Biocomposite-based electrochemical chip for ethylene detection

This work introduces the integration of a biocomposite hydrogel with a microfabricated electrochemical chip, enabling a novel approach for detecting ethylene gas. Molybdate ions were impregnated into a chitosan matrix-based hydrogel, resulting in an ethylene-responsive interface that coated a miniaturized electrochemical chip. The electrochemical process involved the oxidation of molybdenum ions from Mo5+ to Mo6+, followed by their reduction back to Mo5+ due to ethylene complexation. This approach provides a sensitive and efficient method for ethylene detection. The composite-functionalized device was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy, demonstrating its sensitivity and selectivity for ethylene detection. This research offers a promising approach to developing efficient sensors for rapid ethylene detection, with potential applications in postharvest, food storage, and ripening, as well as plant growth and development monitoring.