Fluorophore embedded/incorporating/bridged periodic mesoporous organosilicas as recognition elements for optical sensors
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorsMazyar Zeinali, Brandy J White, Paul T Charles, Michael A Markowitz
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Abstract
Periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMO) which incorporate an optically active molecule into the material for use as an optical indicator of target binding. This material combines the stability, selectivity, and high density of binding sites characteristic of the PMO with the sensitivity and selectivity of the optically active molecule. The material undergoes a change when exposed to a sample containing a target molecule. The change can be observed by visual inspection or through the use of fluorescence spectra.
Claims18
A method for detecting a target molecule in a sample comprising:
- providing a periodic mesoporous organosilica incorporating an optically active molecule, wherein said periodic mesoporous organosilica is configured to orient a target molecule with respect to said optically active molecule;
- providing a sample containing a target molecule;
- exposing said periodic mesoporous organosilica to said sample, wherein said target molecule is adsorbed into said periodic mesoporous organosilica;
- providing a light source;
- and
- exposing said periodic mesoporous organosilica to said light source, wherein said optically active molecule undergoes a change that detects the presence of said target molecule.
A system for detecting a target molecule in a sample comprising:
- a periodic mesoporous organosilica incorporating an optically active molecule, said optically active molecule, wherein said periodic mesoporous organosilica is configured to orient a target molecule with respect to said optically active molecule;
- means for exposing said periodic mesoporous organosilica to a sample containing a target molecule, wherein said optically active molecule undergoes a change in the presence of said target molecule;
- and
- a means for visualizing said change in said optically active molecule, said change indicating the presence of said target molecule in said sample.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.