Advanced biosensors for monitoring cyanotoxins in freshwaters

Session: Poster session

Vasileia Vogiazi, University of Cincinnati, [email protected]
Siddharth Mishra, University of Cincinnati, [email protected]
Vesselin Shanov, University of Cincinnati, [email protected]
William Heineman, University of Cincinnati, [email protected]
Dionysios Dionysiou, University of Cincinnati, [email protected]

Abstract

The increasing incidents of algae blooms along with the strictness of advisories and regulations across the United States and worldwide, urge the need of an advanced monitoring tool. This tool needs to be a field-portable, highly selective sensor capable of measure the lowest possible cyanotoxins’ concentration in drinking water sources and reservoirs. Our team utilizes attractive carbon-based nanomaterials and biomolecules to demonstrate nanostructured microelectrodes for detecting microcystins in sources of drinking water. In this study, electrochemical nano-biosensors based on advanced carbon nanomaterials and gold electrodes were functionalized and characterized using cyclic voltammetry. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) were used to explore the interfacial phenomena of the nano-biosensors. In situ functionalization and attachment of organic linkers are studied. EIS measurements of biosensors showed promising preliminary data. Validation of the biosensor performance with water samples from Great Lakes is the next crucial step of our research.

1. Keyword
toxic substances

2. Keyword
monitoring

3. Keyword
drinking water

4. Additional Keyword
biosensor

5. Additional Keyword
microcystins