Novel surface-enhanced fluorescence detection of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons separated by paper chromatography

Amorphous fumed silica was used to enhance the fluorescence signal of a mixture of polynuclear aromatic (PNA) compounds separated by paper chromatography. Benzo[a]pyrene-r-7, t-8, 9, 10-tetrahydrotetrol (BPT) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) were well resolved by paper chromatography using a 50% (v/v) mixture of acetonitrile and 5 mM pH 7.0 phosphate buffer as the chromatographic solvent. A 200-400% enhancement of the fluorescence intensity was observed when fumed silica was applied to the chromatographic paper prior to separation. The results demonstrate that paper chromatography using fumed silica treated paper offers a simple, cost-effective method to improve sensitivity for fluorescence detection of PNA components in environmental samples relative to untreated paper. © 1989, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

Duke Scholars

Author Tuan Vo-Dinh Biomedical Engineering