Design of novel ionophores selective towards hydrophilic anions and their use in detectors for miniaturized analytical systems

Aim of project
The aim of the project is to design and synthesize new Lewis acid compounds and to investigate their working mechanism when used as ionophores selective towards anions. Complexes of porphyrins with zirconium and aluminum cations, showing high selectivity towards fl uoride and acetate anions,
will be mainly used in these experiments. Porphyrins containing groups forming sterical hindrance will be tested, as it can prevent formation of ionophore dimers, leading to electrodes with fast, reversible and Nernstian response. Complexes of zirconium and aluminum with Schiff bases — salophens — will be also investigated as possible ionophores.

Optimization of membrane composition will be performed using classical macroelectrodes, while membranes showing best response parameters will be employed for the construction of miniaturized silicone-based sensors. These sensors will be tested in fl ow conditions, using purpose-built fl ow-through call.

Expected results
The result of the project will be design and synthesis of novel ionophores showing high selectivity towards fluoride and acetate anions. Ion-selective electrodes, produced using these ionophores, are expected to show fast, reversible and Nernstian potentiometric response. Both classical macroelectrodes and miniaturized silicone-based electrodes are to be devised. Miniaturized electrodes will be used as detectors in flow injection analysis (FIA) systems for determination of important bioanalytes (glucose, acetylcholine), ensuring high number of samples determined in a short time. Beside the above-mentioned results, this project is expected to give insight into the mechanism of functioning of anion-selective ionophores within polymeric membranes.