New sensors help measure heavy metal concentrations in human blood

Researchers working at the University of Cincinnati, USA have developed a sensor that provides quick feedback regarding the presence and concentration of heavy metals, especially manganese in humans. This sensor meets the environmental and child-friendly standards for the first time to be tested in Marietta, Ohio, USA.

The results of this study were published in Biomedical Microdevices , August 2011 issue.

Described in the article is the development of a low-cost sensor that helps detect heavy metals more quickly than the technology currently used, often available in health care options. strong. Imagine that the new sensor technology will be used in medical care devices, providing essential feedback on heavy metal levels in just about 10 minutes.

The researchers hope that the new sensor will be used on a large scale in large-scale clinical, career and research settings, such as in child nutrition testing.

The new environmentally friendly sensor in which its electrodes are made of bismuth instead of mercury , with children only need 2 drops of blood to test compared to typical tests that require a full 5 ml blood.

According to Ian Papautsky's explanation, one of the researchers, working at the University of Cincinnati, USA: " The usual methods for measuring blood levels of manganese now require about 5 ml of total blood. send to the lab, and return the results within 48 hours.You want a more answer, quickly on the level of exposure, especially in rural areas, high-risk areas where limited in access to heavy metal labs Our sensor will only need about 2 drops of blood and will provide results in about 10 minutes. Use anywhere. "

In addition to Papautsky, UC, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, the co-author of this study includes Erin Haynes , associate professor of environmental engineering; William Heineman , professor of chemistry; Preetha Jothimuthu , a Ph.D. in electrical engineering and computers; Dr. Robert Wilson, PhD, majored in chemistry and student Josi Herren specialized in biomedical engineering.

A motive for developing this sensor is an ongoing project of the University of Cincinnati, USA conducted by Erin Haynes, who is studying air pollution and the effects of manganese on human health. in Marietta, Ohio. Manganese heavy metal is emitted in this area because it is the only manganese factory in the United States and Canada. The preliminary results of the air pollution (MAPS) measured by scientists at the University of Cincinnati, USA in the Mid-Ohio valley will show manganese concentrations in Marietta residents when compared to those of people living in other cities.

How does the sensor work? The new sensor device uses a technology called positive pole stripping voltammetry that closely links three electrodes: a working electrode, a reference electrode and an auxiliary electrode.

An important challenge for these sensors is the detection of negatively charged metals such as manganese. It is difficult to detect because of hydrolysis, the separation of a molecule into two parts by adding a water molecule, at the auxiliary electrode, limiting the ability of a sensor to detect a metal. negative power.

To address this challenge, the team at the University of Cincinnati, USA, developed a bismuth thin film electrode instead of conventional mercury or carbon electrodes. The advantageous implementation of bismuth working electrodes combined with nature is not harmful to the environment, meaning that the new sensor will be particularly attractive in setting up a laboratory on a single chip.

In addition, the UC team also optimized the sensor layout and working electrode surface to further reduce the effects of hydrolysis, increase reliability and sensitivity in detecting heavy metals. The new sensor layout better allows the operation, which involves taking blood samples of heavy metals and then measuring the level of heavy metals.

The end result is that the laboratory on the first chip can unify the presence of heavy metals such as manganese in humans. New sensors also show higher reliability over many days of use, with continuous hours of operation. With further development. Chips can even be converted into a self-testing mechanism, such as sugar screening for diabetics.

Funding for this study was provided by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Training Program of the Pilot Medical Research Project and the University of Cincinnati, United States. States