Amine-functionalized diatom frustules: a platform for specific and sensitive detection of nitroaromatic explosive...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Diatom frustules are nanostructured, porous silica materials with intrinsic photoluminescence (PL).
• Nitroaromatic compounds are common in warfare explosives and pose environmental risks.
• Developing sensitive detection methods for these compounds is crucial for environmental monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a proof of concept for detecting nitroaromatic explosives using functionalized diatom frustules.
• To utilize the photoluminescence (PL) quenching process for sensing.
• To establish a sensitive and specific detection platform.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and amine-functionalization of PL-active biosilica from marine diatom Nitzschia sp.
• Characterization using field emission scanning electron microscopy and spectroscopic methods.
• Investigation of PL quenching upon binding of nitroaromatic compounds, confirming Meisenheimer complex formation via FTIR and time-resolved PL.

Main Results:

• Functionalized diatom frustules exhibited partial PL quenching upon interaction with nitroaromatic compounds.
• The quenching mechanism was confirmed to involve Meisenheimer complex formation.
• A limit of detection (LOD) of 1 μM was achieved for various nitroaromatic explosive compounds.

Conclusions:

• The developed functionalized diatom frustule platform demonstrates effective sensing of nitroaromatic explosives via PL quenching.
• This biosilica-based sensing platform shows great utility for on-site detection of warfare explosives.
• The method offers sensitive and specific detection, contributing to environmental monitoring of hazardous compounds.