| abstract |
The object of the present invention is to provide a means of detection and evaluation of mixtures, based on the concept of global selectivity, with enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. A first embodiment refers to a sensor for the analysis of mixtures by global selectivity comprising at least two sensor units consisting of: (a) interdigitated electrodes or microelectrodes sheathed with at least one monolayer of an ultra-fine film of a membrane forming material possessing physicochemical affinity for the substances peculiar to the mixture to be analysed selected from the group consisting of complexing polymer conductors, complexing substances and combinations thereof and, optionally, (b) non-sheathed interdigitated electrodes or microelectrodes. Another embodiment concerns a sensory system comprising: (1) at least two sensor units generating electrical signals, consisting of: (a) interdigitated electrodes or microelectrodes sheathed with at least one monolayer of an ultra-fine film of a membrane forming material possessing physicochemical affinity for the substances peculiar to the mixture to be analysed selected from the group consisting of complexing polymer conductors, complexing substances and combinations thereof and, optionally, (b) non-sheathed interdigitated electrodes or microelectrodes; (2) means for receiving electrical signals, obtained by means of measurement of alternate current, emitted by the sensor units in contact with the material to be analysed and (3) means of processing the measurements for analysis of the response patterns of an array formed by the different sensor units. The sensor may be employed, amongst other uses, in the analysis of taste and for monitoring the quality of products intended for human consumption, especially beverages and foods in liquid form, and in the evaluation and detection of humic substances and other contaminants (organic or inorganic) in water from natural sources (rivers, lakes, ponds, etc.) with the purpose of monitoring the quality of the water and environmental conservation. |