Highly Sensitive Detection of Strontium Ions Using Metal-Organic Frameworks Functionalized Solid-State Nanochannels

Abstract

Strontium-90, a highly radioactive isotope, accumulates within the food chain and skeletal structure, posing significant risks to human health. There is a critical need for a sensitive detection strategy for Strontium-90 in complex environmental samples. Here, solid-state nanochannels, modified with metal-organic frameworks (MOF) and specific aptamers, were engineered for highly sensitive detection of strontium ion (Sr²⁺). The synergistic effect between the reduced effective diameter of the nanochannels due to MOF and the specific binding of Sr²⁺ by aptamers amplifies the difference in ionic current signals, enhancing detection sensitivity significantly. The MOF-modified nanochannels exhibit highly sensitive detection of Sr²⁺, with a limit of detection (LOD) being 0.03 nmol·L^-1, whereas the LOD for anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) without the modified MOF nanosheets is only 1000 nmol·L^-1. These findings indicate that the LOD of Sr²⁺ detected by the MOF-modified nanochannels is approximately 33,000 times higher than that by the nanochannels without MOF modification. Additionally, the highly reliable detection of Sr²⁺ in various water samples was achieved, with a recovery rate ranging from 94.00% to 118.70%. This study provides valuable insights into the rapidly advancing field of advanced nanochannel-based sensors and their diverse applications for analyzing complex samples, including environmental contaminant detection, food analysis, medical diagnostics, and more.

Keywords

Nanochannel / Metal-organic frameworks / Sensor / Strontium ion / Sensitivity detection

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