Pressurized membrane indicator system for fluorogenic-based fiber-optic chemical sensors

A new kind of fiber-optic-based chemical sensor for the detection of chemical species in solution is described. The sensor uses a fluorogenic indicator that is forced through an ultrafiltration membrane into the analyte solution. Complex formation between the indicator molecule and target ion occurs at the membrane/solution interface, where light from a bifurcated fiber-optic cable stimulates fluorescence. Fluorescence emission from the sample is transmitted back up the cable to a photodiode detector. Characterization of the sensor was performed using the response of the indicator, 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid, to magnesium ion. The sensor responds linearly to increasing and decreasing concentration changes on time scales of 1 s. Chemical modification of the indicator solution to enhance sensitivity is demonstrated. The use of an internal standard to correct for variations in indicator flow-rate and pressure is discussed.