Solving Color Reproducibility between Digital Devices: A Robust Approach of Smartphones Color Management for Chemical (Bio)Sensors.

In the past twelve years, digital image colorimetry (DIC) on smartphones has acquired great importance as an alternative to the most common analytical techniques. This analysis method is based on fast, low-cost, and easily-accessible technology, which can provide quantitative information about an analyte through the color changes of a digital image. Despite the fact that DIC is very widespread, it is not exempt from a series of problems that are not fully resolved yet, such as variability of the measurements between smartphones, image format in which color information is stored, power distribution of the illuminant used for the measurements, among others. This article proposes a methodology for the standardization and correction of these problems using self-developed software, together with the use of a 3D printed light box. This methodology is applied to three different colorimetric analyses using different types and brands of smartphones, proving that comparable measurements between devices can be achieved. As color can be related to many target analytes, establishing this measurement methodology can lead to new control analysis applicable to diverse sectors such as alimentary, industrial, agrarian, or sanitary.

Smartphone-interrogated test supports for the enzymatic determination of putrescine and cadaverine in food.

Diamino-oxidase (DAO), horseradish peroxidase (HRP), and tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) have been immobilized into cellulose to obtain circular cellulose test supports (CCTSs) for the determination of cadaverine (Cad) and putrescine (Put). During the enzymatic reaction, TMB is oxidized and a blue spot is obtained. This color (RGB coordinates) is measured with a smartphone and a commercial application. The highest sensitivity is provided by the component R and a linear response is observed for low biogenic amine (BA) concentrations, but a second-order polynomial response better fits the experimental results for a wider concentration range. This has been successfully explained with a model developed to explain the RGB values obtained in this type of analytical system. Optimization studies enable CCTSs to be obtained for Put and Cad determination, which could be used (kept at 4 °C) for at least 45 days if a stabilizer (StabilCoat™ or StabilGuard™) is added during its synthesis. In these conditions, the R coordinate follows the model up to at least 4 × 10-4 M Put and/or Cad (both analytes give the same response). The method permits the Put and Cad determination from 5 × 10-5 M up to 4 × 10-4 M (RSD = 3%, n = 3). The CCTSs have been applied to Put + Cad determination in a tuna sample without any interference by other biogenic amines. The concentration found statistically agrees with that obtained using a HPLC-MS-validated method. Graphical abstract.

Feasibility of digital image colorimetry--application for water calcium hardness determination.

Interpretation and relevance of basic RGB colors in Digital Image-Based Colorimetry have been treated in this paper. The studies were carried out using the chromogenic model formed by the reaction between Ca(II) ions and glyoxal bis(2-hydroxyanil). It produced orange-red colored solutions in alkaline media. Individual basic color data (RGB) and also the total intensity of colors, I(tot), were the original variables treated by Factorial Analysis. Te evaluation evidenced that the highest variance of the system and the highest analytical sensitivity were associated to the G color. However, after the study by Fourier transform the basic R color was recognized as an important feature in the information. It was manifested as an intrinsic characteristic that appeared differentiated in terms of low frequency in Fourier transform. The Principal Components Analysis study showed that the variance of the system could be mostly retained in the first principal component, but was dependent on all basic colors. The colored complex was also applied and validated as a Digital Image Colorimetric method for the determination of Ca(II) ions. RGB intensities were linearly correlated with Ca(II) in the range 0.2-2.0 mg L(-1). In the best conditions, using green color, a simple and reliable method for Ca determination could be developed. Its detection limit was established (criterion 3s) as 0.07 mg L(-1). And the reproducibility was lower than 6%, for 1.0 mg L(-1) Ca. Other chromatic parameters were evaluated as dependent calibration variables. Their representativeness, variance and sensitivity were discussed in order to select the best analytical variable. The potentiality of the procedure as a field and ready-to-use method, susceptible to be applied 'in situ' with a minimum of experimental needs, was probed. Applications of the analysis of Ca in different real water samples were carried out. Water of the city net, mineral bottled, and natural-river were analyzed and results were compared and evaluated statistically. The validity was assessed by the alternative techniques of flame atomic absorption spectroscopy and titrimetry. Differences were appreciated but they were consistent with the applied methods.

Determination of arsenic in homeopathic drugs by bromide volatilization-inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry.

Arsenic in homeopathic drugs was determined by coupling a volatile generation with inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. The method is based on the chemical vaporization of arsenic(III) with bromide ions in sulfuric acid media using a batch procedure and subsequent introduction of the gaseous analyte into the plasma torch. The main and interactive effects of the experimental variables affecting this method were evaluated by a 2-level full factorial design. In optimized conditions by Simplex, the method shows an absolute detection limit (3 s) of 0.28 microg for the injection of 230 microL sample. The precision (% relative standard deviation) of the determination was 4.2% at a level of 50 microg/mL As(III) (n = 5). The interference effect of various ions on the arsenic signal was evaluated.