Ion Sensor Research Articles

A novel multifunction of wearable ionic conductive hydrogel sensor for promoting infected wound healing

Conductive hydrogels have attracted widespread attention in applications of artificial biological tissues and ionic skin. Herein, a highly ionically conductive and biocompatibility hydrogels that integrate sensing, low swelling, and antimicrobial are prepared by the composition of chitosan (CS) chains, tannic acid (TA), polyacrylic acid (PAA), and metal cations. The hydrogels with high conductivity had tensile strain repeatable adhesion, wide strain detection, biocompatibility, and motion sensing capabilities. Particularly, in the aspect of hydrogel strain sensing based on ion conduction, it has high nonliearity (GF=2.05) with a large strain (20 %-1400 %), and excellent cycle stability. In addition, owing to the low-swelling effect and dipole-dipole interaction between the existence of free catechol groups of the zwitterionic group and TA in the zwitterionic sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA), the hydrogels display repeatable and controllable adhesiveness. Meanwhile, the covalent cross-linking between AA and SBMA synergistically enhances the mechanical properties of the hydrogels (169 kPa, 1474 %). Furthermore, as demonstrated in the L929 mouse wound infection model, the results indicated that the prepared hydrogel group had antimicrobial activity and reduced inflammation, thereby accelerating wound healing. The biocompatible and mutli-functional conductive hydrogels provide a new method for the design of novel type ionic skin device.

One-pot fabrication of aluminium ion anchoring boric acid-carbon dots hybrid system and its highly selective fluorescence sensing for fluorine ion in water environment

Fluorine is one of the essential trace elements for human body, which is essential for calcification process in living organisms. In the paper, a “off–on” fluorescence sensor for fluorine ion based on aluminium ion and boric acid codoped carbon dots was synthesized and characterized. According to fluorescence analysis, the water-soluble sensor exhibited highly selective and sensitive for fluorine ion. In sensing process, F- could bind to Al3+ after the addition of fluorine ion, which resulted in the decomposition of Al-BA-CDs system, then intense yellow fluorescence signal appeared. Moreover, the fluorescence sensor exhibited low detecting limit (5.0 nanomolar level) by fluorescence titration spectrum. In addition, according to evaluate the fluorescence sensing properties of F- in HepG2 cell and zebra fish, this job greatly extended the use of F- sensor from aluminium ion and boric acid codoped carbon dots in organism. The work also provided an interesting idea for fabricating water-soluble fluorescence sensor for F-.

Resource utilization of sewage sludge as a nitrogen self-doped carbon quantum dot for specific detection of Fe3+ and Hg2+

With the widespread application of sewage biological treatment technology, a large amount of sewage sludge is generated during the sewage treatment process, which not only poses a threat to the environment but also results in wastage of C and N resources. In this study, the nitrogen self-doped fluorescent carbon dots (N-CDs) with an average particle size of 3.43 nm were synthesized green through a two-stage hydrothermal method. It was found that N-CDs can detect Fe3+ through internal filtration effect (IFE), with a linear detection range of 0–250 μM and a detection limit of 2.207 μM. Furthermore, N-CDs can also serve as a “turn off–on” probe for monitoring Hg2+, with a linear detection range of 2–10 μM and a detection limit of 0.989 μM. Interestingly, oxygen-containing groups were shown to be sensitive to Hg2+, which has been demonstrated for the first time. Moreover, the practical application of N-CDs as a double ion sensor in the detection of Fe3+ and Hg2+ has achieved good results for real power plant wastewater.

A Biodegradable Fiber Calcium Ion Sensor by Covalently Bonding Ionophores on Bioinert Nanoparticles.

Implantable sensors, especially ion sensors, facilitate the progress of scientific research and personalized healthcare. However, the permanent retention of implants induces health risks after sensors fulfill their mission of chronic sensing. Biodegradation is highly anticipated; while; biodegradable chemical sensors are rare due to concerns about the leakage of harmful active molecules after degradation, such as ionophores. Here, a novel biodegradable fiber calcium ion sensor is introduced, wherein ionophores are covalently bonded with bioinert nanoparticles to replace the classical ion-selective membrane. The fiber sensor demonstrates comparable sensing performance to classical ion sensors and good flexibility. It can monitor the fluctuations of Ca2+ in a 4-day lifespan in vivo and biodegrade in 4 weeks. Benefiting from the stable bonding between ionophores and nanoparticles, the biodegradable sensor exhibits a good biocompatibility after degradation. Moreover, this approach of bonding active molecules on bioinert nanoparticles can serve as an effective methodology for minimizing health concerns about biodegradable chemical sensors.

