Highly sensitive fluorescent sensor for mercury based on hyperbranched rolling circle amplification

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Mercury ions (Hg2+) are toxic environmental pollutants.
• Sensitive and reliable detection methods for Hg2+ are crucial for environmental monitoring.
• Existing methods may require complex procedures or labeling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a label-free fluorescent sensor for Hg2+ detection.
• To utilize hyperbranched rolling circle amplification (HRCA) for signal enhancement.
• To assess the sensor's performance and applicability in real water samples.

Main Methods:

• Development of a label-free fluorescent sensor based on HRCA.
• Optimization of reaction conditions for Hg2+ detection.
• Validation of the sensor using water samples.

Main Results:

• The sensor exhibited a linear fluorescence response to Hg2+ concentration from 0.425 pmol L(-1) to 42.5 nmol L(-1).
• A highly sensitive detection limit of 0.14 pmol L(-1) (S/N = 3) was achieved.
• Satisfactory results were obtained when applying the sensor to detect Hg2+ in water samples.

Conclusions:

• The developed HRCA-based fluorescent sensor provides a sensitive and label-free approach for Hg2+ detection.
• The sensor demonstrates excellent analytical performance and potential for environmental water quality assessment.
• This method offers a promising alternative for rapid and accurate mercury ion analysis.