New fluorescent reporters capable of Ultra-sensitively detecting trinitrotoluene on surfaces: A proof-of-concept for finding hidden nitroaromatics in the workroom

We describe the proof of concept of a portable testing setup for the detection of trinitrotoluene (TNT), a common component in hidden explosive devices. The system allows for field-testing and generation of real-time results to test for TNT traces in surfaces by simply using a filter paper and a flu...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Revilla Cuesta, Andrea, Abajo Cuadrado, Irene, Medrano, María, Martín Salgado, Mateo, Pecori, Giuditta, Rodríguez Rodríguez, Mª Teresa, Hernando Muñoz, Carla, García Calvo, José, Arcos Martínez, Julia, Torroba Pérez, Tomás
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2023
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Burgos (UBU)
Repositorio:Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Burgos (RIUBU)
OAI Identifier:oai:riubu.ubu.es:10259/8221
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10259/8221
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene
Improvised explosive devices
Chemical sensors
Fluorescent materials
Chemical tests
Swab alternatives
Química orgánica
Chemistry, Organic
Descripción
Sumario:We describe the proof of concept of a portable testing setup for the detection of trinitrotoluene (TNT), a common component in hidden explosive devices. The system allows for field-testing and generation of real-time results to test for TNT traces in surfaces by simply using a filter paper and a fluorescent reporter. In this way, the controlled trapping and detection of the analyte by a chemical sensor gives reliable results at extremely low concentrations of TNT on surfaces under real life conditions suitable for daily use in ordinary sampling for example at airlines luggage storage or sport locker rooms. The reported fluorescent methodology is very sensitive and selective, allowing for the trapping and detection of TNT by a fluorescent reporter to give reliable results at very low concentrations. As a complement, we report the preparation of a modified Sylgard film that is useful under real conditions for qualitative fluorescent detection of hidden traces of TNT on surfaces or fingers by a swab method. The combination of quantitative and qualitative detection of TNT traces on surfaces constitutes a comprehensive new method for the detection of hidden nitroaromatic explosives in the workplace.