Specialized Fluorescent CO2 Detection Membranes Production

Project Description

MULTIPLE TESTING & SAMPLES

We are seeking quotations from qualified chemistry laboratories in the USA for the production and delivery of specialized fluorescent membranes with CO₂ sensitivity. The membranes must adhere to the specifications outlined below.

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  Specifications:
  Material: A fluorescent pH indicator, 8-hydroxy-1,3,6-pyrenetrisulfonic acid trisodium salt (HPTS) embedded into hydrophobic polymer matrices. Two ion pair compounds are required. One is (HPTS)/(CTA)3, synthesized by ion-pairing HPTS with CTABr (Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide). The other is (HPTS)/(TOA)4, consisting of HPTS and TOABr (tetraoctylammonium bromide), dissolved in a solution of NaOH and dichloromethane. These two compounds are then used with Poly(propyl methacrylate) (PPMA) to form disks, which are molded and dried on glass slides.
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  Size:
  The pH indicators will be prepared in the form of 8mm diameter disks. The thickness of the disks is TBD but will be on the order of 0.5mm.
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  Fluorescence:
  The disks must exhibit a fluorescent response inversely proportional to CO₂ exposure. The primary fluorescent peak of concern is at approximately 500nm excited from an illumination source of 405nm.
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  Sensitivity:
  The sensitivity range will be continuous between a PCO₂ of 0mmHg to 800mmHg, mixed with N₂.
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  References:
  Additional details can be found in Section 2 (Materials and Methods) of the following paper: “A Patient-Ready Wearable Transcutaneous CO₂ Sensor”, 13 May 2022, Juan Pedro Cascales, Xiaolei Li, Emmanuel Roussakis, and Conor L. Evans.  https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12050333

Deliverables:

1. Initial prototype batch of 100 disks for evaluation.
2. Delivered in a controlled, contamination-free manner to preserve material integrity. The materials must be protected from exposure to moisture at all times, including during fabrication.
3. Detailed description of the methods of preparation that were used. The level of specificity must ensure that the process can be repeated by a production facility.

Interested suppliers must provide the following information:

• Detailed quotation, including unit pricing and lead times.
• Description of production capabilities and quality control measures.
• Any prior experience in developing similar fluorescent sensor materials.