On-chip potential gradient detection with a portable capillary electrophoresis system

A portable chip-CE system with potential gradient detection (PGD) was developed and applied to the determinations of alkali metals and alkaloids. The separation efficiency appeared to be satisfactory and nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis (NACE) proved to be applicable to PGD or conductivity detection. The power supplies, separation and detection were built on a device of 3 kg in weight. A branch channel near the end of the separation channel was designed to perform PGD and make the application of relatively high field strength possible. The study is the first report on the application of PGD on the microchip platform. The design of the chip-CE system shows several advantages, such as simplicity, miniaturization and wide applicability.     

Development of a portable survey meter system for the studies of uranium discovery

In this study, a portable radiation measurement system which has a microprocessor-controller was developed for uranium discovery. The developed system has the feature of saving the counting data from a Geiger–Mueller detector and position data from a global positioning system. The pulses obtained from the detector were transferred into a counting input of a microprocessor via a pulse shaper. Evaluation of the pulses has been performed by microprocessor’s software. The results obtained from the developed radiation detection system were compared with those of a calibrated reference detector system. The developed system has some important features such as low current consumption, low cost, small size and lightness.     

Development of a phoswich detector system for radioxenon monitoring

Measurement of radioactive xenon in the atmosphere is one of several techniques to detect nuclear weapons testing. For high sensitivity, some existing systems use beta/gamma coincidence detection to suppress background, which is very effective, but increases complexity due to separate beta and gamma detectors that require careful calibration and gain matching. In this paper, we will describe the development and evaluation of a simpler detector system, named PhosWatch, consisting of a CsI(Tl)/BC-404 phoswich well detector, digital readout electronics, and pulse shape analysis algorithms implemented in a digital signal processor on the electronics, and compare its performance to existing multi-detector systems.     

Development and application of a portable LIPS system for characterising copper alloy artefacts

We report the development of a novel portable and low-cost laser induced plasma spectroscopy (LIPS) system and describe the application method for quantitative characterisation of quaternary copper alloy artefacts. The device was carefully calibrated and phenomenologically characterised using a set of reference samples. The reliability of the quantitative measurement of the depth profile and bulk compositions was assessed through crossed comparisons with traditional analytical techniques. Finally, the LIPS system was applied to investigate a museum figurine of unknown origin composed of several pieces, which is representative of a typical authentication problem.     

Development of a KI Annular Denuder for NO2 Collection

Abstract

The use of a KI-coated annular denuder for eliminating NO₂ interference during sampling of airborne particulate matter on filter media is proposed. The performances of this novel diffusion sampler were evaluated in a series of practical tests concerning optimization of the sorption efficiency of NO₂. Results pointed out that a properly sized annular denuder under 1 m long could be able to remove HO₂ before collecting aerosols at laminar airflows as high as 15 1 min^?1.     

Development of a micro-fluidic manifold for copper monitoring utilising chemiluminescence detection

The progressive development of a micro-fluidic manifold for the chemiluminescent detection of copper in water samples, based on the measurement of light emitted from the Cu(ii) catalysed oxidation of 1,10-phenanthroline by hydrogen peroxide, is reported. Micro-fluidic manifolds were designed and manufactured from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) using three micro-fabrication techniques, namely hot embossing, laser ablation and direct micro-milling. The final laser ablated design incorporated a reagent mixing channel of dimensions 7.3 cm in length and 250 x 250 microm in width and depth (triangular cross section), and a detection channel of 2.1 cm in length and 250 x 250 microm in width and depth (total approx. volume of between 16 to 22 microL). Optimised reagents conditions were found to be 0.07 mM 1,10-phenanthroline, containing 0.10 M cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and 0.075 M sodium hydroxide (reagent 1 delivered at 0.025 mL min(-1)) and 5% hydrogen peroxide (reagent 2 delivered at 0.025 mL min(-1)). The sample stream was mixed with reagent 1 in the mixing channel and subsequently mixed with reagent 2 at the start of the detection channel. The laser ablated manifold was found to give a linear response (R(2) = 0.998) over the concentration ranges 0-150 microg L(-1) and be reproducible (% RSD = 3.4 for five repeat injections of a 75 microg L(-1) std). Detection limits for Cu(ii) were found to be 20 microg L(-1). Selectivity was investigated using a copper selective mini-chelating column, which showed common cations found in drinking waters did not cause interference with the detection of Cu(ii). Finally the optimised system was successfully used for trace Cu(ii) determinations in a standard reference freshwater sample (SRM 1640).     

