Publications by authors named "Ana M Ulloa-Gomez"

Lateral flow assay (LFA) color signal quantification methods were developed by utilizing both International Commission on Illumination (CIE) LAB (CIELAB) color space and grayscale intensity differences. The CIELAB image processing procedure included calibration, test, control band detection, and color difference calculation, which can minimize the noise from the background. The LFA platform showcases its ability to accurately discern relevant colorimetric signals.

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The increasing incidence of environmental concerns related to excessive use of pesticides, such as imidacloprid and carbendazim, poses risks to pollinators, water bodies, and human health, prompting regulatory scrutiny and bans in developed countries. In this study, we propose a portable smartphone-based biosensor for rapid and label-free colorimetric detection by using the gold-decorated polystyrene microparticles (Ps-AuNP) functionalized with specific aptamers to imidacloprid and carbendazim on a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μ-PAD). Four aptamers were selected for the detection of these pesticides and their sensitivity and selectivity performance was evaluated.

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We report an aptasensing platform for the detection of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) in the immediate and early phases of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). High-flow filter paper was used to fabricate a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μ-PAD), which was further modified with gold-decorated polystyrene microparticles functionalized with a highly specific cTnT aptamer. Herein, cTnT detection is presented in two linear ranges (0.

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We report a novel aptasensor for the simultaneous colorimetric and electrochemical detection of mercury (Hg). This device consists of a paper-based microfluidic component (μ-PAD) incorporated into a miniaturized three-electrode system fabricated through printed circuit board (PCB) technology. This biosensor is portable, rapid, versatile, and can detect Hg down to 0.

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The inkjet printing of metal electrodes on polymer films is a desirable manufacturing process due to its simplicity but is limited by the lack of thermal stability and serious delaminating flaws in various aqueous and organic solutions. Kapton, adopted worldwide due to its superior thermal durability, allows the high-temperature sintering of nanoparticle-based metal inks. By carefully selecting inks (Ag and Au) and Kapton substrates (Kapton HN films with a thickness of 135 μm and a thermal resistance of up to 400 °C) with optimal printing parameters and simplified post-treatments (sintering), outstanding film integrity, thermal stability, and antidelaminating features were obtained in both aqueous and organic solutions without any pretreatment strategy (surface modification).

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Two-dimensional titanium carbide MXenes, TiCT, possess high surface area coupled with metallic conductivity and potential for functionalization. These properties make them especially attractive for the highly sensitive room-temperature electrochemical detection of gas analytes. However, these extraordinary materials have not been thoroughly investigated for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), many of which hold high relevance for disease diagnostics and environmental protection.

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