Synthesis of Phenol-Hydrazide-Appended Tetraphenylethenes as Novel On-Off-On Cascade Sensors of Copper and Glutathione.

This study reports the synthesis of novel fluorescent probes, phenol-hydrazide-appended tetraphenylethenes (TPEs I and II), and explores their photochemical properties. The probes exhibit aggregation-induced emission (AIE) in increasing water content, as observed using fluorescence spectroscopy. Further investigation with UV-vis and fluorescence techniques revealed their potential as ion sensors. Both TPE I and TPE II act as "turn-off" sensors for Cu2+ ions, showing decreased fluorescence intensity in their presence. Their limit of detection (LOD) and association constant (K a) for Cu2+ were found to be comparable at 747 nM/597 nM, and 2.46 × 105 M-1/2/1.78 × 105 M-1/2, respectively. Moreover, the quantum yields of TPE I and TPE II were also calculated and found to be 0.651 and 0.325, respectively. Interestingly, these probes also function as "turn-on" sensors for glutathione (GSH) in the presence of copper. This means their fluorescence can be reversibly switched off and on by alternating CuCl2 and GSH additions. Moreover, the LOD values for GSH with TPE II-Cu2+ were calculated to be 544 nM. In addition, the investigation also employed visual analysis to assess the color alterations of TPEs on filter paper and in real water samples. Overall, this research introduces promising new probes with potential applications in copper ion detection and biomolecule glutathione sensing in real water samples.

Unveiling the fast adsorption and desorption of heavy metals on/off nanoplastics by real-time in-situ potentiometric sensing

Nanoplastics (<1 μm) can serve as a transport vector of environmental pollutants (e.g., heavy metals) and change their toxicities and bioavailabilities. Up to date the behaviors of adsorption and desorption heavy metals on/off nanoplastics are largely unknown. Herein, polymeric membrane potentiometric ion sensors are proposed for in-situ assessment of the real-time kinetics of heavy metal adsorption and desorption on/off nanoplastics. Results show that nanoplastics can adsorb and release heavy metals in a fast manner, indicating their superior ability in transferring heavy metals. The adsorption behaviors are closely related to the characteristics of nanoplastics and background electrolytes. Particle aggregation and increases in salinity and acidity suppress the adsorption of heavy metals on nanoplastics. The desorption efficiencies of different heavy metals are Pb2+ (31 %) < Cu2+ (40 %) < Cd2+ (97 %). Our proposed method is applicable for the detection of the plastic pollutants with size <100 nm and of the samples with high salinities (e.g., seawater). This work would provide new insights into the assessment of environmental risks posed by nanoplastics and heavy metals.

Luminescent Silicon Nanocrystals as Metal Ion Sensors.

At relatively low concentrations in aqueous solution, Fe3+, Fe2+, Cu2+, and Ni2+ quench the photoluminescence (PL) of the undecenoic acid-capped silicon (Si) nanocrystals. The PL could be restored by adding a chelating agent, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), to remove the ions. Fe3+ and Cu2+ also significantly increase the PL lifetime. Other metal ions, including Cd2+, Mn2+, Pb2+, Zn2+, In3+, K+, and Ca2+, had no effect on the Si nanocrystal PL. The limits of detection (LODs) for Fe3+ and Cu2+ of 370 and 150 nM, respectively, are low enough for metal ion sensing applications.

Explanation based on thermodynamic parameters regarding effect of sensing film thickness and amount of graphene oxide on sensor performance in aniline, N-phenylglycine and graphene oxide based electrochemical heavy metal ion sensor

