Ion-selective electrodes have a wide variety of industrial and research uses. They offer a comprehensive method in testing the level of activity of ions contained within aqueous solutions. This is a necessary process to determine the electrical potential (conductivity) of a substance or solution, through potentiometry.

 

 

What Are Ion-selective Electrodes?

Ion-selective electrodes are also known as membrane electrodes, which are generally high in selectivity. They are electroanalytical tools that produce potential based on the calculation of ion-activity from selective sources. Electrodes function by converting ion activity dissolved within a solution into electrical conductivity. This resultant potential may be easily measured with a standard lab voltmeter. Ionophores can work well with electrodes by transporting ions across the membrane in an ISE set-up. Ionophore-based ISE are traditionally effective agents (with exceptional selectivity) in detecting sodium, potassium, ammonium, and calcium.
 

Types of Ion-selective Electrodes

There are various forms of ion-selective electrodes that are observed through varying processes and which feature different rates of selectivity.
 

Crystalline Electrodes

These electrodes possess high selectivity since only ions may interfere with their membrane responses. Crystalline electrodes may be heterogeneous or homogeneous. Heterogeneous membrane electrodes are usually formed from the polycrystalline of a single substance while homogeneous variants are the result of mixing single substances with an inert matrix.
 

Enzyme Electrodes

Enzyme electrodes function based on the idea that enzymes react on a compound level, under specific conditions, which is exclusively detected by a selective electrode through a special membrane. Examples of enzyme electrodes include glucose-selective electrodes. This form of ISE is considered a compound electrode and is most often used in the medical and biochemical fields.
 

Ion-Exchange Electrodes

These electrodes are unique polymer membranes containing specific ion-exchange substances. Although they are the most widespread electrodes, they are generally not as durable as other types.
 

Glass Electrodes

These consist of a glass bulb and tube and are mainly used in the detection of pH levels, as well as assessing ion concentrations of lithium, ammonium and sodium. Glass electrodes are highly sensitized toward reacting with hydrogen ions. Glass electrodes are the most commonly used ISE in chemistry disciplines. Due to the large size and fragile nature of glass electrodes, they may be ineffective in studies and research involving finer subjects, such as in vivo cell research.
 

ISE Applications

Electrodes are commonly applied to many aspects of scientific and industrial work to test the purity and quality of various substances for safety and research purposes.
 

Biomedical Science Labs

ISE is often used as an effective sensor in biomedical lab settings. Biotransducers are a common application of ISE in the biomedical field and a type of biosensor. These devices consist of ISEs and are created to detect a quantifiable signal derived from biological signatures and behavior. Biosensors are operated through a wide variety of lab components including skin samples, blood culture, and body fluids. Enzyme electrodes are most often used in this aspect, since biomedical processes often include enzymes as one of the most common recognition elements.
 

Medical Devices

Electrodes remain an essential part of medical research. These devices transfer ionic currents into the natural current flow within the human body. The strengthened currents can help medical practitioners and researchers to improve their detection processes. This makes it easier to locate concentrations of lead, mercury and other potentially harmful substances within the body.
 

Groundwater & Agricultural Monitoring

Since ISE is effective at picking up pollutants such as ammonium concentrations, they are commonly installed to monitor groundwater purity. Experts can use these devices to monitor agricultural run-off to help ensure that there are no harmful soil contaminants being leeched into natural systems. A carefully managed ISE also allows proper assessment of the nutrients found in groundwater flow.
 

Environmental Analysis

Researchers apply the use of electrodes to selectively detect the quantity and type of pollutants that can be found in soil and other environmental compositions. Modern selective membranes make it easier for experts to detect specific compounds that are highly toxic to the environment while reducing interference, which allows them to effectively formulate subsequent environmental action plans.
 

Fluoride Detection

Many modern drinking water treatment systems include the use of fluoride. Fluoride is known to offer strong protection to teeth and gums due to its antibacterial properties which make it effective against a series of dental and oral issues. Fluoride detection through ISE is also practiced in medical laboratory tests via blood serum samples, which can offer insights on the breakdown of constituents, which provide an assessment of overall health. ISE remains as one of the most effective methods of fluoride testing since it is nondestructive and allows samples to be reused upon testing.
 

About Us

AG Scientific is a leading provider of biochemical components catered to the advancement of the life sciences. We stock a wide variety high quality ionophores and raw materials for your scientific research and industrial needs. We exist to be your sourcing ally in limitless scientific discovery.
 

Additional Reading

• Ionophores: Ion Carriers and Channels for Membrane Transport
• Calcium Ionophore CA 1001: Applications in Medical Devices
• Decoding Chemical Grades For Your Lab