Fluorescein based fluorescent and colorimetric sensors for sensitive detection of TNP explosive in aqueous medium: Application of logic gate

Abstract

Rapid detection of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) in real samples has recently attained considerable attention from the perspective of national security, human health, and environmental safety. In this context, cost-effective and convenient detection of TNP explosive was accomplished through two new fluorescein based sensors F2 and F3. Sensors displayed effective fluorescence quenching response towards TNP in the aqueous medium. Highly sensitive fluorescence detection of TNP explosive (detection limit, 0.73 (F2) and 1.7 nM (F3)) was governed by ground-state charge transfer complex formation, facilitated by favorable H-bonding between sensor and TNP explosive. Fluorescence quenching mechanism for the detection of TNP explosive was investigated through UV-Visible absorption, dynamic light scattering (DLS), density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the Benesi-Hildebrand, and Job's plots. Advantageously, sensors displayed selective and immediate colorimetric recognition of TNP explosive. Importantly, sensors exhibited quick response time towards TNP even in the presence of potential interferences that make them highly suitable for practical applications. Sensors were successfully applied for fluorescent and colorimetric detection of TNP explosive in industrial water samples and fabrication of logic gates. Further, convenient contact mode and instant surface sensing of TNP explosive were achieved through the fabrication of fluorescent strips and explosive responsive test kits.

Keywords: Fluorescein based fluorescence sensor; Fluorescence quenching; Logic gate; Schiff base; TNP explosive.