Nonspecific sensor arrays ("electronic tongue") for chemical analysis of liquids (IUPAC Technical Report)

TLDR

Potentiometric sensors have evolved over a century toward higher selectivity, yet only a few achieve it, prompting a search for low‑cost, easy‑to‑use alternatives. The report introduces the concept of a potentiometric multisensor system, the electronic tongue, and proposes definitions for its parameters. It comprises multiple low‑selective sensors whose signals are processed by pattern‑recognition and multivariate techniques such as artificial neural networks and principal component analysis. Application of the electronic tongue to mineral water and wine samples yielded quantitative and qualitative analytical results, which are discussed. No additional information is provided.

Abstract

Abstract The history of the development of potentiometric sensors over the past century demonstrates progress in constructing single, discrete (i.e., separate, to distinguish from sensor arrays) ion sensors, which have been made as selective as possible. Only a few types reveal high selectivity. However, easy measurement procedure, with low cost and availability, give rise to the search for new ways for their successful application. The present document describes a new concept for application of potentiometric multisensor systems, viz., sensor arrays for solution analysis, and the performance of this new analytical tool - the "electronic tongue". The electronic tongue is a multisensor system, which consists of a number of low-selective sensors and uses advanced mathematical procedures for signal processing based on the pattern recognition (PARC) and/or multivariate analysis [artificial neural networks (ANNs), principal component analysis (PCA), etc. ]. Definitions of the multisensor systems and their parameters are suggested. Results from the application of the electronic tongue, both for quantitative and qualitative analysis of different mineral water and wine samples, are presented and discussed.