Fluorescent sensor arrays to monitor heavy metals and therapeutic drugs in biological systems

Abstract

Sensitive and rapid detection of chemical analytes is a widespread challenge, particularly in areas with limited access to technical facilities. Optical sensor arrays are a promising technique to address this challenge as they can detect chemical analytes in environmental and biological fluids. There are many analytes with no suitable on-site detection methods, and to address this gap, this work outlines the development of several new systems.

A set of coumarin sensors were investigated to determine a candidate for heavy metal sensing. Of the four sensors and solvents investigated, a thiocoumarin sensor was identified as the best candidate, enabling the sensitive detection of seven heavy metals in a multi-solvent system.

Platinum chemotherapy treatment is often limited by side effects and varied patient tolerance. Therapeutic drug monitoring offers an opportunity to address the potential issue of ineffective dosing protocols. A fluorescent sensor array was designed to distinguish between platinum complexes with diverse coordination environments. The array system was able to monitor platinum levels in clinical samples from patients undertaking platinum-based chemotherapy.

Polymer materials are also promising candidates for sensor array applications. Six polymers with various functionality were synthesised, and one polymer modified with a coumarin fluorophore. The fluorescent polymer was investigated using a variety of analytes and solution conditions. Upon testing with a library of antibiotics, the polymer displayed a unique fluorescence response to each antibiotic, a promising result for future sensor array applications.

This work has contributed significant progress towards the detection of chemical analytes in complex fluids and outlines the importance of developing new strategies for monitoring chemical analytes in environmental and clinical applications.