Development of a mimetic system for electrochemical detection of glutamate

This paper describes the development of a biosensor to detect neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia, based on the use of a small protein-like chain designed to mimic a peptide that recognizes glutamate, the main excitatory neurotransmitter present in the central nervous system of mammals. This system is based on the immobilization of the mimetic peptide for glutamate onto graphite electrodes. The produced bioelectrode showed interesting characteristics, such as short response time (about 10 s) and linear response range between 1 and 10 mmol L^?1 for glutamate, indicating a promising approach for the diagnosis of neurological diseases. In addition, it was possible to observe differences in charge transfer resistance and in surface topography of the electrode, after the interaction with the glutamate target. Theoretical calculations suggest that the anchoring of glutamate indicates conformational changes in the peptide. The mimetic bioelectrode discriminates samples from patients with Alzheimer’s disease.     

便携式微型液相色谱仪的研制

该工作报道了一种自行设计研制的便携式微型液相色谱仪(portable micro liquid chromatograph,p-μLC).p-μLC集成了二元大推力注射泵作为流动相驱动装置、毛细管整体柱为分离介质和紫外-可见/荧光两用流通池为在线检测单元.自行设计研制的二元大推力注射泵可以实现等度/梯度洗脱和流动相再装...     

Dual amperometric-potentiometric biosensor detection system for monitoring organophosphorus neurotoxins

A dual-transducer flow-injection biosensor detection system for monitoring organophosphorus (OP) neurotoxins is described. Such simultaneous use of different physical transducers in connection to the same (organophosphorous hydrolase (OPH)) enzyme enhances the information content and provides discrimination between various subclasses of OP compounds. While the potentiometric biosensor responds favorably to all OP compounds, reflecting the pH changes associated with the OPH activity, the amperometric device displays well-defined signals only towards OP substrates (pesticides) liberating the oxidizable p-nitrophenol product. The potentiometric detection has been accomplished with a silicon-based pH-sensitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS) transducer, operated in the constant-capacitance (ConCap) mode. Both transducers are prepared by a thin-film fabrication technology, and respond rapidly and independently to sudden changes in the level of the corresponding OP compound, with no apparent cross reactivity. Relevant experimental variables were evaluated and optimized. Such development holds great promise for field screening of OP neurotoxins in connection to various defense and environmental scenarios. The multiple-transduction concept could be extended for increasing the information content of other ‘class-enzyme’ biosensor systems.     

In-situ monitoring of H2O2 degradation by live cells using voltammetric detection in a lab-on-valve system

This paper describes a method for monitoring the degradation of hydrogen peroxide by cells immobilized on a beaded support. The detection is based on the voltammetric reduction of hydrogen peroxide on a mercury film working electrode, whilst combining the concept of sequential injection (SI) with the lab-on-valve (LOV) manifold allows the measurements to be carried out in real time and automatically, in well-defined conditions. The method is shown to be capable of simultaneously monitoring hydrogen peroxide in the 10-1000 microM range and oxygen in the 160-616 microM range. A correction algorithm has been used to ensure reliable H2O2 results in the presence of varying oxygen levels. The method has been successfully applied to monitoring the degradation of H2O2 by wild-type cells and by catalase-overexpressing mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Since the technique allows the monitoring of the initial response rate, it provides data not accessible by current methods that are end-point-based measurements.     

Scout™, a portable MCA system

Quantrad Sensor's hand-held multichannel analyzer (MCA), the Scout^TM, has evolved considerably from the initial licensing from Pacific Northwest Laboratories (operated by Battelle Memorial Institute for the U.S. DOE). The Scout^TM has grown into a flexible MCA system with alpha-, gamma-, X-ray and neutron detection capabilities with wide ranging applications. The development philosophy is discussed along with specific examples of design choices in areas such as manufacturability, upgradability, probe interchangability and software user interface. Recently introduced products include: software enhancements, additional probes, customized software and a second generation instrument, the Scout512^TM, that boasts increased capabilities. Future developments are also discussed.     

Development of a palm portable mass spectrometer

A palm portable mass spectrometer (PPMS) has been developed with a weight of 1. 48 kg (3 lb) and a size of 1.54 L (8.2 × 7.7 × 24.5 cm³) that can be operated with an average battery power of 5 W. A miniaturized ion trap has been used as a mass analyzer that consists of four parallel disks with coaxial holes. A rf voltage of 1500 V _p-p at 3.9 MHz has been used for scanning ion mass of up to m/z 300. An ion-getter pump serves for high vacuum of the PPMS. Sample gas was introduced in pulse mode. An embedded microcomputer has been developed for system control. Detection of organic gases diluted in the air has been demonstrated up to 6 ppm for toluene and 22 ppm for dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP). Performance results suggest usefulness of the PPMS as a personal mobile device for detection/identification of chemical warfare agents in the field.     

