Paper-based electrochemical sensor for on-site detection of the sulphur mustard

Herein, we report a novel paper-based electrochemical sensor for on-site detection of sulphur mustards. This sensor was conceived combining office paper-based electrochemical sensor with choline oxidase enzyme to deliver a sustainable sensing tool. The mustard agent detection relies on the evaluation of inhibition degree of choline oxidase, which is reversibly inhibited by sulphur mustards, by measuring the enzymatic by-product H2O2 in chronoamperometric mode. A nanocomposite constituted of Prussian Blue nanoparticles and Carbon Black was used as working electrode modifier to improve the electroanalytical performances. This bioassay was successfully applied for the measurement of a sulphur mustard, Yprite, obtaining a detection limit in the millimolar range (LOD = 0.9 mM). The developed sensor, combined with a portable and easy-to-use instrumentation, can be applied for a fast and cost-effective detection of sulphur mustards.

Automated summary

A novel paper-based electrochemical sensor was developed for on-site detection of sulphur mustards, which combines office paper with choline oxidase enzyme for sustainable sensing. The sensor relies on measuring the inhibition degree of choline oxidase by sulphur mustards to detect the mustard agent, and a nanocomposite was used to improve the electroanalytical performances. The sensor successfully detected a sulphur mustard with a detection limit in the millimolar range and can be applied for fast and cost-effective detection of sulphur mustards with portable instrumentation.