Work

Highly Sensitive Fluorescence Sensor for Carrageenan from a Composite Methylcellulose/Polyacrylate Membrane

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: Carrageenans are linear sulphated polysaccharides that are commonly added into confectionery products but may exert a detrimental effect to human health. A new and simpler way of carrageenan determination based on an optical sensor utilizing a methylcellulose/poly(n-butyl acrylate) (Mc/PnBA) composite membrane with immobilized methylene blue (MB) was developed. The hydrophilic Mc polymer membrane was successfully modified with a more hydrophobic acrylic polymer. This was to produce an insoluble membrane at room temperature where MB reagent could be immobilized to build an optical sensor for carrageenan analysis. The fluorescence intensity of MB in the composite membrane was found to be proportional to the carrageenan concentrations in a linear manner (1.0–20.0 mg L−1, R2 = 0.992) and with a detection limit at 0.4 mg L−1. Recovery of spiked carrageenan into commercial fruit juice products showed percentage recoveries between 90% and 102%. The optical sensor has the advantages of improved sensitivity and better selectivity to carrageenan when compared to other types of hydrocolloids. Its sensitivity was comparable to most sophisticated techniques for carageenan analysis but better than other types of optical sensors. Thus, this sensor provides a simple, rapid, and sensitive means for carageenan analysis.

Source: Sensors

DOI: 10.3390/s20185043

Authors: Riyadh Abdulmalek Hassan, Lee Yook Heng, Ling Ling Tan

Institutions: Ibb University, National University of Malaysia

Language: English

Topic: Analytical Chemistry and Sensors

Subfield: Analytical Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,112

Funders: Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia