Copper ions (Cu2+ ions) – the third most abundant transition metal in the human body – play an important role in many fundamental physiological processes.
Both the insufficiency of Cu2+ ions, which is, among others, a symptom of anaemia, as well as their excess, are harmful and can lead to many diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s diseases or those related to the digestive system, liver or blood vessels. Due to the wide use of copper, which is a heavy metal, e.g. in electrical engineering, electronics, construction and motorization or fertilizers, copper ions are also an important cause of environmental pollution.
The scientists from University of Gdańsk developed an innovative sensor (a new fluorescent peptide) for determination of copper ions in solutions.
