GRANTED INVENTION PATENT

Technology Title: Development of a Fluorescent Flexible Sensor for Analyte Detection

Inventors:

Felipe Kessler (Lattes CV)
Eliézer Quadro Oreste (Lattes CV)
Maria Carolina Salum Bulhosa (Lattes CV)
Bruna Lisboa Gonçalves (Lattes CV)
Daniele Gomes Muller (Lattes CV)
Nathalia Souza Nascimento (Lattes CV)
Juliano Rosa de Menezes Vicenti (Lattes CV)

Academic Unit: School of Chemistry and Food – EQA

Overview:
The development of new materials using recycled polymers is of critical importance in the current Brazilian context. This approach minimizes the environmental impact caused by improper disposal of such materials and provides them with a suitable, high-value destination through innovative applications.

Description:
The present invention relates to a process for developing a flexible sensor device, obtained by surface functionalization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) with an azo compound, either via direct grafting or UV radiation-assisted grafting. The device produces a measurable fluorescent signal, whose variation depends on interactions with target analytes.

Problem Solved:
The developed sensor is simple and low-cost, enabling easy application in the detection of metallic analytes and offering a viable alternative to more expensive commercial sensors. Additionally, it adds value to recyclable polymers by providing an innovative and environmentally responsible use for materials that are often improperly discarded.

Applications:
The invention can be applied to various types of samples, preferably in liquid form, for the qualitative determination of metals. Thus, it has broad applicability across multiple fields, including environmental monitoring, biological analysis, food safety, pharmaceuticals, and fuels.

Advantages:
The main advantages of this invention include rapid response generation, simplicity of use, and sensitivity toward specific analytes. The device is fabricated from recycled polymer, contributing to sustainable development and environmental conservation. In this way, the invention adds value to waste materials and aligns with the principles of green chemistry.

Patent Status: Granted. PATENT NO. BR 10 2019 027293 7, issued on November 1, 2022.
Technology Readiness Level (TRL): TRL/MRL 5

Abstract: Available at this link.