Rapid analysis of native neomycin components on a portable capillary electrophoresis system with potential gradient detection

A simple method based on capillary electrophoresis with potential gradient detection was developed to separate and detect neomycin components within 4 min without a derivatization step. Satisfactory separation and good repeatability were obtained using a separation buffer composed of 1 mM ammonium citrate (pH 3.5). The linearity of the method ranged from 10 to 1000 ppm with a limit of detection for neomycin B of about 7 ppm. After a simple dilution and filtering pretreatment step, neomycin components in three real samples were successfully analyzed without any major interference. Due to its simplicity and reliability, this method could provide an excellent alternative to the assays currently listed in U.S. and European Pharmacopoeia. The experiments were performed on a portable capillary electrophoresis system and, hence, the method can be readily applied to field analysis and point-of-care testing. Figure Photo of portable CE-P2-PGD system     

Carbon nanotube-enhanced separation of DNA fragments by a portable capillary electrophoresis system with contactless conductivity detection

It was demonstrated that separation of DNA fragments by a CE-contactless conductivity detection system (CE-CCD) could be enhanced with multiple-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNs) as buffer additive. For HaeIII digest of PhiX174 DNA, optimized MWCN concentration was obtained when the MWCN was above its threshold concentration, at which MWCN could form a network in the buffer as pseudostationary phase to provide additional interaction sites. In the case of larger DNA, MWCN near or below its threshold concentration was enough to provide great improvement of the resolution, which was shown by the separation of the 2-Log DNA ladder. Furthermore, the buffer containing MWCN could provide a more stable baseline in the CE-CCD system, owing to less fluctuation of its conductivity. Compared with CE-UV, CE-CCD with MWCN could provide lower LODs as well as better resolution.     

Preparation of two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide for NO2 detection at room temperature

In this work, the two-dimensional MoS₂ film was prepared by sulfuring the molybdenum atomic layer on SiO₂/Si substrate. The reaction temperature, heating rate, holding time and carrier gas flow rate were investigated comprehensively. The quality of MoS₂ film was characterized by optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The characterization results showed that the optimum synthesis parameters were heating rate of 25 °C/min, reaction temperature of 750 °C, holding time of 30 min and carrier gas velocity of 100 sccm. The MoS₂ gas sensor was fabricated and its gas sensing performance was tested. The test results indicated that the sensor had a good response to both reducing gas (NH₃) and oxidizing gas (NO₂) at room temperature. The sensitivity to 100 ppm of NO₂ was 31.3%, and the response/recovery times were 4 s and 5 s, respectively. In addition, the limit of detection could be as low as 1 ppm. This work helps us to develop low power and integrable room temperature NO₂ sensors.     

Development of a portableα-particle counter for public acceptance activities

There is currently great interest in iodine as a micro nutrient. Both high and low intakes have been associated with thyroid cancer incidence. Development of dietary iodine monitors is needed to supplement the use of dietary recall methods which have not been well validated for iodine. In this study, 30 pooled urine samples, from ethnic groups on various islands in the South Pacific, were analyzed for iodine using epithermal instrumental neutron activation analysis (EINAA).University of Mo Chemistry Department, Columbia, MO 65211     

Analytical method for atmospheric tritium with a portable tritium sampling system

A portable tritium sampler was developed for the stepwise collections of water vapour (HTO), hydrogen (HT) and hydrocarbons (CH₃T) in the atmosphere. First, water vapour was collected in an electronic cooler and an HTO collection column containing 400 g of molecular sieve. Next, dried air was introduced into an HT collection column containing 150 g of palladium catalyst. Hydrogen was then converted to water by catalytic oxidation at room temperature and the resultant water was immediately adsorbed on the molecular sieve bed supporting the catalyst. The remaining gas was finally introduced into a CH₃T collection column containing 100 g of molecular sieve through a platinum catalyst column, in which hydrocarbons were burnt at 400°C. The resultant water was adsorbed in the CH₃T collection column. The collection efficiencies of water in the HTO, HT and CH₃T collection columns were all estimated to be nearly 100%. This newly developed method was found to be useful for the routine tritium monitoring by applying it to actual air samples.     

Development of a solid surface fluorescence-based sensing system for aluminium monitoring in drinking water

A novel, single and robust solid surface fluorescence-based sensing device assembled in a continuous flow system has been developed for the determination of trace amounts of aluminium in water samples. The proposed method is based on the transient immobilization of the target species on an appropriate active solid sensing zone (C₁₈ silica gel). The target species was the fluorogenic chelate, formed as a result of the on-line complexation of Al(III) with chromotropic acid (CA) at pH 4.1. The fluorescence of the complex is continuously monitored at an emission wavelength of 390 nm upon excitation at 361 nm. The instrumental, chemical and flow-injection variables affecting the fluorescence signal were carefully investigated and optimized. After selecting the most suitable conditions, the sensing system was calibrated in the range 10–500 μg l⁻¹, obtaining a detection limit of 2.6 μg l⁻¹, and a R.S.D. of 2.2%, with a sampling frequency of 24 h⁻¹. In addition, the selectivity of the proposed methodology was evaluated by performing interference studies with different cations and anions which could affect the analytical response. Finally, the proposed method, which meets the EU regulations regarding the aluminium content in drinking waters, was satisfactorily applied to different water samples, with recoveries between 97 and 105%. The simplicity, low cost and easy operation are the main advantages of the present procedure.