Rapid and sensitive detection of dextran sulfate based on an ionic liquid-based turn-on micro-optode

A comprehensive fluorometric method was developed to detect dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS) utilizing a next-generation fluorescent ionic liquid (IL)-based fluorescent micro-optode, mHPTIL, which outperformed other biomacromolecules, with detection and quantification limits in the ng mL^-1 range in aqueous media. A handy paper-based test kit experiment was also explored for the detection of DSS without using a costly instrumental technique. The present study not only enables the rapid and visual detection of DSS but also facilitates the broader utilization of IL-based photonic materials for the fabrication of next-generation photoluminescent low-dimensional optodes for biomedical applications, disease diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and forensic security.