Sensing device

Abstract

A sensing device includes a first sensor configured to capture a first analyte in a fluid medium and generate a first signal in response to capturing the first analyte. The sensing device also includes a second sensor configured to capture a second analyte in the fluid medium and generate a second signal in response to capturing a second analyte, wherein the second analyte is different from the first analyte. The sensing device further includes a detector configured to collect the first and second signals to provide a total signal and calculate the total concentration of the first and second analytes in the fluid medium based on the total signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to sensing devices, such as sensing devices configured to sense analytes in aqueous solutions. Background Technology

[0002] Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) ions are commonly the cause of water hardness. Ca in water... 2+ and Mg 2+ Elevated ion levels can affect the performance and maintenance of appliances that come into contact with water. Efficiently detecting and monitoring the total hardness of water can be beneficial to users, such as helping them maintain water quality and improve appliance performance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one embodiment, a sensing device is disclosed. The sensing device may include a first sensor configured to capture a first analyte in a fluid medium and generate a first signal in response to capturing the first analyte. The sensing device may also include a second sensor configured to capture a second analyte in the fluid medium and generate a second signal in response to capturing the second analyte. The second analyte is different from the first analyte. The sensing device may further include a detector configured to collect the first and second signals to provide a total signal and calculate the total concentration of the first and second analytes in the fluid medium based on the total signal.

[0004] According to another embodiment, a sensing device is disclosed. The sensing device may include a sensor membrane comprising a mixture of sensors. The sensor mixture may include first and second sensors. The first and second sensors may be mixed in a mixing ratio. Each of the first and second sensors may be configured to capture an analyte in a fluid medium having at least one analyte and generate a signal in response to capturing the analyte. The sensing device may further include a detector configured to collect signals from each of the first and second sensors when each of the first and second sensors captures one of the at least one analyte in the fluid medium to provide a total signal and calculate the total concentration of the at least one analyte in the fluid medium based on the total signal.

[0005] According to yet another embodiment, a sensing device is disclosed. The sensing device may include a sensor membrane comprising a mixture of sensors. The sensor mixture may include first and second sensors. The first and second sensors may be mixed in a mixing ratio. Each of the first and second sensors may be configured to capture an analyte in a fluid medium and generate a signal in response to the capture of the analyte. The sensing device may further include a first detector configured to collect a first signal having a first frequency from the at least one of the first and second sensors in the sensor membrane when the first analyte is captured in the fluid medium, and calculate a first total concentration of the first analyte in the fluid medium based on the first signal. The sensing device may further include a second detector configured to collect a second signal having a second frequency from the at least other of the first and second sensors in the sensor membrane when the second analyte is captured in the fluid medium, and calculate a second total concentration of the second analyte in the fluid medium based on the second signal. The second frequency is different from the first frequency. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a sensing device according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0007] Figure 2 Describing what is constructed for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the chemical sensor in the sensing system described in the diagram.

[0008] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another sensing device according to this disclosure is depicted.

[0009] Figure 4 The figures for three different dissociation constants, varying with the analyte, are described. Three lines of concentration change signal / s 0 The titration curve is a graph.

[0010] Figure 5 The variation of total water hardness (dGH) is depicted. signal / s 0 The titration curve.

[0011] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of yet another sensing device according to this disclosure is depicted. Detailed Implementation

[0012] This document describes embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments may take various and alternative forms. These figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be enlarged or reduced to show details of components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ the embodiments in different ways. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various features illustrated and described with reference to any of the figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of features shown provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure are desired for applications or implementations.

[0013] This disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments and methods described below, as specific components and / or conditions may vary. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure only and is not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0014] As used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, references to components in the singular form are intended to include multiple components.

[0015] Describing a group or class of materials as suitable for a given purpose, in conjunction with one or more embodiments, means that a mixture of any two or more members of that group or class of materials is suitable. The description of components in chemical terms refers to the components when added to any combination specified in the description, and does not necessarily exclude chemical interactions between components once the mixture is mixed.

[0016] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all numerical quantities indicating dimensions or material properties in this description shall be understood to be modified by the word “approximately” when describing the broadest scope of this disclosure.

