Toward Paper-Based Sensors: Turning Electrical Signals into an Optical Readout System.
Paper-based sensors are gaining increasing attention for their potential applications in resource-limited settings and for point-of-care analysis. However, chemical analysis of paper-based electronic sensors is frequently interpreted using complex software and electronic displays which compromise the advantages of using paper. In this work, we present two semiquantitative paper-based readout systems that can visually measure a change in resistance of a resistive-based sensor. The readout systems use electrochromic Prussian blue/polyaniline as an electrochromic indicator on a resistive gold nanoparticle film that is fabricated on paper. When the readout system is integrated with a resistive sensor in an electrical circuit, and a voltage is applied, the voltage drop along the readout system varies depending on the sensor's resistance. Due to the voltage gradient formed along the gold nanoparticle film, the overlaying Prussian blue/polyaniline will change color at voltages greater than its reduction voltage (green/blue for oxidized state and transparent for reduced state). Thus, the changes in resistances of a sensor can be semiquantified through color visualization by either measuring the length of the transparent film (analog readout system) or by counting the number of transparent segments (digital readout system). The work presented herein can potentially serve as an alternative paper-based display system for resistive sensors in instances where cost and weight is a premium.
CSIRO Manufacturing Flagship , P. O. Box 218, Lindfield, New South Wales 2070, Australia.|School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales , Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
Devi D
DD
Liana
CSIRO Manufacturing Flagship , P. O. Box 218, Lindfield, New South Wales 2070, Australia.
Burkhard
B
Raguse
School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales , Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.|Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales , Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
J Justin
JJ
Gooding
CSIRO Manufacturing Flagship , P. O. Box 218, Lindfield, New South Wales 2070, Australia.
Edith
E
Chow
colorimetric; display; electrochromic; gold nanoparticles; paper-based sensor; polyaniline; readout system; resistance