Calcium ion (Ca2+) as an intracellular signal transmitter plays
a key role in the human body. It modulates numerous physiological and pathological procedures, including cell damage and death
by changing Ca2+ concentrations to modulate different cellular
functions [1–3]. Among various anions, fluoride ion (F−) is highly
relevant to health care because of its important roles in dental care
and treatment of osteoporosis, which is widely used as an ingredient in toothpaste, pharmaceutical agents and even drinking water
[4,5]. In several underdeveloped countries, excessive F− level in
drinking water has been linked to the debilitating bone disease
fluorosis. Furthermore, the high concentration of F− may lead to
collagen break down, thyroid activity and even cancer [6–8]. There-
fore, it is necessary to develop a simple and convenient method to
assay Ca2+ and F−.
Until now, many analytical techniques have been explored to
detect Ca2+and F−, including electrode method, NMR analysis,
colorimetric (UV) and electrochemical methods [9–13]. However,
some disadvantages have been found for these techniques such as
fragile instrumentation and time consuming manipulations associated with electrochemical methods, the high detection limit with
colorimetric techniques, and etc [14].