Design and Synthesis of a Sol-Gel Colorimetric Sensor for Methamphetamine Detection
Faculty Mentor(s) Name(s)
Catrena Lisse
Abstract
A silica sol–gel colorimetric sensor was developed for more efficient detection of methamphetamine (MA). A more reliable RGB detector was designed and machined with the goal of consistent and accurate measurements while eliminating errors caused by human differences in the current RGB detector that relies on visual analysis. Simon’s reagents were entrapped within the polymeric network of the silica sol–gel matrix. The resulting sensor solution was contained within a micro-PCR tube, resulting in a more convenient and simple method of on-site testing by directly adding a sample MA solution. The sol–gel colorimetric sensor was synthesized to demonstrate the qualitative analysis of methamphetamine with digital image colorimetry using a Red-Green-Blue (RGB) basic color program. The interaction of the colorimetric Simon’s reagents, the functionality of the reagents, and the structural integrity of the doped silica sol-gel were examined using an RGB color program as well as validated using Ultraviolet/Visible (UV/Vis) spectroscopy. These results demonstrate that the sol–gel matrix has the potential to be used as an on-site colorimetric sensor for methamphetamine detection. Furthermore, the inherent nature of sol-gel sensor interaction gives potential for alternative drug sensors to be experimented with and explored. This presentation will highlight the experimental methodology and results of the sensor development.
Start Date
27-3-2024 9:00 AM
End Date
27-3-2024 10:45 AM
Location
Magnolia Ballroom
Design and Synthesis of a Sol-Gel Colorimetric Sensor for Methamphetamine Detection
Magnolia Ballroom
A silica sol–gel colorimetric sensor was developed for more efficient detection of methamphetamine (MA). A more reliable RGB detector was designed and machined with the goal of consistent and accurate measurements while eliminating errors caused by human differences in the current RGB detector that relies on visual analysis. Simon’s reagents were entrapped within the polymeric network of the silica sol–gel matrix. The resulting sensor solution was contained within a micro-PCR tube, resulting in a more convenient and simple method of on-site testing by directly adding a sample MA solution. The sol–gel colorimetric sensor was synthesized to demonstrate the qualitative analysis of methamphetamine with digital image colorimetry using a Red-Green-Blue (RGB) basic color program. The interaction of the colorimetric Simon’s reagents, the functionality of the reagents, and the structural integrity of the doped silica sol-gel were examined using an RGB color program as well as validated using Ultraviolet/Visible (UV/Vis) spectroscopy. These results demonstrate that the sol–gel matrix has the potential to be used as an on-site colorimetric sensor for methamphetamine detection. Furthermore, the inherent nature of sol-gel sensor interaction gives potential for alternative drug sensors to be experimented with and explored. This presentation will highlight the experimental methodology and results of the sensor development.