Viviane Grassi

Molecularly imprinted polymer as a solid phase extractor in flow analysis

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are novel alternative materials for solid phase extraction. Applications in flow analysis are recent and enhanced in-line separation/concentration procedures have been proposed. Use of flow systems is very important in the context. The aim of this review is then to highlight the implementation of MIP as solid phase extractor in flow analysis, emphasizing potentialities, limitations and applications.

Flow systems exploiting in-line prior assays

An expert sequential injection system involving a prior assay is proposed for spectrophotometric determination of phosphate and eventually zinc in soil extracts. The result of phosphate determination is the basis for a concentration-oriented decision regarding to the need or not for zinc determination. Zinc was only determined if a threshold value (peak height corresponding to 5.0mgl(-1)P) was surpassed. The methods involved formation of molybdenum blue and the Rhodamine 6G/ammonium thiocyanate/Zn(2+) ternary complex. Variations in the threshold value were < 2% during 4h operating periods, false responses were not verified, and the analytical time was reduced in about 30%. Precise results (R.S.D. <3%P and < 1% Zn) in agreement with spectrophotometry and flame atomic absorption spectrometry were obtained. The innovation permits faster information processing, as well as a reduction in the number of measurements, number of analytical steps, laboratorial time, and consumption of sample and reagents, thus waste generation.

Sensor Array for Water Analysis Based on Interdigitated Electrodes Modified With Fiber Films of Poly(Lactic Acid)/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

A disposable low cost and simple flow-cell electronic tongue for water analysis is described. A sensor array is used that is comprised of six interdigitated microelectrodes coated with nanofiber films of poly(lactic acid)/mutliwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites. Fiber films are deposited directly on the interdigitated electrodes surface by solution blow spinning. Fiber film thickness is varied by using different deposition times (1, 3, and 15 min). Analysis of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy micrographs indicates that average fiber diameters are 400 nm for neat poly lactic acid (PLA) and 200 nm for the PLA/MWCNT composite. The MWCNT is poorly dispersed in the PLA fiber matrix and formed aggregates interspersed throughout the fiber length. There are also MWCNTs exposed or partially exposed at the fiber surface. Fiber films containing MWCNT (1%) give the highest dc conductivity values and the most linear I-V profiles at room temperature. Sensor arrays with thin fiber film coatings (1 min deposition time) provide the best result for discriminating potable water samples using principal component analysis (PCA). The flow-cell electronic tongue coupled with PCA is used to discriminate potable water samples from non-potable water contaminated with metals or traces of pesticides.