Optimization of a silver-nanoprism conjugated with 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine towards easy-to-make colorimetric analysis of acetaldehyde: a new platform towards rapid analysis of carcinogenic agents and environmental technology

Abstract

Acetaldehyde acts as an important mediator in the metabolism of plants and animals; however, its abnormal level can cause problems in biological processes. Although acetaldehyde is found naturally in many organisms, exposure to high concentrations can have effects on the eyes, respiratory system, etc. Due to the importance of detecting acetaldehyde in environmental samples and biofluids, determination of its concentration is highly demanded. There are some reports showing exposure to high concentrations of acetaldehyde for a long time can increase the risk of cancer by reacting with DNA. In this work, we presented a novel colorimetric method for rapid and sensitive detection of acetaldehyde with high reproducibility using different AgNPs with various morphologies. The redox reaction between AgNPs, 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) solution, and analytes endows a color change in 15 minutes that is detectable by the naked eye. UV spectrophotometry was further used for quantitative analysis. An iron mold with a hexagonal pattern and liquid paraffin were also used to prepare the paper-based microfluidic substrate, as a low cost, accessible, and rapid detection tool. Different types of AgNPs showed different lower limits of quantification (LLOQ). The AgNPs-Cit and AgNPrs could identify acetaldehyde with linear range of 10⁻⁷ to 10 M and an LLOQ of 10⁻⁷ M. The AgNWs showed the best color change activity with a linear range 10⁻⁵ to 10 M and the lowest diagnostic limit is 10⁻⁵ M. Finally, analysis of human biofluids as real samples were successfully performed using this system.