Molecular Probes for the Detection of Zn2+ and Fe3+ Ions

Author

Erendra Manandhar, University of Southern MississippiFollow

Date of Award

Fall 12-2014

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

School

Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Committee Chair

Karl J. Wallace

Committee Chair Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Committee Member 2

Douglas Masterson

Committee Member 2 Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Committee Member 3

Wujian Miao

Committee Member 3 Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Committee Member 4

Vijay Rangachari

Committee Member 4 Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Committee Member 5

Matthew Donahue

Committee Member 5 Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Abstract

A number of molecular probes have been designed and synthesized for the detection of Zn²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions. Two types of functional groups have been incorporated into the molecular scaffolds to utilize different fluorescent mechanisms. The first class of receptors contains a pyrene moiety. These molecular probes use the excimer mechanism for the detection of Zn²⁺ ion. The probes work well in an organic solvent with a detection limit of 20 nM (one ppb). Alternatives are made to make them water soluble, but this proved to be difficult. An interesting ion-induced self-assembly system will also be discussed.

The second class of molecules is based on the “Off-On” mechanism. The rhodamine dyes are used in these molecular probes. This system is found to be selective for Fe³⁺ ions in a mixed organic/aqueous system. A protocol has also been developed to distinguish between Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺ ions. One of the rhodamine dyes has also been shown to detect Fe³⁺ ion in bacteria.

Copyright

2014, Erendra Manandhar

Recommended Citation

Manandhar, Erendra, "Molecular Probes for the Detection of Zn2+ and Fe3+ Ions" (2014). Dissertations. 43.
https://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations/43