Background: To construct a heavy metal ion sensor, selectivity and sensitivity are the key important parameters to be taken care of. In our earlier work, film thickness and amount of graphene oxide (GO) content in a novel composite ANGO, synthesized from aniline, N-phenylglycine and GO was varied and sensing parameters including sensitivity, limit of detection (LOD), thermodynamic parameter which includes -∆Gad and charge transport parameter including barrier width (BW), d, of charge transfer based on Simmon’s model were evaluated and compared and an LOD of 800 ppt for Cd2+ was achieved using square wave voltammetry (SWV) withstanding interference from several ions. Methods: In this work, thermodynamic factors such as -∆Gad, ∆H, reorganization energy, partition coefficient and solvated ionic radius were used to explain the sensor performance with respect to film thickness and amount of GO. All the parameters were analyzed for different film thicknesses and amount of GO and a correlation was achieved. Finally, effect of electrochemical surface area of different polyaniline-based material on thermodynamic properties of detection process of Cd2+ was studied. Results: The variation of the thermodynamic properties for Cd2+ sensing with respect to film thickness and amount of GO were examined. Similarly, variation of thermodynamic properties for polyaniline based different sensing materials were examined. Correlation coefficients were developed from the thermodynamic parameters and the d values to explain the underlying mechanism behind improved sensor performance. Conclusions: This study can provide information on the thermodynamic properties which can be predicted from BW technique. The correlation coefficients would help in designing polyaniline based novel sensing film material with the need of lesser number of experiments.

Rapidly prepared and screened supramolecular fluorescent sensors for the detection of metal ions

Fluorescent sensors capable of identification and quantitation of metal ions are of great importance for biological and environmental sciences. Supramolecular fluorescent sensors are designed and prepared based on the complexation of host-dye and ligand–metal ion. Two hosts, one commercially-available dye and eight ligands are used to form 16 potential three-component supramolecular sensors, which are screened to discover workable sensors. Among the workable sensors, one fluorescent sensor is capable of the identification of Cu2+ from nine other metal ions. Other suitable fluorescent sensors may be used for the quantitative analysis of metal ions in buffered solution, and metal sensing in live cells. This new analytical method provides an approach to rapidly generate sensors for different metal ions.

A structure-switching electrochemical aptamer sensor for mercury ions based on an ordered assembled gold nanorods-modified electrode

In this paper, an electrochemical aptamer sensor with high sensitivity and selectivity was proposed for the detection of mercury ion (Hg2+). The ordered assembled gold nanorods-modified screen-printed electrode (AuNRs/SPE) was used to improve the sensor with higher sensitivity and data reproducibility. The sensor was designed based on the specific recognition of Hg2+ with aptamer to form T-Hg2+-T binding structure. Two aptamer chains were applied in the designed sensor, aptamer S1 with terminal thiolate group was self-assembled on the AuNRs/SPE via Au–S bond, and complementary S2 labeled with ferrocene (Fc) would generate a strong redox electrical signal. The addition of Hg2+ would mediate the folding of the T-base of S1 to form a hairpin structure, resulting in the dissociation of the Fc-labeled S2 from the sensing system and a significant reduction in the redox current. The electrochemical properties of the sensor were further investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The effects of aptamer reaction time, concentration, and target incubation time on the sensor response were also investigated. The results showed that the sensor had a sensitive response to Hg2+ at concentrations ranging from 1 pM to 1 μM, with a detection limit of 0.3 pM. Furthermore, the proposed sensor was applied in the determination of Hg2+ in real samples, demonstrating its potential practical value.

Tripeptide-Assisted Gold Nanocluster Formation for Fe3+ and Cu2+ Sensing.

Fluorescent gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) have shown promise as metal ion sensors. Further research into surface ligands is crucial for developing sensors that are both selective and sensitive. Here, we designed simple tripeptides to form fluorescent AuNCs, capitalizing on tyrosine's reduction capability under alkaline conditions. We investigated tyrosine's role in both forming AuNCs and sensing metal ions. Two tripeptides, tyrosine-cysteine-tyrosine (YCY) and serine-cysteine-tyrosine (SCY), were used to form AuNCs. YCY peptides produced AuNCs with blue and red fluorescence, while SCY peptides produced blue-emitting AuNCs. The blue fluorescence of YCY- and SCY-AuNCs was selectively quenched by Fe3+ and Cu2+, whereas red-emitting YCY-AuNC fluorescence remained stable with 13 different metal ions. The number of tyrosine residues influenced the sensor response. DLS measurements revealed different aggregation propensities in the presence of various metal ions, indicating that chelation between the peptide and target ions led to aggregation and fluorescence quenching. Highlighting the innovation of our approach, our study demonstrates the feasibility of the rational design of peptides for the formation of fluorescent AuNCs that serve as highly selective and sensitive surface ligands for metal ion sensing. This method marks an advancement over existing methods due to its dual capability in both synthesizing gold nanoclusters and detecting analytes, specifically Fe3+ and Cu2+.

