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An Anaerobic Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Mercury and Cadmium
Published on: December 17, 2018
NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+ nanoparticle-based upconversion luminescence resonance energy transfer sensor for mercury(II)
1State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, School of Science, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P.R. China.
The Analyst
|January 29, 2013
Summary
A new sensor using upconversion luminescence detects mercury ions (Hg2+) in water rapidly and selectively. This ultrasensitive method offers naked-eye detection and can be adapted for convenient luminescent paper sensors.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Upconversion luminescence converts near-infrared light to visible light, offering advantages like high sensitivity and no autofluorescence.
- Mercury ions (Hg2+) are toxic environmental pollutants requiring sensitive detection methods.
- Rhodamine B thiolactone (RBT) functionalized upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs@RBT) offer a platform for sensing applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an ultrasensitive, selective, and rapid sensor for mercury ions (Hg2+) in water.
- To utilize upconversion luminescence resonance energy transfer (UC-LRET) for Hg2+ detection.
- To create a convenient luminescent paper sensor for Hg2+ detection.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of Rhodamine B thiolactone (RBT) functionalized NaYF4:15%Yb3+,5%Er3+ (UCNPs@RBT) nanocomposites.
- Utilizing upconversion luminescence resonance energy transfer (UC-LRET) for the detection of Hg2+ ions.
- Developing a luminescent paper sensor by immobilizing UCNPs@RBT nanocomposites onto filter paper.
Main Results:
- The developed sensor achieved ultrasensitive and rapid detection of Hg2+ within 1 minute.
- The sensor demonstrated high selectivity towards Hg2+ ions, with no interference from other cations.
- The limit of detection for Hg2+ was as low as 3.7 nM, with a linear range from 5 nM to 10 μM.
- Naked-eye detection of Hg2+ was possible due to the distinct green upconverting luminescence response.
- A convenient luminescent paper sensor for Hg2+ was successfully developed.
Conclusions:
- The UCNPs@RBT nanocomposites enable an ultrasensitive, selective, and rapid UC-LRET sensor for Hg2+ detection in water.
- The sensor exhibits excellent performance, including a low limit of detection and high selectivity, suitable for environmental monitoring.
- The developed luminescent paper sensor offers a practical and convenient platform for on-site Hg2+ detection.
