Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticle-Modulated Polydiacetylene-Based Colorimetric Pesticide Sensor

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from Tripura University have developed a cost-effective and efficient method for detecting pesticide residues using a paper-based colorimetric sensing platform. The sensor utilizes polydiacetylene (PDA) and green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to detect three commonly used pesticides. The detection of pesticide concentration is achieved by varying the AgNP to PDA ratios and analyzing the RGB values corresponding to color changes before and after exposure.

Key Takeaways:

  • The sensor is designed on a nitrate cellulose membrane using 10,12-henicosadiynoic acid (HCDA), monomer of PDA, green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and saponite clay (SC).
  • The AgNPs were synthesized from Araucaria heterophylla leaf extract using a green synthesis protocol.
  • The sensor responds to three commonly used pesticides: cypermethrin, pretilachlor, and chlorpyriphos/cypermethrin.
  • The detection of different pesticides in different concentration regions can be achieved by varying AgNP to HCDA ratios.
  • A MATLAB-based program was developed for analyzing the RGB values corresponding to color changes before and after exposure.
  • The proposed sensor is similar to litmus paper, providing measurements with high accuracy in a wide range of ambient conditions.

Statistics:

  • 10,12-henicosadiynoic acid (HCDA) was used as the monomer of PDA.
  • Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from Araucaria heterophylla leaf extract.
  • The sensor responds to three commonly used pesticides: cypermethrin, pretilachlor, and chlorpyriphos/cypermethrin.
  • The AgNP to HCDA ratios can be optimized to detect pesticide concentration.
  • The sensor provides measurements with high accuracy (RSC Advances, 2025;15(23):18372-18391).

Sources:

  • Green-synthesized Silver Nanoparticle-modulated Polydiacetylene-based Colorimetric Pesticide Sensor. RSC Advances, 2025;15(23):18372-18391.
  • RSC Advances can be contacted at: Royal Soc Chemistry, Thomas Graham House, Science Park, Milton Rd, Cambridge CB4 0WF, Cambs, England.
  • Tripura University, Dept. of Physics, Thin Film & Nanosci Lab, Agartala 799022, Tripura, India.