantilevers with cross-linked pyridinedicarboxylic acid

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to report an insightful portable microfluidic system for rapid and selective sensing of Hg2+ in the picomolar (pM) concentration using microcantilever-based piezoresistive sensor. The detection time for various laboratory-based techniques is generally 12–24 h. The majority of modules used in the proposed platform are battery oriented; therefore, they are portable and handy to carry-out on-field investigations. Design/methodology/approach In this study, the authors have incorporated the benefit of three technologies, i.e. thin-film, nanoparticles (NPs) and micro-electro-mechanical systems, to selectively capture the Hg2+ at the pM concentration. The morphology and topography of the proposed sensor are characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy and verification of the experimental results using energy dispersive X-ray. Findings The proposed portable microfluidic system is able to perform the detection in 5 min with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.163 ng (0.81 pM/mL) for Hg2+, which perfectly describes its excellent performance over other reported techniques. Research limitations/implications A microcantilever-based technology is perfect for on-site detection, and a LOD of 0.163 ng (0.81 pM/mL) is outstanding compared to other techniques, but the fabrication of microcantilever sensor is complex. Originality/value Many researchers used NPs for heavy metal ions sensing, but the excess usage and industrialization of NPs are rapidly expanding harmful consequences on the human life and nature. Also, the LOD of the NPs-based method is limited to nanomolar concentration. The suggested microfluidic system used the benefit of thin-film and microcantilever devices to provide advancement over the NPs-based approach and it has a selective sensing in pM concentration.

A Low Spring Constant Piezoresistive Microcantilever for Biological Reagent Detection

“…Figure 3 c is the height scope of the microcantilever; it can be seen that the microcantilever bent upward for 36.122 μm and the depth of the reactive well is 40.534 μm. Since the coefficient of thermal expansion for PI is higher than that of Si in this temperature range, the tensile stresses in the PI films [ 14 ] made the microcantilever bend upward, which can inhibit the microcantilever from sticking to the bottom of the reactive well.…”

“…In 2020, Rotake et al studied a piezoresistive microcantilever for Hg 2+ detection with a limit of 0.75 ng/mL. The spring constant of the microcantilever was 0.07053 N/m [ 14 ]. In 2020, Kandpal et al reported a piezoresistive microcantilever which realized a 1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) detection with 6-MNA surface functionalization.…”

Red-Emitting AIEE-Active Rhodamine-Based Ionic Liquid for the Ultrasensitive and Selective Detection of Mercury Ions

“…From comparison Table 1, it is clear that this technique has the potential and capability to selectively detect Hg 2+ ions with a limit of detection (LOD) of as low as 0.21 nM and hence it outperforms the other methods. Nevertheless, the method proposed by Rotake et al 40 have outstanding potential for the detection of mercury at the picomolar range but require costly and sophisticated analytical tools for the measurements. Moreover, Qi et al 41 used the colorimetric technique for selective Hg 2+ detection.…”

Sensitivity enhancement of microelectromechanical sensors using femtosecond laser for biological and chemical applications

“…3,7 Accordingly, they have a wide range of applications in detecting numerous biologically and environmentally relevant cations, such as mercury, lead, and calcium ions, as well as hydrocarbons in water. [7][8][9][10][11] In addition, they can be used as highly sensitive humidity and temperature sensors. 11,12 Silicon microcantilever-based MEMS sensors are also promising for medical recognition and detection of a wide range of viruses that are transferable from one human to another, such as human immunodeficiency virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19).…”

“…Microcantilever‐based MEMS sensors have several advantages owing to their rapid response, high sensitivity, low cost, user‐friendliness, lightweight, portability, and implementation flexibility in sensing arrays 3,7 . Accordingly, they have a wide range of applications in detecting numerous biologically and environmentally relevant cations, such as mercury, lead, and calcium ions, as well as hydrocarbons in water 7–11 . In addition, they can be used as highly sensitive humidity and temperature sensors 11,12 .…”