Fluorophore-Induced Plasmonic Current-Based Detection of Aqueous Al3+ Ions: A Novel Sensing Strategy

We uniquely describe the process of using fluorophore-induced plasmonic current (FIPC) for the detection of aqueous aluminum ions (Al3+) via a commercially available fluorescent probe. Our group has recently shown that FIPC offers a new sensing modality for the analysis of fluorescent and excited-state species through the interaction of those molecules with plasmonically active metal nanoparticles. These metal nanoparticle films (MNF's) are able to work in tandem with excited-state compounds close to their surface and generate plasmonic current, which can be detected via simple current detecting equipment, such as a picoameter, negating the need to detect actual fluorescence itself. What we elucidate in this communication is our recent efforts to use this technology to create assays and detection schemes for the detection and analysis of aqueous aluminum ions such that they could ultimately be performed in the field using simple equipment.