Discrimination of nitroaromatics and explosives mimics by a fluorescent Zn(salicylaldimine) sensor array.
Detecting and identifying components of plastic explosive devices is a challenge to current optical sensing methods. We report a fluorescent Zn(salicylaldimine) sensor array that accurately discriminated nitroaromatics, which are mimics of plastic explosives. Nitroaromatics quench the fluorescence of Zn(salicylaldimine), with differential quenching for the various fluorophore/quencher partners. The response pattern of the Zn(salicylaldimine) array created unique fingerprints for each of the nine nitroaromatic analytes tested, including unique responses for dinitrotoluene and dinitrobenzene. Linear discriminant analysis showed that the discrimination is largely due to a combination of two physical properties of the nitroaromatics: redox potential and log P. The array was able to discriminate unknown nitroaromatic samples in solution.
Germain
Meaghan E
ME
Department of Chemistry and Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
Knapp
Michael J
MJ
D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D003959:Diamines / Q000737:chemistry*; D053834:Explosive Agents / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D005452:Fluoresceins / Q000737:chemistry*; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000737:chemistry; D006841:Hydrocarbons, Aromatic / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D018716:Molecular Mimicry; D009574:Nitro Compounds / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D012459:Salicylates / Q000737:chemistry; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012996:Solutions / Q000737:chemistry; D015032:Zinc / Q000737:chemistry
D003959:Diamines; D053834:Explosive Agents; D005452:Fluoresceins; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D006841:Hydrocarbons, Aromatic; D009574:Nitro Compounds; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D012459:Salicylates; D012996:Solutions; D015032:Zinc