Dispositivos analíticos colorimétricos para desenvolvimento de tecnologias sustentáveis e sensíveis

Abstract

Because they provide a versatile, economical, and environmentally friendly analytical technique, analytical colorimetric devices have emerged as crucial instruments in both science and industry. With a focus on their potential in environmental monitoring, agricultural production, and medical diagnostics, this essay examines their historical development, underlying concepts, and contemporary applications. There is a detailed discussion of the basic concepts of colorimetry, which are based on the relationship between light, objects, and human perception. The trichromatic theory, additive and subtractive color mixing, and color models such as RGB, HSI, and CIELab, which allow for the precise numerical quantification of color stimuli, form the foundation of colorimetry. These concepts make it possible to distinguish subtle color variations that may be invisible to the human eye. The spectroscopic underpinnings of colorimetric devices' operation are also highlighted in this essay. The review investigates phenomena like transmittance and absorbance as defined by the Beer-Lambert’s law by examining the interaction between electromagnetic light and materials. These ideas form the foundation of both quantitative and qualitative studies and are essential to comprehending the relationship between color intensity and analyte concentration. In the context of recent innovations, the evolution of advanced analytical devices stands out, with paper-based microfluidic devices (μPADs) being the main example used in this study. These devices incorporate the principles of colorimetry into compact and low-cost platforms. They meet the ASSURED criteria for point-of-care testing, providing rapid, sensitive, and environmentally friendly solutions, particularly in remote locations with limited resources. Furthermore, their integration with mobile technologies enhances their applicability for real-time and field analyses. The versatility of μPADs reflects their alignment with sustainable development goals, promoting greener and more accessible analytical methods.