Development of chemosensor for Sr(2+) using organic nanoparticles: application of sensor in product analysis for oral care.

A new series of compounds has been developed for the recognition of metal ions and it was found that the position of substituent in the organic compound proved to be the deciding factor for the development of a chemosensor. Reprecipitation method was used to develop organic nanoparticles (ONPs) in aqueous medium and the suspension of ONP in aqueous medium remained stable for one month. These ONPs were studied for their recognition abilities using fluorescence spectroscopy and only ONPs of compound 1 resulted in a sensor for Sr(2+) and the sensor activities were found to be unaffected by the presence of any other cation. The sensor was successfully used to investigate the level of Sr(2+) in an oral gel, as well as toothpastes used to cure sensitive teeth.