Zigzag boron nitride nanotube functionalization as a sensor for the recognition of group IIA (Mg2+, Ca2+) metal ions, quasi-metal (Si2+, Ge2+) ions, and transition metal (Cu2+, Zn2+) ions: a computational study.

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) provide an exceptional and sophisticated platform for detecting metal ions with high surface area and remarkable chemical stability. Metal cations tend to bind to the surface of BNNTs, which leads to significant changes in the electrical properties of nanotubes. BNNT-based metal ion sensors have shown promising results in various applications, including water quality monitoring, biomedical research, industrial quality control, and environmental monitoring. In the present study, we have explored the electronic sensitivity of the BNNT to metal ions (Si2+, Ge2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+). The interaction between the ions with the pristine BNNT is performed in the solution phase. The results show that ion adsorption on the nanotube surface is exothermic and favorable. The density of states calculation is presented to investigate the electronic properties of the nanotube during the adsorption process. The results display that an increase in the electrical conductivity of the complexes accompanies the reduction in the energy gap. Based on the obtained data, the Si2+ and Ge2+ cations adsorbed on the BNNT with satisfactory Eg changes (%ΔE) can be promising candidates for better sensing ability. All calculations are conducted within the density functional theory (DFT) using the ωB97XD functional and 6-31G(d,p) basis set. The present approach incorporates the utilization of empirical atom-atom dispersion in conjunction with long-range correction. The calculations are performed using the quantum chemistry package GAMESS, and the obtained results are visualized by employing the GaussView 6.0.16 program.

High-sensitivity and energy-efficient chloride ion sensors based on flexible printed carbon nanotube thin-film transistors for wearable electronics

The advent of flexible single-walled carbon nanotube thin-film transistors (SWCNT-TFTs) has transformed electronics, providing significant benefits like low operating voltage, reduced power consumption, cost-effectiveness, and improved signal amplification. This study focuses on leveraging these attributes to develop a novel flexible high-sensitivity and energy-efficient chloride ion sensors based on printed flexible SWCNT-TFTs utilizing polymers-sorted semiconducting SWCNTs (sc-SWCNTs) as the active layers and ion liquids-poly(4-vinylphenol as dielectric layers along with the evaporated deposition of aluminum electrodes and printed silver electrodes as the gate and source-drain electrodes, respectively. The sensors exhibit several operational advantages, including low voltage requirements (≤1 V), rapid response speed (5.32 s), significant signal amplification (Up to 702.6 %), low power consumption (0.31 μJ at 1 mmol chloride ion), good repeatability, high sensitivity for both low and high concentrations of chloride ion (up to 100 mmol/L) and excellent mechanical flexibility (No obvious changes after bending for 10,000 times with a 5 mm radius). The detection mechanism of chloride ions was analyzed using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). It was found that chloride ions react with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to form silver chloride (AgCl) on printed electrodes, impeding carrier transport and reducing the currents in SWCNT TFTs. Importantly, our sensors' compatibility with smart devices allows for real-time monitoring of chloride ion levels in human sweat, offering significant potential for daily health monitoring.

Design and Construction of the Uranyl Coordination Polymer with Multifunction Stimulus Response: Fluorescent Sensors for Halide Ions and Photochromism.

It can provide ideas for the use of uranium elements in the treatment of spent fuel from nuclear wastewater to explore the application potential of uranium element. Thus, it is necessary to research the structure and properties of a novel uranyl coordination polymer (CP) for uranium recovery and reuse. Herein, we designed and prepared a new uranyl CP U-CMNDI based on UO22+ and H2CMNDI (H2CMNDI = N, N'-bis(carboxymethyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalenediimide). Structural analysis shows that two uranyl ions are connected by two parallel deprotonated CMNDI ligands to form a discrete uranyl dimer structure. U-CMNDI can act as a potential stimulus-responsive halide ion sensor by a fluorescence "turn on" response in water. The limit of detection for fluoride (F-), bromide (Br-), iodide (I-), and chloride (Cl-) is 5.00, 5.32, 5.49, and 5.73 μM, respectively. The fluorescence "turn on" behavior is based on the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism between halide ions and electron-deficient NDI cores. In addition, U-CMNDI demonstrates a color response to ultraviolet light, exhibiting reversible photochromic behavior with a notable color change. The color change mechanism can contribute to the PET process and the radical process.