[0017] The first definition of an acronym or other abbreviation applies to all subsequent uses of the same abbreviation herein, and, with appropriate modifications, to the normal grammatical variations of the abbreviation as originally defined. Unless expressly stated to the contrary, the measurement of a property is determined by the same technique used for the same property, whether previously or subsequently cited.

[0018] The term "substantially" is used herein to describe disclosed or claimed embodiments. The term "substantially" may modify any value or relative characteristic disclosed or claimed in this disclosure. "Substantially" may mean that the value or relative characteristic it modifies is within 0%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, or 10% of that value or relative characteristic.

[0019] The composition, embodiments, and methods of the present invention are described in detail with reference to embodiments known to the inventors. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of this disclosure, which may be implemented in various and alternative forms. Therefore, the specific details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use this disclosure in different ways.

[0020] Hard water typically contains cations, such as calcium ions (Ca). 2+ ) and magnesium ions (Mg 2+ These substances can form sediments in water, such as calcium carbonate (CaCO3). These sediments form more readily in hot water systems, such as heat exchangers or steam boilers, where Ca... 2+ and Mg 2+ Ions can react with carbon dioxide at high temperatures to form sediments. Because sediments are adiabatic, their formation negatively impacts heat flow, leading to poor heat transfer in hot water systems.

[0021] Total hardness of water refers to the total hardness of divalent ions (e.g., Ca2+) in water. 2+ and Mg 2+ The concentration of CaCO3 (the ion) is usually expressed in milligrams per liter (mg / L) or parts per million (ppm). The total hardness of water can also be referred to as "general hardness" (dGH) or "German hardness," where 1 dGH corresponds to 17.848 ppm CaCO3.

[0022] Ion sensing can be applied to determine the total hardness of water. For example, fluorescence-based detection methods have been used to sense ions (e.g., metal ions) in water, where the ions bind to a detector molecule to generate or quench fluorescence. The fluorescence measurement can then determine the concentration of the ions in the water. However, because different ions have different sizes and require different binding energies to bind to different detector molecules, conventional fluorescence-based detection methods exhibit varying sensitivities for different ions. Furthermore, these methods can only detect one type of ion at a time.

[0023] Besides fluorescence-based detection methods, water-soluble sensors have also been used to detect ions in water. However, because the sensors can dissolve in water, this inevitably introduces contaminants into the water, and the sensors are not reusable. Therefore, there is a need for a more efficient way to detect ions in the aquatic environment.

[0024] This disclosure relates to a sensing device capable of detecting at least one type of analyte in a fluid medium (e.g., water) and capable of determining the total hardness and / or total toxicity of the fluid medium. In one embodiment, this disclosure relates to a sensing device comprising two sensors, each of which can be configured to detect an analyte in the fluid medium. In another embodiment, this disclosure relates to a sensing device comprising a sensor membrane, wherein the sensor membrane further comprises a sensor mixture mixed at a mixing ratio α. In yet another embodiment, this disclosure relates to a sensing device comprising a sensor membrane embedded with a sensor mixture mixed at a mixing ratio α and two detectors, each of which can be configured to detect a signal of a specific frequency.

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a sensing device according to the present disclosure is depicted. The sensing device 10 includes an inlet 12, an outlet 14, a first sensor 16 configured to detect a first analyte in a fluid medium (e.g., water), a second sensor 18 configured to detect a second analyte in the fluid medium that is different from the first analyte, and a detector 20. The detector 20 may be a photodetector. In one embodiment, the first sensor 16 may be a chemical sensor having a first receptor configured to coordinate with the first analyte. Upon coordination with the first analyte, the first sensor 16 may generate a first signal (e.g., fluorescence). Similarly, the second sensor 18 may also be a chemical sensor having a second receptor configured to coordinate with the second analyte. Upon coordination with the second analyte, the second sensor 18 may generate a second signal (e.g., fluorescence). The detector 20 may combine the first and second signals to calculate a total signal. Furthermore, the detector 20 may be configured to determine the total concentration of the first and second analytes in the fluid medium based on the total signal.

