Virtual sensor array consisting of a single sensor element with variable affinity: An application for analysis of fish freshness

Recently reported concept of electrical control of sensor affinity was applied for formation of a virtual sensor array based on the single sensing element. Affinity properties of this element were modulated by electrically controlled conversion of chemosensitive material between its different redox states possessing different affinity. The sensor was realized on the basis of electrochemical chemotransistor in which a low temperature ionic liquid containing chloride was used to connect the chemosensitive material to the Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The concept of virtual array was proved by its application for monitoring of fish headspace. Using three characteristics of the sensor response measured at three different redox states of the same sensor material, we have obtained signals from a virtual sensor array consisting of nine chemosensitive elements. The sensor displays systematic changes of its nine signals during fish degradation and allows us to make quantitative analysis of its freshness defined as the time after the catch. The level of detection is far below the level of organoleptic detection.