Salt gradient enhanced sensitivity in nanopores for intracellular calcium ion detection

Intracellular calcium ion detection is of great significance for understanding the cell metabolism and signaling pathways. Most of the current ionic sensors either face the size issue or sensitivity limit for the intracellular solution with high background ion concentrations. In this paper, we proposed a calmodulin (CaM) functionalized nanopore for sensitive and selective Ca2+ detection inside living cells. A salt gradient was created when the nanopore sensor filled with a low concentration electrolyte was in contact with a high background concentration solution, which enhanced the surface charge-based detection sensitivity. The nanopore sensor showed a 10 × sensitivity enhancement by application of a 100-fold salt gradient, and a detection limit of sub nM. The sensor had a wide detection range from 1 nM to 1 mM, and allowed for quick calcium ion quantification in a few seconds. The sensor was demonstrated for intracellular Ca2+ detection in A549 cells in response to ionomycin.

Synaptotagmins family affect glucose transport in retinal pigment epithelial cells through their ubiquitination-mediated degradation and glucose transporter-1 regulation.

Synaptotagmins (SYTs) are a family of 17 membrane transporters that function as calcium ion sensors during the release of Ca2+-dependent neurotransmitters and hormones. However, few studies have reported whether members of the SYT family play a role in glucose uptake in diabetic retinopathy (DR) through Ca2+/glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) and the possible regulatory mechanism of SYTs. To elucidate the role of the SYT family in the regulation of glucose transport in retinal pigment epithelial cells and explore its potential as a therapeutic target for the clinical management of DR. DR was induced by streptozotocin in C57BL/6J mice and by high glucose medium in human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19). Bioinformatics analysis, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, flow cytometry, ELISA, HE staining, and TUNEL staining were used for analysis. Six differentially expressed proteins (SYT2, SYT3, SYT4, SYT7, SYT11, and SYT13) were found between the DR and control groups, and SYT4 was highly expressed. Hyperglycemia induces SYT4 overexpression, manipulates Ca2+ influx to induce GLUT1 fusion with the plasma membrane, promotes abnormal expression of the glucose transporter GLUT1 and excessive glucose uptake, induces ARPE-19 cell apoptosis, and promotes DR progression. Parkin deficiency inhibits the proteasomal degradation of SYT4 in DR, resulting in SYT4 accumulation and enhanced GLUT1 fusion with the plasma membrane, and these effects were blocked by oe-Parkin treatment. Moreover, dysregulation of the myelin transcription factor 1 (Myt1)-induced transcription of SYT4 in DR further activated the SYT4-mediated stimulus-secretion coupling process, and this process was inhibited in the oe-MYT1-treated group. Our study reveals the key role of SYT4 in regulating glucose transport in retinal pigment epithelial cells during the pathogenesis of DR and the underlying mechanism and suggests potential therapeutic targets for clinical DR.

Determination of GaN nanosensor for scavenging of toxic heavy metal ions (Mn2+, Zn2+, Ag+, Au3+, Al3+, Sn2+) from water: Application of green sustainable materials by molecular modeling approach

Gallium nitride nanocage (GaN_NC) can select toxic heavy metals from water. Therefore, it has been found a selective competition for metal cations in the GaN_NC. The electromagnetic and thermodynamic attributes of heavy metals cations-trapped gallium nitride nanocage (GaN_NC) was depicted by material modeling. The data display that heavy metals cations-trapped in the GaN_NC system are resistant materials, with the firm adsorption zone in the center of the cage. Furthermore, charge transfer from GaN_NC to the heavy metals cations demonstrates clear n-type adsorbing manner. The encapsulation of heavy metals cations occurs via chemisorption. In this article, the behavior of trapping of heavy metal ions of Mn2+, Zn2+, Ag+, Au3+, Al3+ and Sn2+ by gallium nitride nanocone for sensing the water metal cations was observed. The nature of covalent features for these complexes has represented the analogous energy amount and vision of the PDOS for the p states of N and d states of heavy metal cations of Mn2+, Zn2+, Ag+, Au3+, Al3+ and Sn2+ through water treatment. The partial density of states (PDOS) can also evaluate an appointed charge group between Mn2+, Zn2+, Ag+, Au3+, Al3+, Sn2+ and GaN_NC which indicate the most stable complex of metallic visage and a certain degree of covalent specifications between heavy metals cations and gallium nitride nanocage. Furthermore, the NMR analysis indicated the notable peaks surrounding metal elements of Mn2+, Zn2+, Ag+, Au3+, Al3+ and Sn2+ through the trapping in the GaN_NC during ion detection and removal from water; however, it can be seen some fluctuations in the chemical shielding treatment of isotropic and anisotropy tensors. Based on the results in this research, the selectivity of metal ion adsorption by gallium nitride nanocage (ion sensor) has been approved as: Ag+ ˃ Au3+ ˃ Mn2+ ≫ Zn2+ ˃ Sn2+ ˃ Al3+. Using quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIMs) method, intermolecular interactions and corresponding parameters at critical bonding points were also investigated.

