Design and Development of Quantum Dots Infused Films and an Optical Reader for Measurement of Blood Electrolytes

pH-sensitive, quantum dots (QDs) based sensor films were developed for point-of-care diagnosis and monitoring of plasma sodium and potassium concentrations. MPA capped CdTe QDs are synthesized using the hydrothermal process. The emission wavelength of the synthesized QDs is programmed at 635 nm. Characterization of QDs was done using transmission electron microscopy 200KV (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), fluorescence spectroscopy, which indicated the excellent photostability of the developed QDs. Chromoionophore-I, II, Potassium ionophore, Sodium ionophore, cation exchanger, QDs, PVC and tetrahydrofuran (THF) were used to developed sodium and potassium sensor films. The sensor films exhibit good fluorescence in the presence of plasma sodium or potassium ions. The fluorescence intensity is directly proportional to the concentration of sodium or potassium ions present in the plasma. An optical reader is also developed for the quantification of the fluorescence intensity of the sodium and potassium sensor films.