Abstract
meso-2,6-Dichlorophenyltripyrrinone (TPN-Cl2) is a probe molecule with high selectivity for Zn2+. Using 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate or Poly-HEMA as TPN-Cl2’s host can fabricate zinc ion sensors with different processes. This solid-state zinc ion sensor is non-invasive, able to real-time detect Zn2+ and with high sensitivity. It can work both in deionized water (DI water) and in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium (DMEM), it’s an advantage for biomedical study. According to studies, brain trauma can cause higher Zn2+ concentration than normal from brain tissue exudate. Homeostasis of Zn2+ in the brain also plays an important role in Alzheimer’s Disease so development of zinc ion sensors is necessary. For practical use, miniaturization of sensor is the main goal of this thesis. Optical fibers are embedded in the sensing films in fabrication processes. Optical signals transmitted by optical fibers can real-time detect Zn2+ concentration. Miniaturized zinc ion sensor detects Zn2+ with concentration 10-4 M in DI water so far. Miniaturization of sensor is good for probing organisms and it is also a preparation for the animal model experiments.