Hydro gel light-guiding conjunction for absorptive type multi-ions detection

We present a novel miniaturized solid state sensor produced by embedding two optical fibers in a sensing hydro gel conjunction. The conjunction is a poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (poly HEMA) hydro gel mixed with two kinds of selective fluorescent probes. Meso-2,6-Dichlorophenyltripyrrinone (TPN-Cl2) is used to react with zinc ion (Zn2+) and the synthesized “Chemosensor 1” is used to detect ferric ion (Fe3+). This hydro gel conjunction can serve as a light-guiding waveguide that allows light signals to transfer between two fibers. By using a multi-wavelength excitation light, a mixed solution that contains Zn2+ and Fe3+ can be detected in real-time. This miniaturized sensor develops an image for real-time monitoring of Zn2+ and Fe3+ ions in vivo.