Anionic micelle-induced fluorescent sensor activity enhancement of acridine orange: Mechanism and pH effect

Abstract

Photophysical properties and sensory capabilities of Acridine Orange (AO) have been studied in absence and presence of biomimicking anionic SDS (sodium dodecyl sulphate) micellar nanocage at various pH, where Cu 2+ is introduced as sensing input. In pure aqueous system, AO fluorescence intensity quenched and enhanced by Cu 2+ at pH ∼2 and pH ∼8, respectively. In presence of SDS micelle AO fluorescence intensity quenched by Cu 2+ at both pH ∼2 and pH ∼8. Sensing [i.e. quenching] efficiency has been enhanced in presence of SDS micelle by ∼150 times at pH ∼2 and ∼250 times at pH ∼8, when compared with pure aqueous system.