A polydiacetylene (PDA)-based colorimetric sensor for on-site cyanide anion monitoring integrated with a lateral flow assay platform

• Published in: Sensors and actuators. B, Chemical Chemical, 2025-01, Vol.423, p.136808, Article 136808
• Main Authors: Lee, Seongman, Kang, Hyo-eun, Park, Se Been, Chen, Xiaoqiang, Shin, Joong Ho, Lee, Songyi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anion sensing; Colorimetric sensor; Cyanide; Lateral flow assay; Paper device; Polydiacetylene based sensor
• ISSN: 0925-4005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2024.136808

An advanced sensing platform for the on-site and real-time monitoring of cyanide (CN−) pollution was developed, addressing the key challenges of enhancing the selectivity and sensitivity, whilst simplifying the sensing process. This platform features a novel colorimetric sensor (PDA-BMN) created by incorporating a receptor for CN− recognition within a polydiacetylene (PDA) conjugated polymer system. The interaction of CN− with the receptor distorted the π-conjugated backbone, causing a distinct color change from blue to orange, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.55 µM, thereby highlighting its high sensitivity. The PDA-BMN system was integrated into a lateral flow assay (LFA) strip to facilitate on-site monitoring. The LFA strip was strategically designed with a partially pressed zone to reduce the fluid flow rate, enhance the reaction time, and increase the probability of interaction with the PDA-BMN sensor. This innovation resulted in a significant colorimetric transition, enabling the rapid and sensitive detection of CN− without the requirement for analytical instruments. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining PDA and LFA systems for real-time environmental monitoring, offering a robust, efficient, and user-friendly solution for detecting CN− pollution. [Display omitted] •A PDA-BMN colorimetric sensor was developed for the detection of CN–.•Interactions between CN− and the receptor distorted the π-conjugated backbone.•This sensor was sensitive (LOD = 0.66 μM), giving a blue-to-orange color change.•The PDA-BMN system was integrated into an LFA strip to facilitate on-site monitoring.•Pressing this strip reduced the fluid flow rate, enhancing the detection performance.