FluoroSens

The FluorousSens project aims at the development of a new class of ion-selective sensors, so-called ion selective electrodes, sc-ISE, on the basis of fluorinated polymers, plasticisers, ionophors and ionic sites for applications in complex biological sample matrices.
Since the discovery of selective ionophors ion-selective electrodes have been used for blood-gas analysis, environmental monitoring as well as in biotechnology. However, because of the need for a fluid inner electrolyte, such electrodes cannot be miniaturized and numerous applications cannot be adequately addressed. In contrast, so-called solid-contact ISE employ a solid state inner electrolyte as ion-to-electron transducer. However, membranes according to the state of the art typically comprise PVC membranes into which amphiphilic molecules present in complex biological samples may dissolve, thus causing potential drift. Accordingly, such electrodes either have to be recalibrated frequently or cannot be employed at all.
We address this problem by the development of a fundamentally novel class of fluorinated materials intended to enable electrochemical sc-ISE with significantly improved stability and biocompatibility to address unmet longterm applications in complex biological matrices. This is in line with trends towards single-use fermenters, tighter regulations in environmental monitoring and medical diagnostics and will provide excellent valorisation opportunities.