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Upconversion nanoparticles for ratiometric fluorescence detection of nitrite
Junfen Han1, Cheng Zhang, Fei Liu
1Department of Chemistry, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China.
The Analyst
|May 8, 2014
Summary
This study introduces a novel method for detecting nitrite using upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and a specific chemical reaction. The technique offers sensitive and selective nitrite detection in various real-world samples.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Nitrite is a crucial analyte in environmental and food safety.
- Accurate nitrite detection is essential for public health.
- Existing detection methods can suffer from interference and lack sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a selective upconversion switching method for ratiometric fluorescence detection of nitrite.
- To utilize upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) for enhanced nitrite sensing.
- To establish a quantitative correlation between fluorescence changes and nitrite concentration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized NaYF4:Yb(3+),Er(3+) upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) with distinct green and red emissions.
- Employed neutral red (NR) dye, whose absorption spectrum overlaps with the UCNPs' green emission.
- Leveraged the specific reaction between nitrite and NR to alter NR's absorption and recover UCNPs' green emission.
Main Results:
- Achieved selective quenching of green emission (539 nm) by NR, while red emission (654 nm) remained stable.
- Nitrite's reaction with NR decreased NR's absorption, leading to the recovery of green emission.
- Demonstrated visible color changes (red to green) with increasing nitrite concentration.
- Established a quantitative relationship between the emission intensity ratio (I539/I654) and nitrite concentration.
- Successfully applied the method for nitrite detection in drinking water, natural water, and meat samples.
Conclusions:
- The developed upconversion switching method provides a sensitive and selective approach for nitrite detection.
- The UCNP-based sensor effectively avoids background optical interference, showing potential for complex samples.
- This ratiometric fluorescence method offers a promising tool for real-time nitrite monitoring in diverse matrices.
