PROJECT MANAGER:
PROF DR CS I JACOBUS (KOOS) FREDERICK VAN STADEN
This project is carried out under the 4th programme –IDEAS of The National Plan for Research, Development and Innovation (PN II) 2007 – 2013;
Framework of The National University Research Council and it’s an innovation project awarded under the Idea Program – 2008, domain 10. Chemical and Process Engineering with title "Dot Sensors. A New Concept in Sensors Technology".
The project is carried out over 36 months from 2009 to 2011 with a total contract value of 1 000 000 ron.
CONTRACTING AUTHORITY
In this project we proposed a new concept in sensor technology with the creation of a new geometry for multiple dot sensors bundled together. Also, a study of the response characteristics and of the influence of different parameters of the different multiple sensors on the bundled planar circular surface will be done. The main scientific and technologic objective of this proposal is creation of new techniques for the design of dot sensors based on new technology connected with intelligent interactive systems capable of processing results, submit them and take decisions. Also, the new technologies used for the design of dot sensors will be based on the most modern sensing techniques, new transducers, and new electrode materials and nanomaterials. Structural-algorithmic chemometrical methods will be used in data processing. The electrodes will be used for clinical, pharmaceutical, food, and environmental analysis.
The conception, innovation, development and implementation of flow-based systems with downscaled chemical and electrochemical devices were a large improvement on the tedious time consuming manual methods with expensive complicated instrumentation. There is however an increasing demand for mechanically simple and robust chemically methodology to replace sophisticated bulk laboratory instrumentation by downscaling and replacement with chemical and electrochemical sensors able to perform multiple analysis tasks with remote monitoring and control of real-time analyzers. The macro laboratory flow-based systems furthermore do not always fulfill these requirements. There is also currently an enormous demand for multi-point multi-species real-time interactive sensing devices for many areas and disciplines using process analytical technology. (www.patlab.ro). The improvement in the configuration and construction of downscaled chemically devices and the movement to remote sensing with innovation becomes necessary.
It is a well-known fact and has been proven that successful research and development of intelligent interactive process analyzers with the advanced PATLAB technology lead to a vast improvement in the quality of life and that the wealth of a nation flourishes under these conditions. Therefore the main idea and objective of this specific proposed concept on very small multiple planary circular dots sensors in advanced process analytical technology embedded in a larger sample-dot sensing core device with a circular geometry pattern suitable for multi-point multi-species real-time measurements is the creation of more efficient systems providing better and more sustainable healthier life styles to all the citizens of Romania using more productive lower costs operations to produce higher-quality products and medical facilities and products and to prevent environmental pollution.
The MAIN INNOVATION OF THIS IDEA will be done by selecting the correct chemical methodology needed and creating a new design, configuration and construction of the downscaled chemically real-time analyzing devices suitable for remote monitoring and control. THIS WILL BE DONE BY USING PLANARY CIRCULAR DOT SENSING. The whole idea will be to put the each whole actual sensor contacting surface into a planar circular DOT as sensor probe.
In the DOT sensor design special attention will be given to 3 types of DOT sensors:
- DOT sensors with a relative long lifetime capable of performing over a long period of time, needed to perform in a reliable PAT system over a very long period.
- DOT sensors with a very limited lifetime that eventually will be robust low cost disposable DOT sensors.
- DOT sensors with the capability to regenerate them in real time in such a way that their lifetime can be prolonged sufficiently to perform their task efficiently to required norms, as needed for a reliable PAT system.
- DOT sensors will be coupled to newly designed smart control artificial intelligent products with fully interactive and decision making capabilities.
The MAIN IDEA is further to design A SENSING DEVICE with MULTIPLE DOTS EACH DOT SENSOR CAPABLE OF SENSING A DIFFERENT ANALYSING PARAMETER (ANALYTE) AND PERFORMING A DIFFERENT TASK.
