ORNL Researchers Devise Methods to Improve Sensor Development

Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers state that laboratory-efficient sensors may sometimes fail to perform steadily in real-world conditions.

ACS Nano paper’s lead author Ali Passian states that the real-time efficiency of sensors is vital as it partly protects the nation's food and water supplies. According to research analysis in this paper, titled "Critical Issues in Sensor Science to Aid Food and Water Safety," sensors are becoming complex with little or no field testing.

Sometimes a third-person may estimate a higher level of performance, or even the availability of 'uber-sensors’. Co-authors include Thomas Thundat of the University of Alberta, as well as Rubye Farahi and Laurene Tetard of ORNL.

According to Passian, E-coli, Salmonella, pesticides and mercury are some of the major targets for sensors since food and water are key factors for highly complex chemical and biological environments.

The researchers investigated the potential methods for effective working of sensors to safeguard the public.

Nanoscience helps develop sensing solutions similar to the increased specificity of human and animal sensory capabilities. Nanosensors represent a variety of architecture, shapes, and sizes. In some devices, the instrument is being in-built with nanoparticles such as gold, silicon, or polymers or magnetic composites or nanowires like gold, polymers or composites that can react in the presence of the targeted substance.

Nano-sized particles-based sensors provide high sensitivity, low cost, high surface-to-volume ratios, fast response, and unique optical and electrical properties but are entangled with offsetting traits. Sensor developers face challenges in achieving sync between cost effectiveness, robustness, reliability, portability, and mass production.

Passian and the co-authors represent the need for a real-time transfer of information for rapid response time to evaluate damage, risk, and notification of populations being affected.

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