Detection of alkali and alkaline earth metal ions by fluorescence spectroscopy

Alkali and alkaline earth metal ions are important from biological perspectives. These ions play diverse roles in bio-systems and their concentration in extracellular as well as in intracellular fluids should be known to understand several physiological processes. Fluorescence spectroscopy being a sensitive and powerful analytical technique has been used to detect the presence of these ions. The fluorescence signaling systems comprise of fluorophore and receptor moieties that may be separated through spacers or integrated into one unit. The receptor unit is designed to bind a particular metal ion in presence of others. A large number of receptors are designed and connected to different fluorophores for signaling the presence of alkali and alkaline earth metal ions. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.