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Biennial State-of-the-Art Sensors Technology in Australia 2019-2020

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A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "State-of-the-Art Sensors Technologies".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2020) | Viewed by 28103

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Edith Chow

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Aperture, Ryde, NSW 2112, Australia
Interests: chemical sensors; electrochemical sensors; gold nanoparticles; paper-based sensors and devices; nanozymes

Dr. Rona Chandrawati

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
Interests: nanoparticle sensors; biosensors; early disease diagnosis; food and health monitoring; drug delivery; nitric oxide; enzymes and enzyme mimics; biomaterials; cell-material interactions; bioconjugation and surface chemistry
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent developments in novel materials, sensing principles, and signal processing are paving the way for new types of analytical sensors offering improved sensing performance and practicality. Such advancements will provide accurate and real-time analytical information in the environmental, food, and healthcare sectors to better guide decision-making. For sensors to be commercially viable, miniaturization and integration of components for rapid, automated, and in-field detection and diagnosis need to be considered. This Special Issue will highlight state-of-the-art sensors technology in Australia through original contributions and reviews.

Dr. Edith Chow
Dr. Rona Chandrawati
Guest Editors

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Keywords

Chemical sensors
Biosensors
Electrochemical sensors
Optical sensors
Environmental sensors
Food quality sensors
Gas sensors
Disease diagnosis
Lab-on-a-chip
Paper-based devices
Wearable technologies

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 6967 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validation of Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Devices on Sheep to Detect Grazing Movement Leaders and Social Networks in Merino Ewes

by Hamideh Keshavarzi, Caroline Lee, Mark Johnson, David Abbott, Wei Ni and Dana L. M. Campbell

Sensors 2021, 21(3), 924; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21030924 - 30 Jan 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3236

Abstract

Understanding social behaviour in livestock groups requires accurate geo-spatial localisation data over time which is difficult to obtain in the field. Automated on-animal devices may provide a solution. This study introduced an Real-Time-Kinematic Global Navigation Satellite System (RTK-GNSS) localisation device (RTK rover) based on an RTK module manufactured by the company u-blox (Thalwil, Switzerland) that was assembled in a box and harnessed to sheep backs. Testing with 7 sheep across 4 days confirmed RTK rover tracking of sheep movement continuously with accuracy of approximately 20 cm. Individual sheep geo-spatial data were used to observe the sheep that first moved during a grazing period (movement leaders) in the one-hectare test paddock as well as construct social networks. Analysis of the optimum location update rate, with a threshold distance of 20 cm or 30 cm, showed that location sampling at a rate of 1 sample per second for 1 min followed by no samples for 4 min or 9 min, detected social networks as accurately as continuous location measurements at 1 sample every 5 s. The RTK rover acquired precise data on social networks in one sheep flock in an outdoor field environment with sampling strategies identified to extend battery life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biennial State-of-the-Art Sensors Technology in Australia 2019-2020)

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13 pages, 4055 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Plasma-Printed Paper-Based SERS Substrate for Cocaine Detection

by Rhiannon Alder, Jungmi Hong, Edith Chow, Jinghua Fang, Fabio Isa, Bryony Ashford, Christophe Comte, Avi Bendavid, Linda Xiao, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov, Shanlin Fu and Anthony B. Murphy

Sensors 2021, 21(3), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21030810 - 26 Jan 2021

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3553

Abstract

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technology is an attractive method for the prompt and accurate on-site screening of illicit drugs. As portable Raman systems are available for on-site screening, the readiness of SERS technology for sensing applications is predominantly dependent on the accuracy, stability and cost-effectiveness of the SERS strip. An atmospheric-pressure plasma-assisted chemical deposition process that can deposit an even distribution of nanogold particles in a one-step process has been developed. The process was used to print a nanogold film on a paper-based substrate using a HAuCl₄ solution precursor. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis demonstrates that the gold has been fully reduced and that subsequent plasma post-treatment decreases the carbon content of the film. Results for cocaine detection using this substrate were compared with two commercial SERS substrates, one based on nanogold on paper and the currently available best commercial SERS substrate based on an Ag pillar structure. A larger number of bands associated with cocaine was detected using the plasma-printed substrate than the commercial substrates across a range of cocaine concentrations from 1 to 5000 ng/mL. A detection limit as low as 1 ng/mL cocaine with high spatial uniformity was demonstrated with the plasma-printed substrate. It is shown that the plasma-printed substrate can be produced at a much lower cost than the price of the commercial substrate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biennial State-of-the-Art Sensors Technology in Australia 2019-2020)

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17 pages, 2027 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maturity Prediction in Yellow Peach (Prunus persica L.) Cultivars Using a Fluorescence Spectrometer

by Alessio Scalisi, Daniele Pelliccia and Mark Glenn O’Connell

Sensors 2020, 20(22), 6555; https://doi.org/10.3390/s20226555 - 17 Nov 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3611

