Fluorescence sensors of heavy metal ions

"ALTAIR Center proposes to develop a miniature, cost-effective fiber optic sensor array for detection of toxic heavy metal ions. The main detection principle is based on dual measurement of both absorption and fluorescence employing thin films ofporphyrin/polymer membrane. In Phase I of the project we studied the luminescence compounds and demonstrated that thin films of porphyrin-based membranes exhibit quite specific signal response to different kinds of target metals. It has been found thatcoordination of the heavy metals into the porphyrin/polymer films provides spectral shifts in absorption of the porphyrin/polymer membrane. The fabricated sensor material exhibited both high selectivity and sensitivity to the specific heavy metals. Thedemonstrated detection limits using absorption measurement were at ppb level. We expect increasing of the sensitivity up to ppt level and further improving the sensor selectivity employing fluorescence measurement scheme with optimized sensory film. InPhase II of this project we will complete development and optimization of the sensitive material for sensors of heavy metal ions. The Prototype fiber-optic sensor system based on this material will be developed and delivered to DoD by the end of theproject."