A highly selective and sensitive ratiometric fluorescent probe for pH measurement based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer

Abstract

Fluorescein-rhodamine 6G(Flu-Rh) was synthesized and used as the fluorescence probe for pH measurement based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer(FRET). In the probe, fluorescein fluorophore and pH-sensitive rhodamine 6G hydrazide were used as FRET donor and acceptor, respectively. The values of acidity constant(pK a) and fluorescence quantum yield(Φ) of Flu-Rh were 3.71 and 0.72, respectively. The fluorescence efficiency of Flu-Rh remains almost constant when the pH value of the sample solution changed 10 times in a range of 4.78–7.03 continuously. The present probe is simple and easy-to-use for the pH measurement in acidic media.