Controlled Insertion of Silver Nanoparticles in LbL Nanostructures: Fine-Tuning the Sensing Units of an Impedimetric E-Tongue

Author(s)

Goncalves, Maria Helena ; Braunger, Maria Luisa ; de Barros, Anerise ; Hensel, Rafael C. ; Dalafini, Julianna G. ; Mazali, Italo O. ; Correa, Leonardo M. ; Ugarte, Daniel ; Riul Jr, Antonio ; Rodrigues, Varlei

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CHEMOSENSORS; v. 12, n. 6, p. 13-pg., 2024-06-01.

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) possess unique characteristics ideal for enhancing device sensitivity, primarily due to their high surface-to-volume ratio facilitating heightened interaction with analytes. Integrating AgNPs into polymers or carbon-based materials results in nanocomposites with synergistic properties, enabling the detection of minute changes in the environment across various applications. In this study, we investigate the adsorption kinetics of AgNPs within multilayered layer-by-layer (LbL) structures, specifically examining the impact of AgNPs concentration in the LbL film formation that is further explored as sensing units in an impedimetric microfluidic e-tongue. Although absorption kinetic studies are infrequent, they are crucial to optimize the AgNPs adsorption and distribution within LbL structures, significantly influencing upcoming applications. Through systematic variation of AgNPs concentration within identical LbL architectures, we applied the films as sensing units in a microfluidic e-tongue capable of distinguishing food enhancers sharing the umami taste profile. Across all tested scenarios, our approach consistently achieves robust sample separation, evidenced by silhouette coefficient, principal component analyses, and long-term stability. This work contributes to exploring controlled nanomaterial-based developments, emphasizing the importance of precise parameter control for enhanced sensor performance across diverse analytical applications. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 07/01722-9 - Development of a mass selected metallic nano-aggregate source
• Grantee: Varlei Rodrigues
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/02893-1 - Eco-friendly methods of metallic nanoparticles synthesis for application in evaluating soybean plants growth in the presence of the nanoparticles
• Grantee: Anerise de Barros
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 20/15095-0 - Biosensors made with polymer films incorporating metallic nanoparticles for clinical diagnosis
• Grantee: Rafael Cintra Hensel Ferreira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 20/15497-1 - Production and characterization of polymeric thin films with embedded metal nanoparticles for application in sensors
• Grantee: Varlei Rodrigues
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/14836-9 - 3D printing technology application for microfluidic developments
• Grantee: Maria Luisa Braunger Fier
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral