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Published on: October 1, 2016
A fluorescent thermometer based on a pyrene-labeled thermoresponsive polymer
Christian Pietsch1, Antje Vollrath, Richard Hoogenboom
1Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany. christian.pietsch@uni-jena.de
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 14, 2011
Summary
Researchers developed a novel fluorescent thermometer using a thermoresponsive polymer. This smart material changes its fluorescence based on temperature, enabling precise measurements within a specific range.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Thermoresponsive polymers exhibit temperature-dependent solubility, crucial for 'smart' materials.
- Poly(methoxy diethylene glycol methacrylate) transitions from hydrophilic to hydrophobic with temperature changes.
- Functionalizing polymers with fluorescent molecules can translate physical changes into optical signals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel fluorescent thermometer utilizing the phase transition of a thermoresponsive polymer.
- To investigate the translation of polymer solubility changes into a measurable fluorescent response.
- To characterize the temperature-sensing capabilities and underlying polymer behavior.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and functionalization of poly(methoxy diethylene glycol methacrylate) with pyrene.
- Utilizing fluorescence spectroscopy to monitor changes in the polymer's microenvironment.
- Employing dynamic light scattering to study the polymer's phase transition behavior.
- Testing the device's temperature-sensing performance within a defined range.
Main Results:
- A soluble polymeric fluorescent thermometer was successfully developed.
- The thermometer demonstrated a temperature-sensing range from 11 °C to 21 °C.
- Pyrene functionalization effectively converted the polymer's phase transition into a fluorescence response.
- Dynamic light scattering provided detailed insights into the polymer phase transition mechanism.
Conclusions:
- Thermoresponsive polymers functionalized with pyrene are effective for creating fluorescent thermometers.
- The developed material offers a novel approach for 'smart' temperature sensing applications.
- Further research can explore expanding the temperature range and enhancing sensitivity.
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