Biofouling is a serious problem in reverse osmosis/nanofiltration (RO/NF) applications, reducing membrane performance. Early detection of biofouling plays an essential role in an adequate anti-biofouling strategy. Presently, fouling of membrane filtration systems is mainly determined by measuring changes in pressure drop, which is not exclusively linked to biofouling. Non-destructive imaging of oxygen concentrations (i) is specific for biological activity of biofilms and (ii) may enable earlier detection of biofilm accumulation than pressure drop. The objective of this study was to test whether transparent luminescent planar O2 optodes, in combination with a simple imaging system, can be used for early non-destructive biofouling detection. This biofouling detection is done by mapping the two-dimensional distribution of O2 concentrations and O2 decrease rates inside a membrane fouling simulator (MFS). Results show that at an early stage, biofouling development was detected by the oxygen sensing optodes while no significant increase in pressure drop was yet observed. Additionally, optodes could detect spatial heterogeneities in biofouling distribution at a micro scale. Biofilm development started mainly at the feed spacer crossings. The spatial and quantitative information on biological activity will lead to better understanding of the biofouling processes, contributing to the development of more effective biofouling control strategies.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2015.06.015 | DOI Listing |
Talanta
January 2025
Qingdao Key Laboratory of Analytical Technology Development and Offshore Eco-Environment Conservation, Marine Bioresource and Environment Research Center, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, No. 6 Xianxialing Road, Qingdao, 266061, PR China. Electronic address:
Quorum sensing signal molecules released by microorganisms serve as critical biomarkers regulating the attachment and aggregation of marine microbes on engineered surfaces. Hence, the development of efficient and convenient methods for detecting quorum sensing signal molecules is crucial for monitoring and controlling the formation and development of marine biofouling. Advanced optoelectronic technologies offer increased opportunities and methods for detecting quorum sensing signal molecules, thereby enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of detection.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAnal Chem
January 2025
Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Micro & Nano Materials Interface Science, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
Microelectrodes offer exceptional sensitivity, rapid response, and versatility, making them ideal for real-time detection and monitoring applications. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors have shown great value in many fields due to their high sensitivity, fast response, and ease of operation. Nevertheless, conventional PEC sensing relies on cumbersome external light sources and bulky electrodes, hindering its miniaturization and implantation, thereby limiting its application in real-time disease monitoring.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFACS Omega
January 2025
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea.
Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) is a widely used electrochemical technique to measure the phasic response of neurotransmitters in the brain. It has the advantage of reducing tissue damage to the brain due to the use of carbon fiber microelectrodes as well as having a high temporal resolution (10 Hz) sufficient to monitor neurotransmitter release in vivo. During the FSCV experiment, the surface of the carbon fiber microelectrode is inevitably changed by the fouling effect.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAnal Chim Acta
February 2025
Key Laboratory of Optic-electric Sensing and Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, MOE, Shandong Key Laboratory of Biochemical Analysis, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science & Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China. Electronic address:
Wearable microneedle array (MNA) based electrochemical sensors have gained increasing attention for their capability to analyze biomarkers in the interstitial fluid (ISF), enabling noninvasive, continuous monitoring of health parameters. However, challenges such as nonspecific adsorption of biomolecules on the sensor surfaces and the risk of infection at the microneedle penetration sites hinder their practical application. Herein, a wearable dual-layer microneedle patch was prepared to overcome these issues by integrating an antimicrobial microneedle layer with an antifouling sensing layer.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTalanta
January 2025
College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin, 541004, China.
Monitoring reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in complex biological media is essential for evaluating the health status of living organisms; however, biofouling on the sensor surface restricts its applications. To overcome this issue, we developed an antifouling electrochemical sensing platform using copper-platinum bimetallic nanoparticles/N-doped biomass porous carbon fibres (Cu-PtNPs/N-BCF) for directly detecting peroxynitrite anion (ONOO), a major type of RNS. Cyclic voltammetry measurements demonstrated that the Cu-PtNPs/N-BCF-2 nanocomposite, synthesised at a molar ratio of 1:1 between Co and Zn, exhibited exceptional electrocatalytic activity for ONOO oxidation.
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