Smartphone-integrated inkjet-printed paper sensor and UV/Vis spectrophotometric method for on-site detection of As3+ and L-cysteine in food samples using novel AMTPP-functionalized silver nanoparticles

The increasing prevalence of arsenic (As3+) in water and its health impacts necessitate advanced detection methods. Similarly, monitoring L-Cysteine, a vital thiol-containing amino acid, is crucial for assessing physiological processes and disorders. This study presents a novel method for detecting As3+ and L-Cysteine in food samples using 4-amino-3-(D-galactopentitol-1-yl)-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole (AMTPP) functionalized silver nanoparticles (AMTPP-AgNPs) by UV/Vis spectrophotometric method and smartphone-assisted inkjet-printed paper-based sensors. AMTPP-AgNPs, synthesized through a detailed process, show exceptional selectivity and sensitivity to As3+ and L-Cysteine, undisturbed by other metal ions and amino acids. Characterization techniques like FTIR, DLS, Zeta Potential, AFM, and SEM detailed their morphological and interaction properties. Optimizing detection parameters, such as response time, pH, and temperature, improved sensitivity and achieved low detection limits. The limits of detection (LODs) were 0.0052 μM for L-cysteine and 0.0092 μM for As3+, as calculated using UV–Vis spectrophotometric methods. The method also demonstrated high recovery rates in spiked meat and corn samples. This research offers a cost-effective, rapid method for on-site food analysis, significantly aiding environmental and public health monitoring. [Display omitted] •Novel AMTPP functionalized silver nanoparticles were synthesized.•Dual detection strategies based on AMTPP-AgNPs.•Inkjet printed paper sensor developed for detection of As3+ and cysteine.•Qualitative and quantitative determination of As3+ and cysteine in food samples.