An ultrasensitive fluorescence sensor for determination of trace levels of copper in blood samples

A novel SBA-15-based fluorescent sensor, SBA-PI: mesoporous SBA-15 structure modified with iminostilbene groups, was designed, synthesized, and characterized by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), low-angle X-ray diffraction techniques (low-angle XRD), and N₂ adsorption–desorption techniques. The SBA-PI as a sensor with a selective behavior for detection of Cu²⁺ comprises iminostilbene carbonyl as the fluorophore group. The SBA-PI sensor displays an excellent fluorescence response in aqueous solutions and the fluorescence intensity quenches remarkably upon addition of Cu²⁺. Other common interfering ions even at high concentration ratio showed either no or very small changes in the fluorescence intensity of SBA-PI in the absence of Cu²⁺. A limit of detection of 8.7 × 10⁻⁹ M for Cu²⁺ indicated that this fluorescence sensor has a high sensitivity and selectivity toward the target copper (II) ion. The fabricated Cu²⁺ sensor was successfully applied for the determination of the Cu²⁺ in human blood samples without any significant interference. With the selective analysis of Cu²⁺ ions down to 0.9 nM in blood, the sensor is a promising and a novel detection candidate for Cu²⁺ and can be applied in the clinical laboratory. A reversibility and accuracy in the fluorescence behavior of the sensor was found in the presence of I^¯ that was described as a masking agent for Cu²⁺.

Graphical abstract