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Review

Organic Fluorescent Sensors for Environmental Analysis: A Critical Review and Insights into Inorganic Alternatives

by
Katia Buonasera
1,
Maurilio Galletta
1,
Massimo Rosario Calvo
2,
Gianni Pezzotti Escobar
1,*,
Antonio Alessio Leonardi
1,3,* and
Alessia Irrera
1
1
CNR IMM, Viale F.S. d’Alcontres 31, I-98166 Messina, Italy
2
Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences (ChiBioFarAm), University of Messina, Viale F.S. d’Alcontres 31, I-98166 Messina, Italy
3
Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Earth Sciences (MIFT),University of Messina, Viale F.S. d’Alcontres 31, I-98166 Messina, Italy
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(19), 1512; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15191512
Submission received: 26 July 2025 / Revised: 22 September 2025 / Accepted: 28 September 2025 / Published: 2 October 2025

Abstract

The exponential increase in environmental pollutants due to industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural intensification has underscored the urgent need for sensitive, selective, and real-time monitoring technologies. Among emerging analytical tools, organic fluorescent sensors have demonstrated exceptional potential for detecting a wide range of pollutants in water, air, and soil, with a limit of detection (LOD) in the pM–µM range. This review critically examines recent advances in organic fluorescent sensors, focusing on their photophysical properties, molecular structures, sensing mechanisms, and environmental applications. Key categories of organic sensors, including small molecules, polymeric materials, and nanoparticle-based systems, are discussed, highlighting their advantages, such as biocompatibility, tunability, and cost-effectiveness. Comparative insights into inorganic fluorescent sensors, including quantum dots, are also provided, emphasizing their superior photostability and wide operating range (in some cases from pg/mL up to mg/mL) but limited biodegradability and higher toxicity. The integration of nanomaterials and microfluidic systems is presented as a promising route for developing portable, on-site sensing platforms. Finally, the review outlines current challenges and future perspectives, suggesting that fluorescent sensors, particularly organic ones, represent a crucial strategy toward sustainable environmental monitoring and pollutant management.
Keywords: fluorescent sensors; organic sensors; biosensors; inorganic sensors fluorescent sensors; organic sensors; biosensors; inorganic sensors

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Buonasera, K.; Galletta, M.; Calvo, M.R.; Pezzotti Escobar, G.; Leonardi, A.A.; Irrera, A. Organic Fluorescent Sensors for Environmental Analysis: A Critical Review and Insights into Inorganic Alternatives. Nanomaterials 2025, 15, 1512. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15191512

AMA Style

Buonasera K, Galletta M, Calvo MR, Pezzotti Escobar G, Leonardi AA, Irrera A. Organic Fluorescent Sensors for Environmental Analysis: A Critical Review and Insights into Inorganic Alternatives. Nanomaterials. 2025; 15(19):1512. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15191512

Chicago/Turabian Style

Buonasera, Katia, Maurilio Galletta, Massimo Rosario Calvo, Gianni Pezzotti Escobar, Antonio Alessio Leonardi, and Alessia Irrera. 2025. "Organic Fluorescent Sensors for Environmental Analysis: A Critical Review and Insights into Inorganic Alternatives" Nanomaterials 15, no. 19: 1512. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15191512

APA Style

Buonasera, K., Galletta, M., Calvo, M. R., Pezzotti Escobar, G., Leonardi, A. A., & Irrera, A. (2025). Organic Fluorescent Sensors for Environmental Analysis: A Critical Review and Insights into Inorganic Alternatives. Nanomaterials, 15(19), 1512. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15191512

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