Metal Ion Analysis Using Near-Infrared Dyes and the ''Laboratory-on-a-Chip''

This project addresses the need for developing a highly sensitive and selective, portable radionuclide analyzer which would permit a low-cost and timely characterization of DOE remediation sites. Through the application of near-infrared fluorophore tagged macrocycles, in combination with the capillary electrophoretic separation of radionuclide and heavy metal complexes on a microchip, we propose an innovative, low cost characterization approach to gaining timely characterization data in the field. The research goals for this program are summarized as follows: (a) To synthesize a new class of near-infrared tagged macrocycles that will take advantage of the inherent metal complexation properties of the macrocycle, while fluorescing in a region of the spectrum with very little background fluorescence. (b) To characterize the fluorescence and complexation behavior of this new class of complexation agents. (c) To implement these new materials into the design of a portable monitor for radionuclide and heavy metal analytes that utilizes the ''laboratory-on-a-chip'' technology for performing capillary electrophoresis on a microchip