Analysis of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes for the Presence of Blood and Polydimethylsiloxane (Silicone) Utilizing Microchemical Tests and Infrared Spectroscopy.

Suspect hypodermic needles and syringes were seized from an unlicensed individual who was allegedly injecting patients with silicone (polydimethylsiloxane [PDMS]) for cosmetic enhancement. Since control syringe barrels and needles often contain an interfering PDMS lubricant, a risk for false positives of foreign PDMS exists. The focus of this report was to minimize this risk and determine a quick and reliable test for the presence of blood in PDMS matrices.

Simultaneous detection of two analytes using a spectroelectrochemical sensor.

Spectroelectrochemical sensors developed in our group achieve three modes of selectivity by combining electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and a chemically selective membrane in a single device. Analyte detection is based upon a change in the optical response due to the conversion of the analyte between two oxidation states that results from the cycling or stepping of the applied potential. We have demonstrated a novel approach to simultaneously detect two metals by combining optical stripping voltammetry for one metal (Pb(2+)) and the in situ ligand complexation in a film for the other metal (Fe(2+)).

Spectroelectrochemical sensing based on multimode selectivity simultaneously achievable in a single device. 21. Selective chemical sensing using sulfonated polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)block-polystyrene thin films.

Spectroelectrochemical sensors combine three modes of selectivity in a single device (electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and selective partitioning). A thin polymer film is coated onto the sensing platform in order to facilitate chemically selective transport to the electrode. The film is an essential part of the sensor because it provides an increase in selectivity and sensitivity by selectively preconcentrating the analyte.

Characterization of partially sulfonated polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-block-polystyrene thin films for spectroelectrochemical sensing.

The spectroelectrochemical sensor uses thin, solid polyelectrolyte films as an essential element in its operation. In this work we explored the potential of partially sulfonated polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-block-polystyrene (SSEBS) thin polymer films for chemical sensing. Spectroscopic ellipsometry was used to measure optical and surface properties of the air-dried and hydrated material.

Spectroelectrochemical sensing based on multimode selectivity simultaneously achievable in a single device. 17. Improvement in detection limits using ultrathin perfluorosulfonated ionomer films in conjunction with continuous sample flow.

We report herein an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) absorbance-based spectroelectrochemical sensor for tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) ion [Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)] that employs ultrathin (24-50 nm) Nafion films as the charge-selective layer. This film serves to sequester and preconcentrate the analyte at the optically transparent electrode surface such that it can be efficiently detected optically via electrochemical modulation. Our studies indicate that use of ultrathin films in tandem with continuous flow of sample solution through the cell compartment leads to a 100-500-fold enhancement in detection limit (10 nM) compared to earlier absorbance-based spectroelectrochemical sensors ( approximately 1-5 microM); markedly shorter analysis times also result.