Abstract:
Metal nanoparticles have unique properties and different scientific, industrial, and
environmental applications. In this study, an optical sensor has been optimized for
mercury (II) ion detection. This sensor is based on the redox interaction of Hg (II)
ions with Albumin/Silver Nanoparticles (Alb/AgNPs) in an aqueous solution. The
addition of Hg (II) ions caused a visual color change from dark brown to colorless.
The color change was proportion to the concentration of mercury ions. Different
parameters affecting the Hg (II) and Alb/AgNPs interaction, such as the
concentration of Alb/SNPs and the time of reaction, were carefully studied and
optimized. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the difference absorbance
(ΔA) at 440 nm was linearly proportional to Hg (II) ion concentration in the range
from 0.293 µM to 2.340 µM with a limit of detection of 0.141µM. The optimized
sensor was used to detect mercury (II) ions in samples of lightening cream products
