10.1021/ja9035253
The study explores methods for sequestering, detecting, and analyzing lanthanide ions using surface-modified magnetic microspheres in microfluidic devices. The researchers utilized mixed-ligand antenna complexes of Eu3+, with one ligand attached to the microsphere surface, for ion sequestration and detection. Neutral ligands like trin-octylphosphine oxide (1) and antenna ligands such as 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTA) were used to form luminescent complexes with Eu3+ for time-resolved laser fluorescence (TRLF) spectroscopy detection. Nonionic detergents like decanoyl-N-methylglucamide (MEGA10) were employed to stabilize the microspheres and prevent aggregation. The study demonstrated three approaches: DELFIA-like volume assays, surface mixed-ligand complex assays, and ion-exchange surface assays. These methods allowed for sensitive detection of Eu3+ ions and the potential for mass spectrometry analysis, with the ion-exchange approach extending detection capabilities to nonluminescent ions. The findings highlight the potential for adapting traditional analytical chemistry techniques to microfluidic devices for applications in nuclear forensics and general analytical chemistry.