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An instrument-free, user-friendly, and cost-effective PAD colorimetric sensor that can quantitative detection of H 2 O 2 has been realized by using bimetallic nickel–cobalt selenides as highly active peroxidase mimic and smartphone integrated with dark cavity as detector. Integrated with an ANN model and a self-compiled easy-to-use smartphone APP, the intelligent and on-site detection of H 2 O 2 was constructed, which exhibited an ultra-wide dynamic range. [Display omitted] • An effective paper-based colorimetric sensor was prepared based on nanozyme. • The optimized Ni 0.75 Co 0.25 Se exhibited excellent peoxidase-mimetic activities. • The on-site detection of H 2 O 2 was constructed by a self-compiled smartphone APP. • The machine learning-assisted sensor can detect H 2 O 2 over a wide dynamic range. Paper-based analytical devices (PADs) integrated with smartphones have shown great potential in various fields, but they also face challenges such as single signal reading, complex data processing and significant environmental impacting. In this study, a colorimetric PAD platform has been proposed using bimetallic nickel–cobalt selenides as highly active peroxidase mimic, smartphone with 3D-printing dark-cavity as a portable detector and an artificial neural network (ANN) model as multi-signal processing tool. Notably, the optimized nickel–cobalt selenides (Ni 0.75 Co 0.25 Se with Ni to Co ratio of 3/1) exhibit excellent peoxidase-mimetic activities and are capable of catalyzing the oxidation of four chromogenic reagents in the presence of H 2 O 2. Using a smartphone with image capture function as a friendly signal readout tool, the Ni 0.75 Co 0.25 Se based four channel colorimetric sensing paper is used for multi-signal quantitative analysis of H 2 O 2 by determining the Grey, red (R), green (G) and blue (B) channel values of the captured pictures. An intelligent on-site detection method for H 2 O 2 has been constructed by combining an ANN model and a self-programmed easy-to-use smartphone APP with a dynamic range of 5 μM to 2 M. Noteworthy, machine learning-assisted smartphone sensing devices based on nanozyme and 3D printing technology provide new insights and universal strategies for visual ultrasensitive detection in a variety of fields, including environments monitoring, biomedical diagnosis and safety screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this work, a rapid and sensitive paper-based analytical device (PAD) method was developed for screening detection of total tetracyclines (TCs) in environment water. TCs form firstly a narrow stacking band on a paper channel by field amplification stacking, and then the band was visualized by fluorescent imaging which was induced by an ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV LED). The image was acquired by a smartphone camera for quantitative analysis. Under optimal conditions, the sensitivity of this portable PAD system was 250 times enhanced within 2 min by online electrokinetic stacking and linear response was demonstrated in the range of 5–80 ng mL−1(R2 = 0.997) with detection limit of 4.5 ng mL−1. The applicability was demonstrated by detection of total TCs in environmental water with recovery ranging from 87 to 112% (RSD = 4.1–16.3%). Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Fluorescent colorimetric detection of total tetracyclines was implemented simply with UV LED and smartphone camera on a portable PAD system. • The sensitivity for tetracyclines was 250 times enhanced by field amplification sample stacking. • Fast instrument-free tetracyclines detection was achieved within 5 min in range of 5–80 ng mL−1 (R2 = 0.997) with detection limit of 4.5 ng mL−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting variations in the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of gold nanoparticles is a widespread approach for developing colorimetric biosensors. This is usually performed with a large spectrophotometer, which is not suitable for in-field measurements, or with the naked eye, which only allows detecting large spectral variations leading to clear changes in color. Here we demonstrate that patterns printed on paper can transduce LSPR variations caused by the aggregation of plasmonic nanosensors using a mobile device as the reader. The sensitivity of the proposed paper transducers is tested with a new enzyme-less signal generation mechanism for biosensors based on triggering the aggregation of gold nanoparticles in the presence of neutravidin. A competitive immunoassay using this mechanism and the proposed transducers can detect the model analyte C-reactive protein with a limit of detection of 3·10 −8  g mL −1 within 1 h, which is comparable to an ELISA using a spectrophotometer to detect the signal. The fabrication of the transducers only requires a common toner printer, and the signal can be detected with the ubiquitous smartphone using a downloadable app, which makes the proposed detection platform ideal for developing mobile biosensors for global health applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper-based analytical device (PAD) with image-based colorimetric detection is advantageous in low-cost, fast, simple and suitable for on-site rapid analysis. However, the detection capability is normally limited. In this paper, a new method was proposed that combined a complex reaction and electrokinetic stacking, and the sensitivity of PAD was effectively increased as demonstrated by the colorimetric detection of Cu 2+ with smartphone. A T-type paper fluidic channel was designed to realize the on-line complex reaction between polyethyleneimine (PEI) and Cu 2+ . Under electric field, positively charged PEI and Cu 2+ were driven through the two channels and eventually met on the same paper fluidic channel to form the positively charged complex of dark blue color. Meanwhile, the complex was stacked into a narrow and enhanced color