Pesticide Detection Through Screen Printing

Researchers have introduced an innovative method for detecting harmful organophosphorus (OP) chemicals, marking a substantial advancement in environmental monitoring for pesticide contaminants.

Published in the International Journal of Intelligent Enterprise, Sumit Mor, Saveena Solanki, and Vikas Dhull from Maharshi Dayanand University in Haryana, India, employed a unique approach to developing sensors with a specific focus on monitoring these compounds.

The team synthesized nanoparticles and modified a screen-printed gold electrode by layering a mixture of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (c-SWCNTs) to create ZnO NPs/c-SWCNTs/SPAuE. The integration of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase onto the modified electrode, coupled with the application of cellulose acetate to prevent enzyme leaching and electrode fouling, resulted in a highly efficient biosensor for detecting organophosphorus compounds across various samples.

With rapid response times of less than 14 seconds, reusability, and stability in storage due to the protective cellulose acetate layer, this biosensor could extend beyond environmental monitoring. It holds potential applications for on-site analysis and could be adapted to detect contaminants in the food, textiles, and medical diagnostics industries.

As the world’s population grows, contributing to the escalating impact of agriculture and industrialization on the environment, this research represents a step toward improving environmental monitoring. Such advancements aim to enhance our management and control of these vital chemicals, safeguarding the environment, vulnerable ecosystems, and human health.

This article is republished from PhysORG under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.