Nanostructured thin films for application in polyphenols sensors

Abstract

This research project to be developed at UNESP/Presidente Prudente aims the preparation of nanostructured thin films of organic materials for application in sensors. The nanostructured films have nanometers in thickness (10-9m) and well-defined structure, called supramolecular architecture. In this context the supramolecular architecture includes information about the growth, morphology, molecular organization and crystallinity of the films. The Layer-by-Layer (LbL) technique is used to produce the thin films due to its versatility and wide applicability in sensors.The materials that will compose the films and so the sensor units are metal phthalocyanines, and polyelectrolytes. Phthalocyanines are interesting compounds, since they have chemical stability, and catalytic properties in the detection of certain analytes. The sensor units will be used in the detection of polyphenolic compounds in control samples and in mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) using electrical impedance spectroscopy measurements. Polyphenolic compounds are of broad interest in the food and pharmaceutical industry considering the fact that they have in vivo activity, being very important for a healthy diet. This project is part of the postdoctoral project process 2012/08047-3 and is linked with the tematic project process 2013/14262-7.