Fluorescence lifetime-based sensing of sodium by an optode

Area of Science:

• Chemical sensing
• Materials science
• Analytical chemistry

Background:

• Sodium ion (Na(+)) detection is crucial in various fields, including medicine and environmental monitoring.
• Fluoroionophores offer sensitive detection methods, but developing selective and robust sensors remains a challenge.
• Existing methods for Na(+) detection may lack real-time monitoring capabilities or require complex sample preparation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel 1,2,3-triazole-based fluoroionophore for selective Na(+) detection.
• To integrate the fluoroionophore into a fiber optical sensor for practical applications.
• To establish a method for direct and reversible determination of Na(+) concentrations.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of a 1,2,3-triazole fluoroionophore (Molecule 1).
• Incorporation of Molecule 1 into a hydrogel matrix for fiber optical sensor fabrication.
• In vitro testing of the sensor's response to varying Na(+) concentrations (1-10 mM).
• Measurement of fluorescence intensity and decay time changes upon Na(+) binding.

Main Results:

• The 1,2,3-triazole fluoroionophore exhibited enhanced fluorescence intensity and decay time in the presence of Na(+).
• The fiber optical sensor demonstrated selective Na(+) detection within the 1-10 mM concentration range.
• The sensor showed reversible fluorescence decay time changes, indicating potential for repeated measurements.
• Direct determination of Na(+) was achieved by monitoring fluorescence decay time.

Conclusions:

• A novel 1,2,3-triazole fluoroionophore is effective for Na(+) sensing.
• The developed fiber optical sensor provides a direct, selective, and reversible method for Na(+) determination.
• This technology holds promise for real-time Na(+) monitoring in various applications.