[0026] In addition to chemical sensors, sensing device 10 can also be combined with other types of sensors for analyte detection. Furthermore, sensing device 10 can include more than two sensors, enabling it to detect multiple analytes simultaneously.

[0027] In one embodiment, the sensing device 10 can be used to determine the total hardness of the water. As discussed above, Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ Ions contribute the most to the total hardness of water. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first sensor 16 may be configured to react with Ca in the water. 2+ A chemical sensor for the first acceptor of ion coordination, and a second sensor 18 may be configured to interact with Mg in water. 2+ A chemical sensor for the second acceptor of ion coordination. After water enters the sensing device 10 via inlet 12, the Ca in the water... 2+Ions can bind to the first acceptor of the first sensor 16, thereby generating a first signal (e.g., fluorescence). On the other hand, Mg in the water... 2+ Ions can bind to a second acceptor in the second sensor 18, thereby generating a second signal (e.g., fluorescence). The detector 20 can collect the first and second signals to obtain a combined signal, which can then be used to calculate Ca in the water. 2+ and Mg 2+ Total concentration of ions.

[0028] The total hardness of water is basically related to the calcium content in the water. 2+ and Mg 2+ The total concentration of ions is proportional. The general formula for calculating the total hardness (dGH) of water is expressed as shown in the following formula (1):

[0029] (1)

[0030] In formula (1), Represents Ca in water 2+ The concentration of ions, and Represents Mg in water 2+ The concentrations of both ions are expressed in mmol / L. Therefore, based on the Ca in water... 2+ and Mg 2+ The total concentration of ions can be used to calculate the total hardness of water according to formula (1).

[0031] In another embodiment, the sensing device 10 can be used to analyze the total toxicity of water. The total toxicity of water can be due to the presence of heavy metal ions in the water, such as lead ions (Pb). 2+ ), mercury ions (Hg) 2+ ), cadmium ions (Cd) 2+ ) or arsenic ions (As 3+ Or As 5+ Therefore, in this embodiment, the first sensor 16 may be configured to react with Pb in water. 2+ A chemical sensor for the first acceptor of ion coordination, and a second sensor 18 may be configured to react with Hg in water. 2+ A chemical sensor with a second acceptor for ion coordination. Similarly, when water flows through sensing device 10, Pb in the water... 2+ and Hg 2+ Ions can bind to first and second acceptors, respectively, and a signal (e.g., fluorescence) can be generated from each of the first and second sensors 16 and 18 upon binding. Detector 20 can acquire the combined signal. Therefore, analysis of the combined signal can indicate Pb in the water. 2+ and Hg 2+ Total toxicity of ions.

[0032] In yet another embodiment, the sensing device 10 may include more than two sensors, such as four sensors, for detecting the total toxicity of the water. In this embodiment, Pb in the water... 2+ Hg 2+ Cd 2+ And As 3+ Each of the ions can coordinate with a corresponding sensor in the sensing device 10. Similarly, after the detector collects the total signal generated by each sensor, the total toxicity of the water can thus be determined.

[0033] Figure 2 Describing what is constructed for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the chemical sensor 30 of the sensing system 10 described herein. (See attached diagram.) Figure 2 As shown, the chemical sensor 30 is an acceptor / spacer / fluorophore type sensor. Specifically, the chemical sensor 30 can be linked to a tethering matrix via its anchor 32. The tethering matrix may include, but is not limited to, cellulose microparticles, cellulose membranes, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS) microparticles, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layers, or silicone resin. The tethering matrix can have a size in the range of 1 to 100 μm and can be embedded within a hydrogel. The hydrogel may be, but is not limited to, polyurethane or poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (polyHEMA). Additionally, the tethering matrix and hydrogel may be supported by a polymer support. The polymer support may be, but is not limited to, PET.

[0034] Still referencing Figure 2 The chemical sensor also includes a fluorophore 34 bound to the anchor 32 and a spacer 36 bound to the fluorophore 34. The fluorophore 34 may be, but is not limited to, anthracene, benzene, carbazole, diphenylfuran, naphthalene, 1,8-naphthalimide, etc. N,N,N',N' -Tetramethylbenzidine, porphyrin, or pyrene. The spacer 36 may be, but is not limited to, methylamine and ethylamine. In addition, the chemical sensor 30 includes a receptor 38 bound to the spacer 36, wherein the receptor 38 may coordinate with an analyte (e.g., an ion) for analyte detection.

