Katia Buonasera

Dr. Katia Buonasera

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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2 October 2025 in Nanomaterials
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
KBKatia Buonasera
Katia Buonasera
MGMaurilio Galletta
Maurilio Galletta
MCMassimo Calvo
Massimo Calvo
GEGianni Pezzotti Escobar
Gianni Pezzotti Escobar
ALAntonio Alessio Leonardi
Antonio Alessio Leonardi
Alessia IrreraAlessia Irrera
Alessia Irrera
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.