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy for Ion Sensors with Interdigitated Electrodes: Capacitance Calculations, Equivalent Circuit Models and Design Optimizations.

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is becoming more and more relevant for the characterization of biosensors employing interdigitated electrodes. We compare four different sensor topologies for an exemplary use case of ion sensing to extract recommendations for the design optimizations of impedimetric biosensors. Therefore, we first extract how sensor design parameters affect the sensor capacitance using analytical calculations and finite element (FEM) simulations. Moreover, we develop equivalent circuit models for our sensor topologies and validate them using FEM simulations. As a result, the impedimetric sensor response is better understood, and sensitive and selective frequency ranges can be determined for a given sensor topology. From this, we extract design optimizations for different sensing principles.

Multi-Gene Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Detection in Gastric Cancer Based on Ion Semiconductor Sequencing Platform.

Gastric cancer is a common heterogeneous tumor. Most patients have advanced gastric cancer at the time of diagnosis and often need chemotherapy. Although 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is widely used for treatment, its therapeutic sensitivity and drug tolerance still need to be determined, which emphasizes the importance of individualized administration. Pharmacogenetics can guide the clinical implementation of individualized treatment. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), as a genetic marker, contribute to the selection of appropriate chemotherapy regimens and dosages. Some SNPs are associated with folate metabolism, the therapeutic target of 5-FU. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) rs1801131 and rs1801133, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) rs1650697 and rs442767, methionine synthase (MTR) rs1805087, gamma-glutamyl hydrolase (GGH) rs11545078 and solute carrier family 19 member 1 (SLC19A1) rs1051298 have been investigated in different kinds of cancers and antifolate antitumor drugs, which have potential forecasting and guiding significance for application of 5-FU. The ion torrent next-generation semiconductor sequencing technology can rapidly detect gastric cancer-related SNPs. Each time a base is extended in a DNA chain, an H+ will be released, causing local pH changes. The ionic sensor detects pH changes and converts chemical signals into digital signals, achieving sequencing by synthesis. This technique has low sample requirement, simple operation, low cost, and fast sequencing speed, which is beneficial for guiding individualized chemotherapy by SNPs.

β-cyclodextrin and calix[4]arene-functionalized thieno[3,2-b]thiophene based polymers as fluorescent ion sensors

Design, synthesis, and applications of four novel thienothiophene-based polymers as sensing probes (G1-CD, G2-CD, G1-Cal, and G2-Cal), incorporating π-bridges of thiophene (T) and biphenyl (BP) benefiting from the unique cone-shaped structure and intramolecular interactions of β-cyclodextrin and calix[4]arene, are reported. They exhibited remarkable fluorescent alterations in response to Hg2+, Fe3+, Ni2+, and Cu2+. Their syntheses involved Suzuki coupling, and a comprehensive analysis of the optical and electronic properties of the resulting polymers was conducted using UV–Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. Photophysical characterizations of these novel polymers showed a remarkable mega Stokes shift, reaching up to 162 nm and optic/electronic band gaps between 1.95 and 2.92 eV. Notably, G2-CD, functionalized with β-cyclodextrin, stands out as the most promising sensor, demonstrating superior sensitivity and selectivity in detecting Hg2+ ions with a remarkable turn-off fluorescence response down to concentrations as low as 1 ppm. This research contributes to advancing the development of electronically and optically responsive materials, with potential applications in the sensitive detection of biologically and toxicologically significant ions.