A flexible electrochemical sensor based on antimony nanoparticle for the simultaneous monitoring of zinc and lead ions in sweat

For promptly reflecting heavy metal exposure and accumulation levels in human body, flexible electrochemical sensing platforms based on sweat analysis have garnered significant attention ascribed to their ability to non-invasively monitor sweat heavy metal levels. Here, a flexible electrochemical sensor on the basis of antimony nanoparticle (AMNP) modified screen-printed electrode (SPE) was developed for the simultaneous detection of Zn and Pb ions in sweat. The synthesized AMNP with high specific surface area and excellent electrocatalytic performance possessed satisfied adsorption and enrichment capacity for Zn and Pb ions, while markedly amplified stripping voltametric signals. The detection range of the sensor covered the normal physiological concentration range of sweat Zn and Pb ions. The sensor successfully achieved in-situ measurement of trace Zn and Pb ions in sweat, and the results were verified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with satisfactory consistency. This electrochemical sensing platform offers an accessible and non-invasive strategy for the monitoring of heavy metal ions in sweat, opening up possibilities for creating wearable devices applied for assessing health conditions and clinical diagnosis as well as treatment related to heavy metal exposure.