One-step competitive lateral flow biosensor running on an independent quantification system for smart phones based in-situ detection of trace Hg(II) in tap water

In this study, a one-step lateral flow biosensor (LFB) has been developed, optimized and validated for quantitative detection of Hg(II) in water. In the measurement principle, just one T-rich ssDNA probe (TSP) for the specific binding process was successfully employed in the competitive LFB based methods. The concept of an independent quantification system was realized using a cresol red dot as an external standard, which effectively eliminates false negative results. Under optimized conditions, the limit of detection for Hg(II) was 4 nM; high selectivity towards Hg(II) and extraordinary device-to-device repeatability of the LFB were achieved. Furthermore, Hg(II) from tap water samples was analyzed, and the results were confirmed by ICP-MS. The interference from other components in the real samples could be neglected during the analysis. The approach provides a simple, sensitive, and practical tool for the detection of trace Hg(II) in tap water, showing great promise for in-situ applications.