The project is focused on the promotion and recognition of excellence in ROMANIAN RESEARCH with fully recognition in the European Union, thereby increasing our country’s visibility and attractiveness in the new, emerging and multidisciplinary area of research devoted in NANO-TECHNOLOGY to downscaled chemical and electrochemical SMART SENSOR devices with advanced Process Analytical Technology of PATLAB in Bucharest. A novel design approach will be used in the development, construction, evaluation and employment of DOT sensors. The new capabilities of small multiple planary circular dots sensors using advanced process analytical technology embedded and bundled in larger sample-dot sensing core devices with a circular geometry pattern suitable for multi-point multi-species real-time measurements will be a great development in the sensor field, and will be beyond what the conventional chemical and electrochemical sensors can do. The newly developed dot sensors will therefore open many new research possibilities and practical applications in various fields, like water systems, and petrochemical industries, including important and quickly developed sectors like health care, life sciences, pharmacy, and biotechnology. Real-time multi-point multi-species measurements will be the main target with the speciation of chromium(III) and chromium(VI) in real-time (considering the pollution thread of chromium(VI), reaction dynamics involved in the formation and removal of chromium(VI) in-line and in-line real-time removal of chromium(VI) on-site using the full capabilities of PAT as smart control intelligent interactive device), control of for example additives like sweeteners, colorants etc. in beverages (in-line multi-point multi-species interactive intelligent smart analyte level control and immediate action and removal of beverage products with health thread substances), control and immediate removal of pollutants (for example pollutants from industries like the leather industries from drinking water resources in real-time using the proposed devices mentioned above) as some of the examples of high quality fundamental, basic and applied research and innovation that will be studied and performed. The research will be performed in the laboratory of process analytical technology (PATLAB) in Bucharest with research equipment of international standards. The young researchers (students studying for their PhD) will be actively involved in different projects in the various steps in the design, construction, development, behaviour and application of small multiple planary circular dot sensors in advanced process analytical technology.
The main scientific and technological objectives of the proposed research project is to develop a new design methodology for different DOT sensors systems based on advanced PATLAB technology embedded in the sample-dot sensor core, with extension to smart control intelligent devices with fully interactive and decision making capabilities. This modern approach for the coupled dot sensor smart control intelligent devices will be based on both modern technologies and advanced methods for sensing, signal transducing, signal processing and conversion using a combination of technological and structural-algorithmic chemometric methods. A novel method for designing the DOT sensors will be used in the project.
The research objectives of the project is as follows:-
O.1 Data retrieval
O.2 Strategic planning of the whole project from design to implementation
O.3 Design of the DOT SENSOR membrane/surface
O.4 Design of the DOT SENSOR transducer
O.5 Design of the DOT SENSOR signal transport, amplification, processing.
O.6 Construction and integration of the different parts
O.7 Testing of the behaviour of a DOT SENSOR device
O.8 Development of reliable technology for the manufacturing of downscaled chemically dot sensor devices.
O.9 Simplifying and optimizing of various parameters of the downscaled analyzing dot sensor.
O.10 Reliable and simultaneous assay of components for implementation in the various fields.
O.11 Integration of the DOT sensors to newly designed smart control artificial intelligent products with fully interactive and decision making capabilities
Work plan. Obiectives and activities
Year* |
Goals |
Associated activities |
|
2009 |
1 |
Literature survey related to the project |
The creation of a data base for macro and nanosensors |
The creation of a data base for systems based on microfluidics |
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The creation of a data base for sensors in wireless networks |
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2 |
The planning of the project |
Studies and survey of the existing technologies in the country and outside the country for the design of miniaturized instrumentation |
|
2010 |
1 |
The planning of the project |
Studies and survey of the existing technologies in the country and outside the country for the design of micro and nanosensors |
Studies and survey of the existing technologies in the country and outside the country for the design of DOT sensors |
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2 |
The design of the membrane/surface of the DOT SENSORS |
Identification of the electroactive/active materials for DOT sensors |
|
Identification of the optimum materials for the matrix of the DOT sensors |
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3 |
The design of the transducers for DOT SENSORS |
Defineing the types of the transducers to be used in sensors’ design |
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Identification of the materials necessary for the design of the transducer correlated to the type of the transducer selected |
