A study of biosensor with micro-pad for food spoilage

• Main Author: Yeo, Nian Yuu
• Other Authors: Yoon Yong Jin
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/60148
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The basic principle of a paper-based biosensor involves recognizing of target analyte, conversion of substrate to product in order to produce a measurable signal. The paper-based biosensors available at present are not able to produce high accuracy and sensitivity. In this project, the development and methods of the paper-based biosensor was studied for detection of food spoilage. Two types of materials, Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) and Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were chosen for the study of the biosensor. PDMS was found to be the best material to be used for the biosensor. The colorimetric method for the enzymatic analysis of gases was found to be the most suitable method for the detection. In the experiment, a sharp colour change from blue to pale violet was noticed for the detection of ethanol. The result was obtained within 5 minutes for a stable colour change. It is evident from the findings that a paper-based biosensor of such material and method is able to offer high sensitivity and selectivity, and multiple analyte discrimination. Further research related to fabrication techniques and the incorporation of functional materials onto the surface need to be considered in order to overcome challenges. Challenge includes the difficulty in multiplex analysis. It is an important challenge not to sacrifice the simplicity and cost advantages of paper-based sensor to achieve better and more stable devices capable of measuring multiple analytes at a high sensitivity.