Cartridge for Paper-Based Sensors and Its Application for Explosive Materials Detection

a new housing construction for tests of paper-based sensors was designed and manufactured. The cartridge was manufactured in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) using micromilling technology. A blister filled with an appropriate solution is mounted in the cartridge. After piercing the blister, the solution leaks out and is delivered to the paper-based sensor to perform a chemical reaction. Colourimetric detection was used for the detection of analytes. We have developed our technology to produce blisters filled with various solutions. The blisters were made from a hybrid film made of nylon, aluminum, and polyethylene sealed by thermal bonding. Blisters filled with Griess reagent or phosphoric acid were made for this work. The suitability of the developed cartridge in the determination of various explosives was confirmed. The following explosive materials were tested: 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (RDX), 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazacyclooctane (HMX), pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), and triacetone triperoxide (TATP).