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4 |
The design of the transport type, amplification, processing for DOT SENSORS |
Identification of the optimum type of the transport |
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Identification of the optimum amplification |
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Identification of the optimum processing |
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5 |
The construction and integration of different parts |
Assemblage of DOT sensors |
|
Finfing the optimum solutions for the design of the assemblage: geometry, size |
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6 |
Testing of the behaviour of DOT SENSORS |
Determination of the response characteristics of the sensors |
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Determination of the degree of selectivity of the sensors |
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Determination of the optimum fields of application |
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7 |
Obtaining of a reliable technology for the construction of miniaturized instrumentation that is using the dot sensors |
Identification of the miniaturized instrumentation by comparizon between its parameters (especially its sensitivity) with the response characteristics of the electrodes |
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Studies on the possibilities of miniaturization and integration of DOT sensors |
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The design of the miniaturized instrumentation |
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2011 |
1 |
Simplification and optimization of different parameters of miniaturized DOT sensors |
Opyimization of the working conditions |
Determination of the response characteristics |
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Finding the optimum field of utilization |
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2 |
The reliable simultaneous determination of components for implementation in different fields |
Application of DOT sensors for simultaneous analysis of components using model analytes |
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Identification of the fields of application for simultaneous analysis of components |
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3 |
Integration of DOT sensors in the new designed instruments – intelligent, interactive and capable to take decisions |
Integration of the new instrumentation in wireless networks |
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Validation of the new instrumentation, in terms of accuracy, reliability, intelligence, interactivity, and its capability to take decisions. |
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Prof Dr CS I Jacobus (Koos) Frederick van Staden, DSc - Project Manager
CS I Dr Raluca-Ioana van Staden
CS III Marius Constantin Mirica
Doctorand Simona Balasoiu
Masterand Otilia (Radacina) Vasile
CURRENT INSTRUMENTATION
1. FLOPRO-FLOW PROCESS RESEARCH ANALYZER.
FlowPro process analyzer configured with two milliGAT pumps, 2 multiposition selection valves, LED-based photometer, heated reactor, process robust computer and software
2. MINI-FLOPRO-ZONE FLUIDICS RESEARCH PROCESS ANALYZER WITH UV/Vis DETECTION.
Mini-FloPro equipped with milliGAT pump, 2 selection valves, heated reactor and plumbed for zone fluidics equipped to study a variety of chemistries. Ocean Optics multi wavelength spectrometer for UV/vis detection. Laptop PC and process development software.
3. MINI-FLOPRO-ZONE FLUIDICS RESEARCH PROCESS ANALYZER. POTENTIOSTAT FOR AMPEROMETRIC DETECTION
Mini-FloPro equipped with milliGAT pump, 2 selection valves, heated reactor and plumbed for zone fluidics equipped to study a variety of chemistries. Bioanalytical Petit Ampere potentiostat for amperometric detection. Laptop PC and process development software.
4. MINI-FLOPRO-ZONE FLUIDICS RESEARCH PROCESS ANALYZER WITH FLUORESCENCE DETECTION
Mini-FloPro equipped with milliGAT pump, 2 selection valves, heated reactor and plumbed for zone fluidics equipped to study a variety of chemistries. Ocean Optics detector for fluorescence detection. Laptop PC and process development software.
5. MINI-FLOWPRO-ZONE FLUIDICS RESEARCH PROCESS ANALYZER WITH CHEMILUMINESCENCE DETECTION
Mini-FloPro equipped with milliGAT pump, 2 selection valves, heated reactor and plumbed for zone fluidics equipped to study a variety of chemistries. Global FIA FireFly detector for chemiluminescence detection. Laptop PC and process development software.
6. QE65000 SCIENTIFIC-GRADE SPECTROMETER FOR FLUORESCENCE DETECTION.
QE65000 Scientific-grade Spectrometer, fluorescence setup, PX-2 Pulsed Xenon Lamp as an excitation source, Hamamatsu FFT-CCD detector, detector range 200-1100 nm, Full scans to memory every 7 ms with USB 2.0 port as data transfer rate, Quantum Efficiency to 90%, Optical Fiber Bundles, Computer and software.
7. HR4000 HIGH-RESOLUTION SPECTROMETER.
HR4000 high-resolution spectrometer, UV/Vis through Shortwave NIR setup, Balanced Deuterium Tungsten Source, 3648-element CCD-array detector from Toshiba that enables optical resolution as precise as 0.02 nm (FWHM), detector range 200-1100 nm, Full scans to memory every 4 ms with USB 2.0 port as data transfer rate, Optical Fiber Bundles, Computer and software.
8. UNISCAN PG580 MINI-POTENTIOSTATS (3UNITS) METROHM AUTOLAB POTENTIOSTATS (3 UNITS) (PGSTAT12, PGSTAT302N, PGSTAT100)
All units suitable for Cyclic and linear voltammetry, Square wave voltammetry, Normal and differential pulse voltammetry Chronoamperometry and chronopotentiometry with micro- and nanosensors, able to bundle up to 5 working electrodes-multiplexed.
