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Development of a colorimetric sensor based on the coupling of a microfluidic paper-based analytical device and headspace microextraction for determination of formaldehyde in textile, milk, and wastewater samples

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Abstract

A user-friendly, cost-effectively, portable, and environmentally friendly colorimetric sensor for the quantitative determination of formaldehyde was developed based on the combining of microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD), headspace microextraction (HSME), and digital image colorimetry. Coupling HSME and μPAD led to enhancements in selectivity and sensitivity of the sensor through sample cleanup and analyte enrichment. To construct the μPAD-HSME device, two pieces of paper as the sample and detection zone were placed facing each other so that a small common and sealed space was created between them. The color change occurred when the analyte in the gaseous form crossed this gap and reached the detection zone. Colorimetric sensing in the detection zone was performed based on the Hantzsch reaction. The color change in the detection zone was recorded by a smartphone and digital images were processed using image analysis software based on the RGB model. The influence of some key variables on the sensitivity of the method including derivatization reagent composition, sample volume, extraction temperature, and extraction time was studied and optimized. The linear dynamic range of the method was obtained in two ranges of 0.10–0.75 and 0.75–5.0 mg L−1 with a limit of detection of 0.03 mg L−1. The recoveries were in the range 80–126% for the quantification of formaldehyde in textile, milk, and wastewater samples.

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Acknowledgements

The research council of Isfahan University of Technology (IUT) and the Center of Excellence in Sensor and Green Chemistry are acknowledged for financial support of the project.

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  1. Department of Chemistry, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156-83111, Iran

    Vajihe Mohammadi & Mohammad Saraji

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  1. Vajihe Mohammadi
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  2. Mohammad Saraji
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Mohammadi, V., Saraji, M. Development of a colorimetric sensor based on the coupling of a microfluidic paper-based analytical device and headspace microextraction for determination of formaldehyde in textile, milk, and wastewater samples. Microchim Acta 191, 66 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00604-023-06139-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00604-023-06139-6

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