band by field amplification effect. Under optimal experiment conditions, the band intensity was increased by three orders of magnitude compared with that of direct Cu 2+ imaging on the same paper substrate. A linear relationship in the range of 0.1–1.0 mM Cu 2+ was obtained (R 2 = 0.991), and a limit of detection of 30 μM was achieved, which is close to that by a desktop spectrophotometer. The selectivity of this method to other co-existing metal ions was also investigated. This work shows that by integration of a complex reaction and electro kinetic stacking, the sensitivity of image-based colorimetric detection can be greatly enhanced for rapid detection of Cu 2+ by PAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On-site rapid monitoring of nitrite as an assessment indicator of the environment, food, and physiological systems has drawn extensive attention. Here, electrokinetic stacking (ES) was combined with colorimetric reaction on a paper-based device (PAD) to achieve colorless nitrite detection with smartphone. In this paper, nitrite was stacked on the paper fluidic channel as a narrow band by electrokinetic stacking. Then, Griess reagent was introduced to visualize the stacking band. Under optimal conditions, the sensitivity of nitrite was 160-fold increased within 5 min. A linear response in the range of 0.075 to 1.0 μg mL−1 (R2 = 0.99) and a limit of detection (LOD) of 73 ng mL−1 (0.86 μM) were obtained. The LOD was 10 times lower than the reported PAD, and close to that achieved by a desktop spectrophotometer. The applicability was demonstrated by nitrite detection from saliva and water with good selectivity, adding 100 times more concentrated co-ions. High recovery (91.0~108.7%) and reasonable intra-day and inter-day reproducibility (RSD < 9%) were obtained. This work shows that the sensitivity of colorless analyte detection-based colorimetric reaction can be effectively enhanced by integration of ES on a PAD.Schematic of the experimental setups (left) and the corresponding images (right) of the actual portable device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantification is a fundamental aspect of performance of an analytical system. Paper-based analytical device (PAD) as an on-site detection platform has drawn wide attention mainly due to its portability and cost effectiveness. In this work, a portable and low-cost PAD for online preconcentration and sensitive determination of fluorescent whitening agent (FWA) was demonstrated, which was consisted of ultra violet light-emitting diode (UV LED), macro-focusing lens, smartphone and miniaturized DC voltage source. Taking a widely used FWA component VBL as the analyte, the performance of the PAD enhanced with electrokinetic stacking (ES) and fluorescence imaging detection was systematically investigated. With ES, the sensitivity of the PAD system was 160-fold enhanced, and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.06 μg mL −1 was achieved. The dynamic range was 0.1–10.0 μg mL −1 (linear in 0.1–0.7 μg mL −1 , R 2 = 0.99). With manual operation, the relative standard deviation (RSD) of intra-day and inter-day were all below 15%. Eventually, VBL from different napkin samples and toilet paper was determined with average recovery rates in the range of 90%–95% (RSD = 8.0%–12.0%). This work shows that with ES, the sensitivity of PAD can be greatly improved, and a LOD close to a desktop fluorescent spectrophotometer can be achieved as demonstrated by the detection of FWA component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The silver nanocomposite is in situ synthesized on paper substrate. • Detection of Fe3+ is based on the aggregation of silver nanocomposite. • The sensitivity for Fe3+ detection can be tuned by the pre-concentration steps. • On site detection of Fe3+ can be realized with the aid of a smartphone. In this study, a green and novel method for in situ synthesis of silver nanocomposites on paper substrate was developed and used for the pre-concentration and determination of Fe3+. Silver nanocomposites were in situ synthesized using tannic acid as reducing and capping agent under a mildly alkaline condition. The mechanism for the Fe3+ detection is based on its coordination with the tannic acid present on the surface of the silver nanocomposites and the formation of aggregates. The colorimetric response between Fe3+ and tannic acid modified silver nanocomposites deposited on the surface of the paper substrate was collected by a smartphone followed by processing with Adobe Photoshop CS 5.1 software. Under the optimal conditions, the color response showed a good linear relationship with Fe3+ concentration in the range of 25.0–500.0 μM. The limit of detection for Fe3+ was calculated to be 10.0 μM. Finally, the developed smartphone assisted paper-based chemical sensor was used to detect Fe3+ in two lake water samples, and the recoveries are in the range of 83.5 %−106.7 %. The sensitivity for Fe3+ detection can be tuned through the pre-concentration steps based on the porous nature of the filter paper. The platform highlights the advantage of simplicity, ease of synthesis, fast response time, and low reagent/analyte volume requirement, which is suitable for point-of-use application in iron ions contamination, especially in the remote or resource-limited regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional analytical methods used for biomedical analysis are expensive and not easy to handle and require sophisticated instruments, thus their application is limited in resource-limited settings. Due to their portability, low cost, and ability to be applied to different analytical techniques, paper-based analytical devices are becoming valuable tools for biomedical analysis. The integration of smartphones into analytical devices has provided the ability to build portable, cost-effective, straightforward analytical devices for biomedical analysis and mobile health. The key aim of this review is to