Dual Optical Nanosensor Based on Ormosil Nanoparticles for Monitoring O₂ and pH

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Monitoring oxygen (O2) and pH is crucial in biological and clinical settings.
• Existing sensors often lack the ability for simultaneous dual-parameter detection.
• Development of advanced nanosensors is needed for improved sensing capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize an optical dual nanosensor for simultaneous O2 and pH detection.
• To functionalize nanoparticles with O2-sensitive dyes and pH-sensitive probes.
• To evaluate the sensing performance for both parameters.

Main Methods:

• Organically modified silica (ormosil) nanoparticles were synthesized using a one-pot strategy.
• Platinum(II)-tetrakis-(pentafluorophenyl) porphyrin (Pt-TPFPP) was loaded for O2 sensing.
• Salicylamide was surface-labeled for pH sensing via excited state intramolecular transfer (ESIPT) and inter charge transfer (ICT).

Main Results:

• The nanosensor demonstrated proficiency in detecting O2 across a 0-100% range.
• Significant pH detection efficiency was observed in the range of pH 6-10.
• The salicylamide probe exhibited a turn-on fluorescence response with increasing pH.

Conclusions:

• A novel optical dual nanosensor for O2 and pH monitoring was successfully developed.
• The sensor shows potential for applications in industrial systems and medical diagnostics.
• This dual-parameter sensing approach offers new opportunities in advanced material applications.