Detection of carbon monoxide in living cells using surface-functionalised mesoporous materials

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Carbon monoxide (CO) is an endogenous gaseous signalling molecule, and a low dosage has been linked to therapeutic benefits such as response to diseases and inflammation. The aim of the project is to design a highly selective probe capable of sensing CO in biological cells as the major challenges today are poor selectivity and sensitivity. A new family of gated silica-based materials with metal surface units will be developed. Sensing can be achieved through a dramatic colour change and an increase in fluorescence; quench and trap a 'cargo' of fluorophores within the mesoporous silica with metal complexes attached to the surfaces acting as 'gates', which will detach themselves in the presence of CO allowing the fluorophore to be released. This produces a significant fluorescence response on exposure to the low concentrations of CO in cells. Through dose/response testing, the fluorescence observed will be correlated to cellular CO concentrations.