9. AGILENT 5500 SERIES ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY (AFM)/SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPY (SPM)
Agilent 5500 ideal multiple-user research system for atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning probe microscopy (SPM) with electrochemical scanning microprobe microscopy (EC-SPM) to study the behaviour and kinetics of electrochemical micro- and nanoprobes in real time, Pico-TREC for simultaneous topography and recognition imaging with SPM for mapping target molecules on a sampling surface ideally suited for nanoelectrode sensor structuring and modifying, lithography and nanomanipulation with micro machining through force variations, nano patterning via probe bias and electrochemical etching, nano writing and nano modification via surface potential controlled deposition.
10. SHIMADZU 3600 DOUBLE BEAM UV-VIS-NIR SPECTROPHOTOMETER
High-resolution research spectrometer Wavelength range 185 – 3300 nm, Equipped with 3 detectors: a PMT detector (photomultiplier tube) for the ultraviolet and visible regions, and InGaAs and PbS detectors for near infrared region. InGaAs detector bridges the gap between the PMT - PbS switching wavelength where sensitivity is typically low to ensure high sensitivity over the entire measurement wavelength range with <0.00003 Abs noise at 1500 nm.
11. CYBERSCAN PCD 6500 pH/ION/CONDUCTIVITY/DO MULTIMETER.
Cyberscan PCD 6500 pH/Ion/Conductivity/Dissolved Oxygen multimeter measures and views up to four parameters at the same time with no cross-channel reference. A CE-Driven Full-Colour Touchscreen 21 CFR Part 11-compliant Bench meter with real-time on-screen multichannel, single channel or graphical analysis functions to give quick, convenient analysis of data with advanced, extensive communication capabilities with USB.
PUBLICATIONS
Published Papers:
1. Maltodextrins as chiral selectors in biomedical enantioanalysis. A minireview.
R.I. Stefan-van Staden, J.F. van Staden, H.Y. Aboul-Enein, M.C. Mirica, M. Iorga, I. Balcu
The Open Chem Biomed Meth J , 2, 107-110, 2009
Papers in Press:
2. Determination of free L-T4 and free L-T3 from blood using the immunsensors/sequential injection analysis system
R.I. Stefan, J.F. van Staden, H.Y. Aboul-Enein, I. Balcu, M.C. Mirica, G.L. Radu,
Anal.Lett., 00, 000. 2010
3. Micro- and nanosensors. Recent developments and features. A minireview.
R.I. Stefan-van Staden, J.F. van Staden, S.C. Balasoiu, O.R. Vasile
Anal.Lett., 000, 2010
4. Wireless electrochemical sensors. A tool for process control. The past, present and the future. A mini-review.
J.F. van Staden, R.I. Stefan-van Staden, S.C. Balasoiu
Crit.Rev.Anal.Chem., 00, 000, 2010
CONFERENCE CONTRIBUTIONS
Oral presentations:
1. Porphyrins in flow injection analysis
JF van Staden
Instrumental Methods of Analysis. Modern Trends and Applications. 4-8 October, 2009, Athens, Greece.
2. Flow- or Non Flow-based, Unit operations, Micro- or/and Nanosensors: "Microfluidics", Real-time: Is a marriage with PAT always possible? The Reality and the Future.
JF van Staden
Euroanalysis XV, Innsbruck, Austria, 6-10 September 2009.
POSTERS:
1. Enantioanalysis of (-)butaclamol using vancomycin and teicopplanin as chiral selectors
R.I. van Staden, J.F. van Staden, H.Y. Aboul-Enein, N. Mirica
Euroanalysis XV, Innsbruck, Austria, 6-10 September 2009.
2. Wireless sensors a tool for process control
J.F. van Staden, R.I. van Staden, S.C. Balasoiu, O.R. Vasile,
Instrumental Methods of Analysis. Modern Trends and Applications. 4-8 October, 2009 , Athens, Greece.
Prof. Dr. J. F. (Koos) van Staden,
DIRECTOR, PATLAB,
Process Analytical Technology Laboratory,
Splaiul Independentei St., No 202,
Bucharest. 060021.
ROMANIA.
Mobile: +4 074 169 5743
E-mail: koosvanstaden@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.patlab.ro