emphasize the recent applications of PADs combined with a smartphone for the optical analysis of biomedical species. We started this review by highlighting the type of papers and their modifications with different materials to prepare the PADs. After that, this review presents various detection methods including colorimetry, fluorescence, and luminescence where the smartphone is used for read-out. In the end, we provided the recent applications of the analysis of different biomedical compounds such as cancer and cardiovascular biomarkers, metal ions, glucose, viruses, etc. We believe that the present review will attract a wide scientific community in the areas of analytical chemistry, sensors, and clinical testing. [Display omitted] • Paper-based analytical devices are becoming valuable tools for biomedical analysis. • Smartphone paired with PAD provides rapid and low-cost biomedical analysis. • This review presents the recent uses of PADs-smartphone for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Products of urease catalyzes urea induce color change of Prussian blue nanoparticles. • A paper-based sensor depending on the Prussian blue pH sensitivity is developed. • Smartphone captures color signals of the sensor to achieve rapid detection of urea. Depending on the pH sensitivity of Prussian blue nanoparticles (PB NPs) and the specificity of urease-catalyzed urea, a paper-based colorimetric sensor was developed using urease, PB NPs, and cellulose filter paper. With the assistance of a smartphone, the rapid detection of urea can be realized. Under the optimal conditions, the linear range of the paper-based sensor for detection of urea is 0.5–5.0 mM, and the limit of detection is 0.27 mM. The RSD values of within-batch and between-batch repeatability are 2.5 % and 0.9 %, respectively. The method was successfully applied to the detection of urea in spiked milk samples and artificial urine sample, and the recoveries are in the range of 91.8–107.9%. The developed paper-based colorimetric sensor is a simple, economic, and rapid method that can be used for the determination of urea in real samples, particularly in resource-poor regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we developed a paper-based analytical device (PAD) that utilizes molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) as the biomimetic receptor and a very simple colorimetric assay combined with a smartphone readout. Sulfamethoxazole was used as a model analyte to evaluate the feasibility of the developed MIP-PAD. After the synthesis of MIP, its adsorption properties (isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic) were scrutinized. Thereafter, The MIP- PAD was fabricated through the vacuum-assisted deposition of MIP suspension onto porous paper forming a 7 mm diameter of MIP layer. The MIP-PAD was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The sulfamethoxazole transforms into azo dye through a colorimetric reaction. The smartphone was utilized for the read-out of results. The LOD was 0.21 ppm. The proposed MIP-PAD showed high long-term stability. The determination of SMX was carried out in spiked tap and river water samples to evaluate the applicability of the proposed analytical strategy in real-world applications. The developed MIP-PAD would provide a new platform for real-time, selective, rapid, user-friendly, low-cost, portable, and straightforward colorimetric assays in environmental monitoring, public health, and food control. [Display omitted] • MIP integrated into paper-based analytical device (PAD) was successfully constructed. • A colorimetric assay was developed on MIP-PAD for sulfamethoxazole. • The smartphone was utilized as a signal read-out. • The proposed MIP-PAD showed high long-term stability. • The developed sensor is selective, user-friendly, portable, and intuitive to operate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel fluorescent paper-based DNA sensor employing a highly specific pyrrolidinyl peptide nucleic acid (acpcPNA) probe was developed for the sensitive and selective detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV). The acpcPNA was covalently immobilized onto partially oxidized cellulose paper via reductive alkylation between the amine and the aldehyde groups. The fluorescence-based detection was performed by monitoring the fluorescence signal response of a fluorescent dye that selectively binds to the single-strand region of the DNA target over the PNA probe employing a custom-made portable fluorescent camera gadget in combination with a smartphone camera. Under the optimal conditions, a linear relationship between the fluorescence change in the green channel and the amount of HCV DNA from 5 to 100 pmol with a correlation coefficient of 0.9956, and the limit of detection of 5 pmol were obtained for short synthetic oligonucleotides. The acpcPNA probe exhibited very high selectivity for the complementary oligonucleotides over the single-base-mismatched, two-base-mismatched, and non-complementary DNA targets. Benefitting from the signal amplification achieved through the numerous binding sites for the dye provided by the overhanging tail of long ssDNA target sequences, this system was successfully applied to detect the HCV complementary DNA (cDNA) obtained from clinical samples with satisfactory results. The proposed fluorescent paper-based sensor demonstrated a great potential to be used as a low-cost, simple, label-free, sensitive, and selective DNA sensor for point-of-care applications. [Display omitted] • A paper-based fluorogenic DNA sensor using acpcPNA probe was developed for detecting HCV. • The ssDNA-specific fluorescent dye allows straightforward label-free visualization. • The signal amplification was achieved through the overhang region of the ssDNA target. • The sensor was successfully applied to detect HCV cDNA from clinical samples without requiring any DNA amplification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]