Abstract

Technology for rapid, non-invasive and accurate determination of fruit maturity is increasingly sought after in horticultural industries. This study investigated the ability to predict fruit maturity of yellow peach cultivars using a prototype non-destructive fluorescence spectrometer. Collected spectra were analysed to predict flesh firmness (FF), soluble solids concentration (SSC), index of absorbance difference (I_AD), skin and flesh colour attributes (i.e., a* and H°) and maturity classes (immature, harvest-ready and mature) in four yellow peach cultivars—‘August Flame’, ‘O’Henry’, ‘Redhaven’ and ‘September Sun’. The cultivars provided a diverse range of maturity indices. The fluorescence spectrometer consistently predicted I_AD and skin colour in all the cultivars under study with high accuracy (Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient > 0.85), whereas flesh colour’s estimation was always accurate apart from ‘Redhaven’. Except for ‘September Sun’, good prediction of FF and SSC was observed. Fruit maturity classes were reliably predicted with a high likelihood (F1-score = 0.85) when samples from the four cultivars were pooled together. Further studies are needed to assess the performance of the fluorescence spectrometer on other fruit crops. Work is underway to develop a handheld version of the fluorescence spectrometer to improve the utility and adoption by fruit growers, packhouses and supply chain managers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biennial State-of-the-Art Sensors Technology in Australia 2019-2020)

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13 pages, 2370 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advanced RuO₂ Thin Films for pH Sensing Application

by Xinyue Yao, Mikko Vepsäläinen, Fabio Isa, Phil Martin, Paul Munroe and Avi Bendavid

Sensors 2020, 20(22), 6432; https://doi.org/10.3390/s20226432 - 11 Nov 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3042

Abstract

RuO₂ thin films were prepared using magnetron sputtering under different deposition conditions, including direct current (DC) and radio frequency (RF) discharges, metallic/oxide cathodes, different substrate temperatures, pressures, and deposition times. The surface morphology, residual stress, composition, crystal structure, mechanical properties, and pH performances of these RuO₂ thin films were investigated. The RuO₂ thin films RF sputtered from a metallic cathode at 250 °C exhibited good pH sensitivity of 56.35 mV/pH. However, these films were rougher, less dense, and relatively softer. However, the DC sputtered RuO₂ thin film prepared from an oxide cathode at 250 °C exhibited a pH sensitivity of 57.37 mV/pH with a smoother surface, denser microstructure and higher hardness. The thin film RF sputtered from the metallic cathode exhibited better pH response than those RF sputtered from the oxide cathode due to the higher percentage of the RuO₃ phase present in this film. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biennial State-of-the-Art Sensors Technology in Australia 2019-2020)

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18 pages, 3129 KiB

Open AccessReview

Resonance Energy Transfer-Based Biosensors for Point-of-Need Diagnosis—Progress and Perspectives

by Felix Weihs, Alisha Anderson, Stephen Trowell and Karine Caron

Sensors 2021, 21(2), 660; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21020660 - 19 Jan 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4612

Abstract

The demand for point-of-need (PON) diagnostics for clinical and other applications is continuing to grow. Much of this demand is currently serviced by biosensors, which combine a bioanalytical sensing element with a transducing device that reports results to the user. Ideally, such devices are easy to use and do not require special skills of the end user. Application-dependent, PON devices may need to be capable of measuring low levels of analytes very rapidly, and it is often helpful if they are also portable. To date, only two transduction modalities, colorimetric lateral flow immunoassays (LFIs) and electrochemical assays, fully meet these requirements and have been widely adopted at the point-of-need. These modalities are either non-quantitative (LFIs) or highly analyte-specific (electrochemical glucose meters), therefore requiring considerable modification if they are to be co-opted for measuring other biomarkers. Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (RET)-based biosensors incorporate a quantitative and highly versatile transduction modality that has been extensively used in biomedical research laboratories. RET-biosensors have not yet been applied at the point-of-need despite its advantages over other established techniques. In this review, we explore and discuss recent developments in the translation of RET-biosensors for PON diagnoses, including their potential benefits and drawbacks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biennial State-of-the-Art Sensors Technology in Australia 2019-2020)

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47 pages, 11702 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanozymes for Environmental Pollutant Monitoring and Remediation

by Elicia L. S. Wong, Khuong Q. Vuong and Edith Chow

Sensors 2021, 21(2), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21020408 - 8 Jan 2021

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 8197

Abstract

Nanozymes are advanced nanomaterials which mimic natural enzymes by exhibiting enzyme-like properties. As nanozymes offer better structural stability over their respective natural enzymes, they are ideal candidates for real-time and/or remote environmental pollutant monitoring and remediation. In this review, we classify nanozymes into four types depending on their enzyme-mimicking behaviour (active metal centre mimic, functional mimic, nanocomposite or 3D structural mimic) and offer mechanistic insights into the nature of their catalytic activity. Following this, we discuss the current environmental translation of nanozymes into a powerful sensing or remediation tool through inventive nano-architectural design of nanozymes and their transduction methodologies. Here, we focus on recent developments in nanozymes for the detection of heavy metal ions, pesticides and other organic pollutants, emphasising optical methods and a few electrochemical techniques. Strategies to remediate persistent organic pollutants such as pesticides, phenols, antibiotics and textile dyes are included. We conclude with a discussion on the practical deployment of these nanozymes in terms of their effectiveness, reusability, real-time in-field application, commercial production and regulatory considerations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biennial State-of-the-Art Sensors Technology in Australia 2019-2020)

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