Fluorescent probe encapsulated hydrogel microsphere for selective and reversible detection of Hg2+

We developed a simple and sensitive hydrogel sensor in the form of microspheres by using fluorescence probe encapsulated within a hydrogel matrix for the detection of Hg 2+ . The traditional fluorescence probes suspended in solution are not transportable and recoverable. To overcome these disadvantages, we devised poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate-based hydrogel microspheres in which fluorescence probe ( R19S ) was embedded at high density. The functionalized hydrogel microspheres were prepared by combining a microfluidic device with UV light . The hydrogel microspheres-based sensor exhibited good selectivity to Hg 2+ among various metal ions and high sensitivity with a detection limit of 90   nM. Furthermore, after binding with Hg 2+ , the R19S encapsulated hydrogel microspheres can be separated from testing samples easily and treated with the solution containing KI to remove Hg 2+ and realize reusable detection. The current work may offer a new method for Hg 2+ recognition with a more efficient manner.