Riceguard Mobile App
The proof of concept biosensor application developed for this project represents a significant advancement in the field of environmental monitoring and public health, particularly with respect to arsenic contamination in rice. This app facilitates the deployment of a user-friendly, paper-based household test kit, enabling individuals to assess arsenic levels in rice samples with minimal technical expertise. The intuitive interface guides users through a straightforward process: rehydrating the test strip with a rice extract, waiting a designated period, and illuminating the strip with a UV pen, and adding a simple filter over the phone camera to observe fluorescence, which can be quantified via image analysis using the app. This simplicity ensures accessibility for a broad audience, including those without specialized training, thereby enhancing ease of use.
Beyond individual testing, the app contributes to citizen science by allowing users to input location data and rice variety information alongside their test results. This feature enables the aggregation of a comprehensive, crowd-sourced database that tracks arsenic distribution across geographic regions and specific rice types. Such data collection supports real-time monitoring and analysis, providing valuable insights into contamination patterns and informing public health strategies. By empowering communities to participate in scientific research, the app fosters a collaborative approach to addressing environmental challenges, ultimately contributing to safer food practices and improved health outcomes on a global scale.
