Development of Water-Soluble Fluorescent Polymeric Probes for Formaldehyde Detection

Roy, Subhadip (2025) Development of Water-Soluble Fluorescent Polymeric Probes for Formaldehyde Detection. PhD thesis, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata.

Text (PhD thesis of Subhadip Roy (19RS112)) 19RS112.pdf - Submitted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (7MB)

Abstract

In the recent past, a variety of methods have been established to detect the mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic formaldehyde (FA). Different sensing techniques, including electrochemical sensors, fluorescence-based detection, colorimetric assays, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), have been explored to meet these demands, but fluorescent probes have attracted a lot of attention due to their facile operation, ease of use, low instrument cost, excellent penetration depth in tissues, high sensitivity, and convenience. Several FA detection platforms have been reported that can be broadly categorized into two classes: small molecule-based FA sensors and polymeric FA sensors. Note that the water-soluble polymeric systems offer interesting possibilities for overcoming the limitations of the previously reported small molecule-based approach. The present investigation focuses on the development and application of water-soluble fluorescent polymeric probes for the efficient sensing and detection of FA in aqueous medium and vapor phase. The salient features of this research include the design, synthesis, and characterization of polymeric probes that exhibit water solubility, strong fluorescence, high sensitivity, and selectivity toward FA. Unlike conventional small-molecule fluorescent probes, which may suffer from poor solubility, rapid photo-bleaching, and interference from background fluorescence, these polymeric probes are engineered to provide enhanced stability, fluorescence sensitivity, and improved signal-to-noise ratio in aqueous media. The water-soluble nature of the polymers eliminates the need for organic solvents, making the sensing process environmentally friendly and suitable for real-time applications, and environmental monitoring. The FA sensing mechanism is based on specific chemical interactions between FA and functional groups within the polymeric backbone, leading to a detectable fluorescence response. The probes demonstrate low detection limits (in the nanomolar), rapid response times, and excellent selectivity over other potential interferences. Additionally, efforts are made to integrate the polymeric probes into solid-state sensing platforms such as test strips-based for field-deployable FA detection systems. Furthermore, the synthesis and functionalization of the polymeric probes are designed to be cost-effective and scalable, making them viable for commercial production. Comparative studies with existing FA sensors demonstrate that the newly developed polymers outperform many conventional probes in terms of sensitivity, response time, and operational stability. Additionally, this thesis addresses the current challenges, opportunities, and future prospects associated with water-soluble fluorescent polymeric probes for FA sensors. We are confident that this undertaking will offer a comprehensive exploration of the applications of water-soluble fluorescent polymer-based FA sensors, thereby contributing to the ongoing efforts in this burgeoning field.

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