Real-time and continuous monitoring of hypochlorous acid using a wearable sensor based on boronic acid nanofibers and gold nanoparticles
Journal
Biosensors and Bioelectronics
Journal Volume
294
Start Page
Article number:118210
ISSN
0956-5663
Date Issued
2026-02-15
Author(s)
Abstract
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a widely used disinfectant, but excessive exposure can harm humans and plants. Given its widespread use and the likelihood of exposure on surfaces from agricultural and domestic products, there is a critical need for high-throughput, sensitive, and reliable protocols to monitor HOCl levels on plant surfaces and human skin. Conventional electrochemical sensors and the standard N, N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPD) spectrophotometric method are unsuitable for real-time or on-site detection. We developed a wearable electrochemical sensor integrated with smartphone technology for sensitive HOCl monitoring to address this. The sensor employs a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) modified with polyaminophenylboronic acid (PAPBA) nanofibers and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which enhance conductivity and specificity. The modified electrode was thoroughly characterized by surface, functional, and electrochemical analyses, confirming successful fabrication and stability. The device exhibited a wide linear range (10 μM-10 mM) and a low detection limit (0.19 μM). Its practical utility was demonstrated by analyzing HOCl levels in pool water, floor cleaner, and sanitizer, as well as directly on plant leaves and pig skin, highlighting adaptability for smart farming and bioscience research. Reliability was ensured by cross-confirmation with the DPD method, validating accuracy and consistency across diverse environmental contexts.
Subjects
Gold nanoparticles
Hypochlorous acid
Nanofiber
Plant sensor
Smart sensor
Wearable sensor
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Type
journal article