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another sensing device according to this disclosure is depicted. The sensing device 50 includes an inlet 52, an outlet 54, a sensor membrane 56, and a detector 58. The detector 58 may be a photodetector. Furthermore, the sensor membrane 56 may include a sensor mixture embedded therein, wherein the sensors are mixed at a variable mixing ratio α. The mixing ratio α may be in the range of 0.05 to 0.95. Moreover, by adjusting the mixing ratio α, the total signal collected by the detector 58 may depend substantially on the total concentration of the analyte detected in the fluid medium (e.g., water).

[0036] In order for the total signal to be substantially dependent on the total concentration of the detected analyte, a mixing ratio α needs to be defined when manufacturing the sensing device 50. A method for defining the mixing ratio α is now described. As a non-limiting example, the sensor described below is as follows... Figure 2 The chemical sensor shown is illustrated. The method described below can also be applied when other types of sensors are used in the manufacture of sensing device 50.

[0037] First, a scenario is described in which the sensor includes a receptor capable of binding an analyte. It is assumed that analyte A can bind to receptor R in an aqueous solution, thereby forming chemical entity AR. In the aqueous solution, the concentration of chemical entity AR [AR] is in equilibrium with the concentration of analyte A [A] and the concentration of receptor R [R]. The general reaction is described as follows (2):

[0038] (2).

[0039] In addition, the binding strength between analyte A and receptor R is related to the dissociation constant K of the binding. d It is related to, and is defined by formula (3):

[0040] (3)

[0041] In formula (3), c 0 The reference concentration is ΔG, which is the Gibbs free energy of binding, k. B It is Boltzmann's constant, and T is the absolute temperature.

[0042] Reference reaction (2), the dissociation constant K between analyte A and receptor R. d Therefore, it can be expressed as stated in the following formula (4):

[0043] (4).

[0044] Alternatively, formula (4) can be expressed as formula (5):

[0045] (5)

[0046] In formula (5), It is the concentration of analyte A in the aqueous solution. It is the concentration of receptor R that is not bound by analyte A, and The concentration of receptor R to which analyte A binds.

[0047] Furthermore, upon binding, the sensor can generate a signal (e.g., fluorescence). This signal can be given by the following formula (6):

[0048] (6)

[0049] (signal: signal)

[0050] In formula (6), It is the signal when receptor R is bound to analyte A, and This is the signal when receptor R is in an unbound state (i.e., not bound by analyte A). In one example, = 100 .

[0051] Based on formula (6), relative signal signal / s 0 This can be expressed as follows:

[0052] (7)

[0053] (signal: signal)

[0054] Therefore, according to formula (5), formula (7) can be transformed into the following formula (8):

[0055] (8)

[0056] (signal: signal)

[0057] Figure 4 The descriptions are for three different dissociation constants, signal / s 0 Three titration curves showing the change in concentration of analyte A (c1). For example... Figure 4 As shown, for a specific concentration of analyte A higher value K d Corresponding to a lower relative signal ( Signal / s 0 The titration curve is typically measured for K. d Approaching the concentration of interest.

[0058] Next, the case where the sensor includes a receptor capable of binding two different analytes is described. It is assumed that receptor R is cross-acceptable between two different analytes (analyte A1 and analyte A2). In this case, receptor R can have three different states: (a) unbound, (b) bound to analyte A1, and (c) bound to analyte A2. Therefore, upon binding, following the logic of equation (8), the total signal from receptor R can be expressed as follows:

[0059] (9)

[0060] (signal: signal)

[0061] In formula (9), It is the concentration of analyte A1 in the aqueous solution. It is the concentration of analyte A2 in the aqueous solution. The dissociation constant between receptor R and analyte A1 is given. It is the dissociation constant of the binding between receptor R and analyte A2. It is the signal when receptor R is bound to analyte A1. It is the signal when receptor R is bound to analyte A2, and This is the signal when receptor R is in an unbound state. In one example... .

