Soluble and polymeric metal complexing materials for measurement of sugars and related molecules in solution

摘要

A sensor for use in detecting the presence of sugars and related molecules in aqueous solutions. The sensor is composed of a metal complex that binds to the targeted sugar or other molecule in aqueous solution with the result being the release of a proton. Measurement of proton release from the sensor provides an indirect indication of target molecule concentration. The metal complexes may be attached to support structures to provide both anchoring and positioning of the metal ions to increase selectivity of sugar/metal complex interactions. Detection systems in which pH is used as an indication of proton release are disclosed. Methods for monitoring the concentrations of sugars and related molecules using the metal complex sensors are also disclosed.