Patent 8247551 was granted and assigned to Duquesne University on August, 2012 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
A fluorophore that forms a complex with Pb ions is disclosed. The fluorophore/lead complex fluoresces with an intensity greater than complexes formed by the fluorophore with other metals. The fluorophore may be used as a sensor/detector for lead ions in various samples. Methods for detecting and calculating the concentration of lead ions in samples are also disclosed.