Small molecule sensors

The Burdette group formerly worked on the development of fluorescent probes for Fe³⁺, and successfully reported unique fluorescence transduction mechanism based on the oxidation of a fluorophore-pendant catechol. Both FerriBRIGHT and FerriNaphth utilize this strategy. The group routinely works with fluorescent sensors in conjunction with Cast and Cleav photocages, and develops new sensors when necessary to characterize these compounds. PbSensor-1 was developed to analyze the Pb²⁺ binding properties of CrownCast-2.

Small molecule sensor development is not a current focus area, but remains of potential interest.