[0062] Furthermore, using the logic of formula (9), if receptor R can bind to multiple analytes (i.e., more than two analytes), the total signal from receptor R due to analyte binding is expressed accordingly as follows, where i Index representing the analyte:

[0063] (10)

[0064] (signal: signal)

[0065] Refer again Figure 3 The sensor membrane 56 may include a sensor mixture in a variable mixing ratio α, and each sensor may include an acceptor configured to coordinate with an analyte in the fluid medium. Therefore, in combination, the total signal of the sensing device 50 is the sum of the signals from each sensor embedded in the sensor membrane 56. Based on formula (10), such a total signal can be given as follows:

[0066] (11)

[0067] (signal)

[0068] In formula (11), a This indicates the number of sensors embedded in the sensor membrane 56. signal a This represents a normalized signal generated by one of the sensors embedded in sensor film 56, and α a This represents the ratio of the amount of one of the sensors embedded in the sensor membrane 56 to the total amount of sensors embedded in the sensor membrane 56.

[0069] In order to obtain α aThe optimal value is that the absolute gradient of the signal should be maximized with respect to the quantity of interest and minimized with respect to all conjugate quantities. For example, in an embodiment using a sensing device to determine the total hardness of water, the total hardness of the water is essentially related to the Ca in the water. 2+ and Mg 2+ ion The total concentration is proportional to this. α a The optimal value can be determined using the following mathematical formulas (12) and (13):

[0070] (12)

[0071] (13)

[0072] (signal: signal).

[0073] In one embodiment, the sensor membrane 56 of the sensing device 50 may include a first sensor configured to detect a first analyte (A1) in a fluid medium (e.g., water) and a second sensor configured to detect a second analyte (A2) in the fluid medium, wherein the second analyte (A2) is different from the first analyte (A1). The first and second sensors are mixed in the sensor membrane 56 at a mixing ratio α. The mixing ratio α may be in the range of 0.05 to 0.95.

[0074] Specifically, the first sensor can be a chemical sensor having a first acceptor configured to selectively coordinate with a first analyte (A1). Upon coordination with the first analyte (A1), the first sensor can generate a first signal (e.g., fluorescence). Additionally, the second sensor can be a chemical sensor having a second acceptor configured to selectively coordinate with a second analyte (A2). Upon coordination with the second analyte (A2), the second sensor can generate a second signal (e.g., fluorescence). The detector can combine the first and second signals to provide a total signal. According to formula (14), the total signal can be expressed as follows:

[0075] (14)

[0076] (signal)

[0077] In formula (14), It is the concentration of analyte A1 in the fluid medium. It is the concentration of analyte A2 in the fluid medium. It is the dissociation constant between the first receptor and the first analyte A1. It is the dissociation constant of the binding between the second receptor and the second analyte A2. It is the signal when the first receptor is bound by the first analyte A1. This is the signal when the second receptor is bound to the second analyte A2, and This is the signal when the first and second receptors are not bound by the first and second analytes A1 and A2. In one example, .

[0078] When the sensing device 50 is applied to determine the total hardness of water, the first sensor may be configured to react with Ca in the water. 2+ A chemical sensor with a first acceptor for ion coordination, and a second sensor that can be configured to interact with Mg in water. 2+ A chemical sensor with a second acceptor coordinated by ions. To make the total signal essentially dependent on Ca in the water... 2+ and Mg 2+ The total ion concentration can be determined using formulas (12) and (13) when manufacturing sensor membrane 56, using the mixing ratio α of the first and second sensors. Assuming the water is rich in Ca... 2+ Ions, and the total hardness (dGH) of the sample water is approximately 5. Furthermore, in formula (14), it is assumed that... And the dissociation constants of the first and second sensors and Both are 1 mM. Using formulas (12) and (13), the optimal mixing ratio α = 0.65 can be calculated. With a mixing ratio α = 0.65, the total signal of the sensing device 50 can be substantially related to the Ca in the water. 2+ and Mg 2+ The total concentration of ions is proportional. As long as Ca in the water... 2+ and Mg 2+ With the total concentration of ions remaining essentially constant, the total signal is largely unaffected by the Ca in the water. 2+ or Mg 2+ The effect of individual ion concentrations.

