Towards selective fluorimetric nanospheres sensor for perfluorooctanoic acid anions
Aldona Jelińska1, Justyna Kalisz1, Krzysztof Maksymiuk1
1Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, Warsaw, 02-093, Poland.
Talanta
|July 24, 2026
Summary
A new fluorimetric method detects perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) anions using Nile red dye in nanospheres. This method offers selective and sensitive PFOA detection in aqueous solutions.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a persistent environmental pollutant.
- Monitoring PFOA levels is crucial for environmental and health risk assessment.
- Existing detection methods can be complex or lack selectivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel fluorimetric sensing approach for PFOA anions.
- To investigate the sensing mechanism involving Nile red dye and PFOA.
- To evaluate the selectivity and sensitivity of the proposed method.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a fluorimetric technique employing Nile red dye encapsulated in polymeric nanospheres.
- Explored the interaction between PFOA anions and Nile red at the organic-aqueous interface within nanospheres.
- Analyzed changes in emission spectra (around 600 nm and 660 nm) as a function of PFOA concentration.
Main Results:
- A distinct emission band at ~660 nm emerged with increasing PFOA concentration.
- The ratio of emission intensities correlated with PFOA concentrations from 0.1 to 400 ppm.
- Demonstrated high selectivity for PFOA anions over longer-chain perfluoroalkyl compounds and certain inorganic anions.
Conclusions:
- The proposed fluorimetric method enables sensitive and selective detection of PFOA anions.
- The sensing mechanism relies on the specific interaction of PFOA with Nile red within nanospheres.
- This approach offers a promising tool for monitoring PFOA contamination.
