Page 18 - tech fest 2025 ב״ש חוברת תקצירים

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Development of an Electrochemical Sensor Based on D-Penicillamine Ligand Using Dip-Pen Nanolithography for Cadmium Detection
ChE-C-04
Yuval Maman; yuvalmaman31@gmail.com
Advisors: Prof. Ariela Burg1, Ms. Ron Peretz1 1SCE - Shamoon College of Engineering, Be’er-Sheva
In this project, an electrochemical sensor was developed based on the D-penicillamine ligand, using dip-pen nanolithography (DPN) for cadmium ion detection in the ppb range. This sensor was fabricated using an NLP2000 system and characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) with MATLAB processing. Two parameters were studied—ligand mass in the ink and pH values, using square wave voltammetry (SWV). The results indicate that moderate ligand mass improves sensitivity, while excessive mass reduces it. The best performance was observed at pH5. These findings demonstrate the potential of DPN for developing portable and sensitive sensors for cadmium detection. This new sensor provides a simple, cost-effective alternative to conventional analytical techniques.
Keywords: cadmium, D-penicillamine, DPN, electrochemical sensor
The Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization Regimes on the Nutritional and Health Value of Avocado
ChE-C-05
Yulia Yagudaev; juliayagu@gmail.com
Advisors: Prof. Oshrat Ontman1, Dr. Zipora Tietel2 1SCE - Shamoon College of Engineering, Be’er-Sheva 2Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Institute
Avocado (Persea americana) is a highly nutritious fruit with numerous health benefits. This project examined the effect of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilization on the nutritional quality of “Hass” avocados. Key beneficial compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids and tocopherols were identified and quantified. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using spectrophotometric methods (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), while sterol and tocopherol profiles were analyzed using GC/MS. Results showed that nitrogen and phosphorus significantly affected most parameters, either positively or negatively, while potassium had minimal impact. Nitrogen affected metabolite levels, significantly increasing carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols and sterol levels, as well as antioxidant activity. Optimizing fertilization strategies can enhance avocado quality and supports sustainable agriculture.
Keywords: antioxidants, avocado, nitrogen fertilization, nutritional quality