Transition metals are essential nutrients for life, but hyperaccumulation of metals such as copper and iron in biological fluids and tissues is a hallmark of pathologies such as Wilson’s disease, various neurodegenerative diseases, and toxic environmental exposure. To date, measuring copper and iron levels in biological and environmental specimens typically requires extensive sample processing as well as costly and sophisticated instrumentation. We have developed a general strategy that enables monitoring of copper and iron levels in biofluid samples by grafting porous aromatic frameworks (PAF) for selective copper or iron capture. In combination with a colorimetric indicator, the functionalized PAFs enable a convenient readout of copper or iron concentrations directly from biological fluids or environmental samples. We demonstrate the utility of these PAF-based metal sensors for detection of aberrant elevations of copper in urine samples from mice with Wilson's disease and iron contamination in environmental samples.

Metal capture and sensing in porous polymers for disease and environmental diagnostics

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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