[0079] Figure 5 Depicting the time hour, signal / s 0 Titration curves as a function of total water hardness (dGH), and dissociation constants of the first and second sensors. and Both are 1 mM. Figure 5 In this context, the titration curve represents the Ca in the water. 2+ and Mg 2+ The total concentration of ions is essentially the same. However, each titration curve corresponds to the individual Ca in water. 2+ Ion concentration and Mg alone 2+ Different fractions of ion concentration. The titration curve W corresponds to Ca in water.2+ The individual concentration of ions and Mg 2+ The case where the individual concentration fraction of the ion is 0.5. Titration curve X corresponds to Ca in water. 2+ The individual concentration of ions and Mg 2+ The case where the fraction of the concentration of a single ion is 1. The titration curve Y corresponds to Ca in water. 2+ The individual concentration of ions and Mg 2+ The case where the individual concentration fraction of the ion is 2. The titration curve Z corresponds to Ca in the water. 2+ The individual concentration of ions and Mg 2+ The case where the individual concentration fraction of the ion is 6.

[0080] refer to Figure 5 Although the Ca of each titration curve 2+ The single-degree concentration of ions and Mg 2+ The fractions of ion concentrations differ, but specific related signals ( signal / s 0 The value can correspond to a dGH with the smallest deviation (e.g., approximately 5%). For example, if the sensing device determines the relevant signal ( signal / s 0 If the value is 60, the sensing device can provide a total water hardness (dGH) of 6 (or close to approximately 6). Similarly, if the sensing device determines the relevant signal ( signal / s 0 If the value is 40, the sensor can indicate that the total hardness (dGH) of the water is 3.5 (or close to approximately 3.5).

[0081] Figure 3 The sensing device 50 described herein can also be used to analyze the total toxicity of water. As mentioned above, the total toxicity of water may be due to the presence of heavy metal ions, such as Pb. 2+ Hg 2+ Cd 2+ As 3+ Or As 5+ Ions. Therefore, in this embodiment, the sensor membrane 56 of the sensing device 50 may include a first sensor and a second sensor, wherein the first and second sensors are embedded in the sensor membrane 56 at a mixing ratio α. Specifically, the first sensor may be configured to react with Pb in water. 2+ A chemical sensor for the first acceptor of ion coordination, and a second sensor may be configured to interact with Hg in water. 2+ A chemical sensor with a second acceptor coordinated by ion. To make the total signal essentially dependent on Pb... 2+ and Hg 2+The total concentration of ions can be determined using formulas (12) and (13) to define the optimal mixing ratio α when manufacturing the sensor membrane 56. With the optimal mixing ratio α, the total signal provided by the sensing device 50 is substantially proportional to the total toxicity of the water. Therefore, the total toxicity of the water can be determined based on the total signal.

[0082] Furthermore, if the sensing device 50 includes more than two sensors embedded in the sensor film 56 at a mixing ratio α, such as four sensors, then Pb 2+ Hg 2+ Cd 2+ And As 3+ Each of the ions can coordinate with its corresponding sensor in sensor membrane 56. Similarly, the total signal obtained from all four sensors depends essentially on the Pb in the water. 2+ Hg 2+ Cd 2+ And As 3+ The total concentration of ions can be used to determine the total toxicity of water based on the total signal.

[0083] In addition to having a detector that collects signals of different frequency values, the sensing device may include more than one detector, such that each detector can collect a signal of a corresponding frequency value. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of yet another sensing device according to this disclosure is depicted. Specifically, the sensing device 70 includes an inlet 72, an outlet 74, a sensor membrane 76, a first detector 78, and a second detector 80. The first and second detectors 78 and 80 may be photodetectors. Furthermore, the sensor membrane 76 may include a sensor mixture embedded therein, wherein the sensors are mixed at a variable mixing ratio α. The mixing ratio α may be in the range of 0.05 to 0.95.

