VITAL-ISE · Development and application of ion-sensors for multi-analyte detection

Development and application of ion-sensors for multi-analyte detection

This project is investigating new approaches to preparation of ion selective electrodes (ISEs) that will alleviate problems associated with chemical measurements in clinical chemistry and environmental monitoring. ISEs are capable of detecting trace amounts of analyte ions in water or physiological samples by converting the chemical energy of the ion into a potential or voltage for measurement, similar to the way commercial glucose sensors which convert the chemical current of glucose in blood into a blood sugar concentration. Liquid membrane ISEs are widely used in commercial settings owing to the internal solution allowing for selective detection of target ions at low limits. However, the solution presents limitations; ISEs must remain upright, can become inoperable in high pressure environments, and the solution prevents miniaturisation and facilitates a high production cost. Liquid membrane electrodes also require pre-treatments to condition the sensor and frequent recalibration of the internal reference results in the inability to provide onsite real-time measurements for environmental applications. Biological applications for liquid membrane electrodes have been limited as samples must be prepared and tested in laboratories instead of in real-time, must be of a large enough volume to satisfy the size requirements of the apparatus, and samples are destroyed during analysis. In order to tackle these issues, the research project (VITAL-ISE) was planned to allow the Fellow to learn new techniques in ion sensing under the supervision of Damien Arrigan during the 2-year outgoing phase at Curtin University, Perth, Australia that was to be followed by a 1-year return phase in Professor Donal Leech's research group at the University of Galway. The project's return phase was terminated due to a significant career opportunity necessitating their departure from the project. As a direct outcome of the skills and knowledge acquired during the MSCA Global Fellowship, the Fellow was offered a long-term position (>5 years) on an exciting new project. The MSCA's fellowships influence on the Fellow's research profile and expertise has been recognised by a prominent institution. This ongoing participation in cutting-edge projects and substantial grant applications emphasises the profound impact of the EU MSCA grant on the Fellow's research career. The overall objective is to develop a solid contact ISE where the limitations of the traditional ISE stated above will not apply. Calibration-free sensors with high reproducibility of electrical potentials are desirable, in particular for portable point-of-care devices and remotely operated environmental sensing.

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