A selective distance-based paper analytical device for copper(II) determination using a porphyrin derivative

Meso-tetrakis(1,2-dimethylpyrazolium-4-yl)porphyrin sulfonate (TDMPzP), a water-soluble porphyrin derivative, was synthesized and used as a colorimetric reagent for Cu2+ detection on a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (µPAD) using distance-based quantification. TDMPzP showed a high selectivity for Cu2+ detection in aqueous solutions. When Cu2+ was added to the TDMPzP under acidic conditions, a color change from green to a pink was observed by the naked eye. Under optimized conditions, the application of this system to a distance-based μPAD exhibited good analytical response. The presence of common metal ions (Al3+, Fe3+, Mg2+, Co2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, Sn2+, and Ni2+) did not interfere with Cu2+ detection within reasonable tolerance ratios. The lowest concentration of copper that could be measured was 1mgL−1 (1ppm) which meets the requirements for drinking water contamination regulations from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for drinking water. Real drinking water samples were analyzed to confirm the practical application of this system and the results showed good agreement with ICP-MS data. This distance-based µPAD based on TDMPzP for Cu2+ detection is convenient and effective for real-time drinking water analysis. [Display omitted] •Selective colorimetric reagent for Cu2+ detection.•Instrument-free distance-based µPADs for Cu2+ detection.•Good recovery and good agreement with ICP-MS.•Applicable for real sample analysis.•Simple, cheap, and reliable for on-site analysis.