[0084] In one embodiment, the sensing device 70 can be used to simultaneously determine the total hardness and total toxicity of water. (Reference) Figure 6 The sensor membrane 76 may include a first sensor and a second sensor, wherein the first and second sensors are mixed in the sensor membrane 76 at a mixing ratio α. Specifically, the first sensor may be a chemical sensor having a first acceptor configured to react with Ca in water. 2+ Ion coordination. When subjected to Ca 2+ Upon ion binding, the first sensor can generate a first signal (e.g., fluorescence) with a first frequency. In this embodiment, the first signal can be collected by a first detector 78, wherein the total hardness of the water can be determined based on the first signal. Similarly, the second sensor can be a chemical sensor with a second acceptor configured to bind with Pb in the water. 2+ Ion coordination. In the presence of Pb 2+Upon ion binding, the second sensor can generate a second signal (e.g., fluorescence) with a second frequency. Therefore, the second detector 80 can receive the second signal, based on which the total toxicity of the water can be calculated.

[0085] To better achieve this purpose, a first filter 82 can be positioned between the sensor membrane 76 and the first detector 78. The first filter 82 is configured to filter out the second signal. Additionally, a second filter 84 can be positioned between the sensor membrane 76 and the second detector 80. Similarly, the second filter 84 is configured to filter out the first signal.

[0086] While exemplary embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms covered by the claims. The language used in this specification is descriptive and not restrictive, and it should be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. As previously stated, features of various embodiments may be combined to form other embodiments of this disclosure that may not be explicitly described or illustrated. Although various embodiments have been described as providing advantages or preferences relative to other embodiments or prior art implementations, those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more features or characteristics may be compromised to achieve desired overall system properties depending on the particular application and implementation. These properties may include, but are not limited to, cost, strength, durability, lifecycle cost, merchantability, appearance, packaging, size, maintainability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. Therefore, with respect to one or more characteristics, any embodiment is described as less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations that are outside the scope of this disclosure and desirable for a particular application.

Claims

1. A sensing device comprising: a first sensor configured to have a first receptor to capture a first analyte in a fluid medium and to generate a first signal in response to capturing the first analyte; a second sensor configured to have a second receptor to capture a second analyte in the fluid medium and to generate a second signal in response to capturing the second analyte, the second analyte being different from the first analyte, the first sensor and the second sensor being mixed in a mixing ratio; and a detector configured to collect the first and second signals to provide a total signal and to calculate a total concentration of the first and second analytes in the fluid medium based on the total signal and the mixing ratio, wherein the mixing ratio is solved using the following equation: ， and ， wherein, respectively, signal is the total signal, a is the mixing ratio, is the concentration of the first analyte in the fluid medium, is the concentration of the second analyte in the fluid medium, is the dissociation constant of the binding between the first receptor and the first analyte, is the dissociation constant of the binding between the second receptor and the second analyte, is the first signal when the first receptor is bound by the first analyte, is the second signal when the second receptor is bound by the second analyte, and is the signal when the first and second receptors are not bound by the first and second analytes.

2. The sensing device of claim 1, further comprising a first spacer bound to the first receptor, a first fluorophore bound to the first spacer, and a first anchor bound to the first fluorophore.

3. The sensing device of claim 2, wherein, The first fluorophore is selected from the group comprising anthracene, benzene, carbazole, diphenylfuran, naphthalene, 1,8-naphthalimide, N,N,N',N' tetramethylbenzidine, porphyrin and pyrene.

4. The sensing device of claim 2, wherein, the first sensor is linked to a tethered matrix via the first anchor, the tethered matrix is embedded with a hydrogel, and the tethered matrix and the hydrogel are supported by a first polymeric support.

5. The sensing device of claim 4, wherein, the hydrogel is a polyurethane or a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate).

6. The sensing device of claim 4, wherein, the first polymeric support is a polyethylene terephthalate.

7. The sensing device of claim 1, further comprising a second spacer bound to the second receptor, a second fluorophore bound to the second spacer, and a second anchor bound to the second fluorophore.

8. The sensing device of claim 7, wherein, The second fluorophore is selected from the group comprising anthracene, benzene, carbazole, diphenylfuran, naphthalene, 1,8-naphthalimide, N,N,N',N' tetramethylbenzidine, porphyrin and pyrene.

