The first chip sensor detects human heavy metals

Because human beings are at the high end of the food chain, the accumulation of heavy metals in the human body is relatively high compared to other animals. In this regard, researchers at the University of Cincinnati in the United States developed the first laboratory-on-a-chip sensor that can rapidly detect heavy metals in humans.

The sensor chip can rapidly respond to heavy metals, especially manganese, and their contents in the human body. The chip is a low-cost, disposable, environment-friendly product. The researchers plan to conduct the first test of the instrument in 2012 to study the potential health effects of heavy metals. They expect this product to be used on a large scale in clinical tests and research, such as nutrition tests for children.

The technique used by this sensor is called anodics tripping voltammetry, which combines the working electrode, reference electrode, and auxiliary electrode. Researchers have developed a thin film made of ruthenium that replaces traditional mercury electrodes or carbon electrodes to avoid the limitations of the hydrolysis caused by the inductor capturing negative metals.

One of the developers, Ian Papautsky, associate professor of electronic computing engineering at the University of Cincinnati, said that traditional blood heavy metal manganese tests require 5 milliliters of blood, and this chip requires only 1, 2 drops. It is enough to be an advantage for children's tests. In addition, the electrodes of the chip use germanium instead of traditional mercury, reducing the environmental hazards. The most important thing is that the results of traditional heavy metal testing often need to wait 48 hours, and in some remote high-risk areas, it is not easy to quickly detect heavy metal content in the human body, this portable detection chip is more convenient - - Not only is it portable and can be used everywhere, but the testing process takes only 10 minutes and it is very quick.

Therefore, researchers are very optimistic about the application potential of this chip in point-of-care. With further research and development, this chip is even expected to be transformed into a self-test mechanism. For example, to help diabetics perform blood glucose monitoring.