Development of a Paper-Based Sol–Gel Vapochromic Sensor for the Detection of Vapor Cross-Contamination within a Closed Container

Contamination of trace levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in enclosed spaces is not usually a significant cause for concern; however, it can be relevant in the case of canine scent detection training as a canine’s superior sense of smell makes them highly likely to detect low levels of cont...

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Main Authors: Janet Crespo-Cajigas, Abuzar Kabir, Joel Carrasco, Amatullah Shahid, Kenneth G. Furton, Lauryn E. DeGreeff
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-07-01
Series:Analytica
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4532/5/3/19
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author Janet Crespo-Cajigas
Abuzar Kabir
Joel Carrasco
Amatullah Shahid
Kenneth G. Furton
Lauryn E. DeGreeff
author_facet Janet Crespo-Cajigas
Abuzar Kabir
Joel Carrasco
Amatullah Shahid
Kenneth G. Furton
Lauryn E. DeGreeff
author_sort Janet Crespo-Cajigas
collection DOAJ
description Contamination of trace levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in enclosed spaces is not usually a significant cause for concern; however, it can be relevant in the case of canine scent detection training as a canine’s superior sense of smell makes them highly likely to detect low levels of contamination, contributing to inefficient training. Thus, herein, we address the need for a simple, low-cost, robust, vapochromic sensor to determine the cross-contamination of VOCs within closed containers, such as canine training aid kits. This study focuses on the development of a vapor sensor, which produces a rapid colorimetric change when a target chemical vapor is present. A pH indicator is used as the colorimetric dye and its incorporation into a sol–gel matrix on a paper substrate is confirmed via SEM characterization. The sensor’s stability and performance is tested against exposure to various levels of sunlight and temperature. The design allows the sensor to present a clear and unambiguous visible response to the release of the volatile target within a closed container. It can be readily incorporated into existing training kits and functions as a straightforward reminder of when training aids need to be changed or a new containment system should be considered.
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spelling doaj-art-3a7e1fca93eb46d99e9e346283469dc22025-08-20T01:56:10ZengMDPI AGAnalytica2673-45322024-07-015329531010.3390/analytica5030019Development of a Paper-Based Sol–Gel Vapochromic Sensor for the Detection of Vapor Cross-Contamination within a Closed ContainerJanet Crespo-Cajigas0Abuzar Kabir1Joel Carrasco2Amatullah Shahid3Kenneth G. Furton4Lauryn E. DeGreeff5Global Forensic and Justice Center, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USAGlobal Forensic and Justice Center, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USAGlobal Forensic and Justice Center, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USAGlobal Forensic and Justice Center, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USAGlobal Forensic and Justice Center, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USAGlobal Forensic and Justice Center, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USAContamination of trace levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in enclosed spaces is not usually a significant cause for concern; however, it can be relevant in the case of canine scent detection training as a canine’s superior sense of smell makes them highly likely to detect low levels of contamination, contributing to inefficient training. Thus, herein, we address the need for a simple, low-cost, robust, vapochromic sensor to determine the cross-contamination of VOCs within closed containers, such as canine training aid kits. This study focuses on the development of a vapor sensor, which produces a rapid colorimetric change when a target chemical vapor is present. A pH indicator is used as the colorimetric dye and its incorporation into a sol–gel matrix on a paper substrate is confirmed via SEM characterization. The sensor’s stability and performance is tested against exposure to various levels of sunlight and temperature. The design allows the sensor to present a clear and unambiguous visible response to the release of the volatile target within a closed container. It can be readily incorporated into existing training kits and functions as a straightforward reminder of when training aids need to be changed or a new containment system should be considered.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4532/5/3/19vapochromic sensorvapor cross-contaminationheadspace pHcolorimetric sensorsol–gel
spellingShingle Janet Crespo-Cajigas
Abuzar Kabir
Joel Carrasco
Amatullah Shahid
Kenneth G. Furton
Lauryn E. DeGreeff
Development of a Paper-Based Sol–Gel Vapochromic Sensor for the Detection of Vapor Cross-Contamination within a Closed Container
Analytica
vapochromic sensor
vapor cross-contamination
headspace pH
colorimetric sensor
sol–gel
title Development of a Paper-Based Sol–Gel Vapochromic Sensor for the Detection of Vapor Cross-Contamination within a Closed Container
title_full Development of a Paper-Based Sol–Gel Vapochromic Sensor for the Detection of Vapor Cross-Contamination within a Closed Container
title_fullStr Development of a Paper-Based Sol–Gel Vapochromic Sensor for the Detection of Vapor Cross-Contamination within a Closed Container
title_full_unstemmed Development of a Paper-Based Sol–Gel Vapochromic Sensor for the Detection of Vapor Cross-Contamination within a Closed Container
title_short Development of a Paper-Based Sol–Gel Vapochromic Sensor for the Detection of Vapor Cross-Contamination within a Closed Container
title_sort development of a paper based sol gel vapochromic sensor for the detection of vapor cross contamination within a closed container
topic vapochromic sensor
vapor cross-contamination
headspace pH
colorimetric sensor
sol–gel
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4532/5/3/19
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