biostudies-literatureUnknown6Hwang JHeavy metal pollution has been a problem since the advent of modern transportation, which despite efforts to curb emissions, continues to play a critical role in environmental pollution. Copper ions (Cu²⁺), in particular, are one of the more prevalent metals that have widespread detrimental ramifications. From this perspective, a simple and inexpensive method of detecting Cu²⁺ at the micromolar level would be highly desirable. In this study, we use porous silicon nanoparticles (NPs), obtained via anodic etching of Si wafers, as a basis for undecylenic acid (UDA)- or acrylic acid (AA)-mediated hydrosilylation. The resulting alkyl-terminated porous silicon nanoparticles (APS NPs) have enhanced fluorescence stability and intensity, and importantly, exhibit [Cu²⁺]-dependent quenching of fluorescence. After determining various aqueous sensing conditions for Cu²⁺, we demonstrate the use of APS NPs in two separate applications - a standard well-based paper kit and a portable layer-by-layer stick kit. Collectively, we demonstrate the potential of APS NPs in sensors for the effective detection of Cu²⁺.Scientific reports35565https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC5067703biostudies-literatureSensitive detection of copper ions via ion-responsive fluorescence quenching of engineered porous silicon nanoparticles.PMC5067703Hwang MPHong JSeo YSon JChoi JJo YHwang JChoi MfalseSensitive detection of copper ions via ion-responsive fluorescence quenching of engineered porous silicon nanoparticles.Heavy metal pollution has been a problem since the advent of modern transportation, which despite efforts to curb emissions, continues to play a critical role in environmental pollution. Copper ions (Cu²⁺), in particular, are one of the more prevalent metals that have widespread detrimental ramifications. From this perspective, a simple and inexpensive method of detecting Cu²⁺ at the micromolar level would be highly desirable. In this study, we use porous silicon nanoparticles (NPs), obtained via anodic etching of Si wafers, as a basis for undecylenic acid (UDA)- or acrylic acid (AA)-mediated hydrosilylation. The resulting alkyl-terminated porous silicon nanoparticles (APS NPs) have enhanced fluorescence stability and intensity, and importantly, exhibit [Cu²⁺]-dependent quenching of fluorescence. After determining various aqueous sensing conditions for Cu²⁺, we demonstrate the use of APS NPs in two separate applications - a standard well-based paper kit and a portable layer-by-layer stick kit. Collectively, we demonstrate the potential of APS NPs in sensors for the effective detection of Cu²⁺.2016-01-01T00:00:00Z2016 Oct2025-04-05T15:56:04.49Z2019-03-27T02:26:56ZS-EPMC50677032775212010.1038/srep35565