Date of Award
Summer 7-28-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
August 2026
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
College Granting Degree
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Department Granting Degree
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Renjie Wang
Abstract
Accurate detection of electrolyte ions is essential for biological research, disease diagnosis, and the investigation of cellular function. In this study, we developed ionophore-based PLGA nanosensors for the optical detection of biologically important ions. The nanosensors were prepared by encapsulating ionophores, chromoionophore III, and ion exchangers within PLGA nanoparticles. The resulting nanosensors showed uniform morphology, good colloidal stability, and concentration-dependent optical responses toward Na⁺, K⁺, and Ca²⁺ over the range of 10⁻⁶ to 10⁻¹ M. Reversible fluorescence responses under repeated ion concentration changes confirmed the stability and robustness of the sensors. The nanosensors also demonstrated reliable analytical performance for K⁺ detection in serum samples. Furthermore, the method was applied to intracellular Na⁺ imaging in SH-Sy5Y cells. Colocalization studies confirmed efficient cellular uptake, and glutamate stimulation induced measurable intracellular Na⁺ responses, demonstrating the capability of ionophore-based PLGA nanosensors to monitor dynamic ion fluctuations in living cells. Overall, this platform provides a promising strategy for electrolyte ion sensing and imaging.
Recommended Citation
Tang, Zhiyu, "IONOPHORE-BASED PLGA NANOSENSOR FOR SELECTIVE ION DETECTION AND IMAGING" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 364.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/364