Development of complete and miniaturized 3D-printed flow electrochemical systems for analytical applications

• Grant number: 22/07552-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Effective date (Start): December 01, 2022
• Effective date (End): May 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Thiago Regis Longo Cesar da Paixão
• Grantee: Iana Vitória Spadini Arantes
• Supervisor: Professor Craig E. Banks
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Research place: Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), England
• Associated to the scholarship: 19/15065-7 - Development of paper-based electrochemical systems aiming flow analysis of forensic samples, BP.DD

Abstract

Among many applications regarding 3D printing in modern society, this technology has shown promising features for fabricating electroanalytical devices, such as large-scale fabrication and fast prototyping of an infinite array of possibilities, from cells to sensors, using inexpensive polymeric materials conductive filaments. The option of printing an entire electrochemical system represents a considerable advance in the field as increasingly robust and reproducible devices are being manufactured. In addition, the freedom of creation in 3D printing makes it possible to create portable miniaturized devices that can be applied for on-site analysis. Crime scene investigation is an example where electroanalysis can be used for quantitative and selective determination of chemical samples, from drugs of abuse to gunshot residues. Furthermore, it is known that the configuration of the electrochemical system is crucial to obtaining reliable results. In this context, flow analytical techniques can be used as an alternative to stationary measurements. They increase the mass transport of analytes to the sensor surface, increasing sensitivity and providing automated and high throughput analyses. Thus, the present project aims to develop complete and miniaturized 3D-printed electroanalytical systems to perform flow analysis to detect species of forensic interest. (AU)