Laura Pigani

Bio: Laura Pigani is an academic researcher from University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. The author has contributed to research in topics: Electrode & Cyclic voltammetry. The author has an hindex of 21, co-authored 77 publications receiving 1272 citations.

Development of an electronic tongue based on a PEDOT-modified voltammetric sensor

Abstract: Three different electrodes were tested for use as nonspecific amperometric sensors for blind analysis on real matrices, namely different fruit juices from different fruits or different brands. The first two electrodes were traditional Pt and Au electrodes, while the third one was modified with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) conducting polymer. The sensors were tested separately, tested coupled to each other, and also tested together. The responses of the electrode system(s) were first screened via PCA and then their discriminant capabilities were quantified in terms of the sensitivities and specificities of their corresponding PLS-DA multivariate classification models. Particular attention was paid to analyzing the evolution of the response over subsequent potential sweeps. The modified electrode demonstrated the most discriminating ability, and it was the only system capable of satisfactorily performing the most complex task attempted during the analysis: discriminating between juices from the same fruit but from different brands. Moreover, the electrode “cleaning” procedure required between two subsequent potential sweeps was much simpler for the modified electrode than for the others. This electrode system was therefore shown to be a good candidate for use as an informative element in an electronic tongue applied to the analysis of other food matrices.

Recent advances in the direct electrochemical detection of drugs of abuse

Abstract: In the last decade, the trafficking and use of illicit drugs showed a continuous incremental trend, remaining worldwide a challenging problem for the consequences on society, health, criminality, and environment. The introduction on the market of new products and of illicit synthetic compounds represents a new challenging task for analytical chemistry, looking for rapid and accurate methods for the detection of illicit substances in seized street samples, biological fluids, and wastewater. In this context, electrochemical sensors have shown promising results as an alternative to standard chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. This review aims at highlighting the most recent progresses in the use of electrochemistry for the detection of drugs of abuse, mainly including well consolidated substances like cannabinoids, cocaine, opioids, ecstasy, and methamphetamine as well as new psychoactive molecules widely diffused at the present time. Different strategies have been described particularly consisting in the direct electrochemical oxidation of the target analyte. The implementation of tailor-made portable instruments with electrochemical detection methods constitutes an added value to improve the effectiveness of electrochemical sensors for the identification of psychoactive substances when performing large-scale sampling tests.

Electrochemistry of Conducting Polymers—Persistent Models and New Concepts†

Abstract: 2.2. Cathodic Electropolymerization 4732 2.2.1. Electropolymerization of PPXs and PPVs 4732 3. Charging-Discharging of Conducting Polymers 4733 3.1. Redox Properties of Oligomers and Polymers 4733 3.2. Specific Phenomena of n-Doping 4739 3.3. Conductivity in Charged Systems 4740 4. Controlling the Electropolymerization Process 4742 4.1. Influence of the Polymerization Technique 4742 4.2. Influence of Experimental Conditions 4743 4.3. Electropolymerization in Novel Electrolytic Media 4745

Deep Eutectic Solvents: A Review of Fundamentals and Applications.

Abstract: Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are an emerging class of mixtures characterized by significant depressions in melting points compared to those of the neat constituent components. These materials are promising for applications as inexpensive "designer" solvents exhibiting a host of tunable physicochemical properties. A detailed review of the current literature reveals the lack of predictive understanding of the microscopic mechanisms that govern the structure-property relationships in this class of solvents. Complex hydrogen bonding is postulated as the root cause of their melting point depressions and physicochemical properties; to understand these hydrogen bonded networks, it is imperative to study these systems as dynamic entities using both simulations and experiments. This review emphasizes recent research efforts in order to elucidate the next steps needed to develop a fundamental framework needed for a deeper understanding of DESs. It covers recent developments in DES research, frames outstanding scientific questions, and identifies promising research thrusts aligned with the advancement of the field toward predictive models and fundamental understanding of these solvents.

Polypyrrole-based conducting polymers and interactions with biological tissues.

Abstract: Polypyrrole (PPy) is a conjugated polymer that displays particular electronic properties including conductivity. In biomedical applications, it is usually electrochemically generated with the incorporation of any anionic species including also negatively charged biological macromolecules such as proteins and polysaccharides to give composite materials. In biomedical research, it has mainly been assessed for its role as a reporting interface in biosensors. However, there is an increasing literature on the application of PPy as a potentially electrically addressable tissue/cell support substrate. Here, we review studies that have considered such PPy based conducting polymers in direct contact with biological tissues and conclude that due to its versatile functional properties, it could contribute to a new generation of biomaterials.