Fractal analysis for the development of chemical sensors for environmental monitoring

A fractal analysis is presented for the binding of pyrene in solution to beta-cyclodextrin attached to a fiberoptic chemical sensor. The specific (k 1) and the non-specific binding rate (k ns) coefficients and the fractal dimension, D f (specific binding case only) both tend to increase as the pyrene concentration in solution increases from 12.4 to 124 ng/mL. Predictive relations for the binding rate coefficient (specific as well as non-specific binding) and for D f (specific binding case only) as a function of pyrene concentration are provided. These relations fit the calculated k 1 and D f values in the pyrene concentration range reasonably well. The fractal analysis provides novel physical insights into the reactions occurring on the fiberoptic chemical surface and should assist in the design of fiberoptic chemical sensors.

Duke Scholars

Author Tuan Vo-Dinh Biomedical Engineering