Dual "Static and Dynamic" Fluorescence Quenching Mechanisms Based Detection of TNT via a Cationic Conjugated Polymer

A rare combinationof dual static and dynamic fluorescence quenchingmechanisms is reported, while sensing the nitroexplosive trinitrotoluene(TNT) in water by a cationic conjugated copolymer PFPy. Since thefluorophore PFPy interacts with TNT in both ground state as well asthe excited states, a greater extent of interaction is facilitatedbetween PFPy and the TNT, as a result of which the magnitude of thesignal is amplified remarkably. The existence of these collectivesensing mechanisms provides additional advantages to the sensing processand enhances the sensing parameters, such as LoD and highly competitivesensing processes in natural water bodies irrespective of the pH andat ambient conditions. These outcomes involving dual sensing mechanisticpathways expand the scope of developing efficient sensing probes fortoxic chemical analyte and biomarker detection, preventing environmentalpollution and strengthening security at sensitive locations whileassisting in early diagnosis of disease biomarkers.