Dr. Partha Basu of Duquesne University has developed a new class of fluorophores that are highly sensitive and selective. The molecules “turn-on” when bound to an analyte of interest. As a first application, Dr. Basu and his colleagues have produced a sensor specific to Pb2+ which has been used a lead sensor to successfully detect and quantify Pb2+ in water samples. This sensor has a higher level of sensitivity (parts per billion (ppb) as opposed to parts per million (ppm)) than other existing chemical sensors and a demonstrated selectivity (the fluorophore can detect Pb2+ in the presence of other divalent and monovalent metal ions). Market studies have shown this sensor to be a promising new, accurate, direct method for lead detection which would be potentially marketable to technology firms that manufacture reagents and kits for scientific studies, environmental detection programs, public safety monitoring, and health screening.

The protected intellectual property includes the class of fluorescent molecules and methods of use. These fluorophores may be synthesized from readily available materials, and are designed to have the flexibility of multiple substitution patterns (See drawing below). The fluorescent molecules can be water soluble or soluble in common organic solvents. Various uses of these fluorophores, including for example, as molecular markers, pH sensors, organic electric materials in molecular electronics, and metal binders/sensors, are also described.

File Number: 60/897,576 

Web site: http://www.research.duq.edu