9. The sensing device of claim 7, wherein, the second sensor is linked to a tethered matrix via the second anchor, the tethered matrix is embedded with a hydrogel, and the tethered matrix and the hydrogel are supported by a second polymeric support.

10. The sensing device of claim 9, wherein, the hydrogel is a polyurethane or a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate).

11. The sensing device of claim 9, wherein, the second polymeric support is a polyethylene terephthalate.

12. A sensing device comprising: a sensor film having a sensor mixture, the sensor mixture including first and second sensors mixed in a mixing ratio, the first sensor configured to have a first receptor to capture a first analyte in a fluid medium and to generate a first signal in response to capturing the first analyte, the second sensor configured to have a second receptor to capture a second analyte in the fluid medium and to generate a second signal in response to capturing the second analyte; and a detector configured to collect a signal from each of the first and second sensors when each of the first and second sensors captures one of the first and second analytes in the fluid medium to provide a total signal and to calculate a total concentration of the first and second analytes in the fluid medium based on the total signal and the mixing ratio, wherein the mixing ratio is solved using the following equation: ， and ， wherein, respectively, signal is the total signal, a is the mixing ratio, is the concentration of the first analyte in the fluid medium, is the concentration of the second analyte in the fluid medium, is the dissociation constant of the binding between the first receptor and the first analyte, is the dissociation constant of the binding between the second receptor and the second analyte, is the first signal when the first receptor is bound by the first analyte, is the second signal when the second receptor is bound by the second analyte, and is the signal when the first and second receptors are not bound by the first and second analytes.

13. The sensing device of claim 12, wherein, the mixing ratio is in a range of 0.05 and 0.

95.

14. The sensing device of claim 12, further comprising a spacer bound to the receptor, a fluorophore bound to the spacer, and an anchor bound to the fluorophore.

15. The sensing device of claim 14, wherein, The fluorophore is selected from the group comprising anthracene, benzene, carbazole, diphenylfuran, naphthalene, 1,8-naphthalimide, N,N,N',N' - tetramethylbenzidine, porphyrin and pyrene.

16. A sensing device comprising: a sensor film comprising a sensor mixture, the sensor mixture comprising first and second sensors mixed in a mixing ratio, each of the first and second sensors configured to capture an analyte in a fluid medium to generate a signal in response to capturing the analyte, wherein each of the first and second sensors in the sensor film has a receptor configured to capture one of the analytes in the fluid medium; a first detector configured to collect a first signal having a first frequency from at least one of the first and second sensors in the sensor film when the at least one of the first and second sensors captures a first analyte in the fluid medium with a first receptor and to calculate a first total concentration of the first analyte in the fluid medium based on the first signal and the mixing ratio; and a second detector configured to collect a second signal having a second frequency from at least another of the first and second sensors in the sensor film when the at least another of the first and second sensors captures a second analyte in the fluid medium with a second receptor and to calculate a second total concentration of the second analyte in the fluid medium based on the second signal and the mixing ratio, the second frequency being different from the first frequency, wherein the mixing ratio is solved using the following equation: ， and ， wherein, respectively, signal is the total signal, a is the mixing ratio, is the concentration of the first analyte in the fluid medium, is the concentration of the second analyte in the fluid medium, is the dissociation constant of the binding between the first receptor and the first analyte, is the dissociation constant of the binding between the second receptor and the second analyte, is the first signal when the first receptor is bound by the first analyte, is the second signal when the second receptor is bound by the second analyte, and is the signal when the first and second receptors are not bound by the first and second analytes.

17. The sensing device of claim 16, wherein, the mixing ratio is in a range of 0.05 and 0.

95.

18. The sensing device of claim 16, further comprising a first filter positioned between the sensor film and the first detector and configured to filter out the second signal, and a second filter positioned between the sensor film and the second detector and configured to filter out the first signal.

19. The sensing device of claim 16, further comprising a spacer bound to the receptor, a fluorophore bound to the spacer, and an anchor bound to the fluorophore.

20. The sensing device of claim 19, wherein, The fluorophore is selected from the group comprising anthracene, benzene, carbazole, diphenylfuran, naphthalene, 1,8-naphthalimide, N,N,N',N' tetramethylbenzidine, porphyrin and pyrene.

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