Ratiometric Fluorescence Research Articles

Synthesis and fluorescence properties of a two-dimensional Cd-complex for the ratiometric fluorescence detection of Zn2+ ions

The two-dimensional complex [Cd3(L)(2,2'-bpy)2]n (1) was synthesized solvothermally from 4,5-di(3,5-dicarboxylphenoxy)phthalic acid (H6L) and 2,2'-bipyridine (2,2'-bpy) and fully characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 displays high stability in water and resistance towards acidic and basic media. Fluorescence studies revealed that it may be acted as a ratiometric fluorescence probe to detect Zn2+ ions in water with a superior detection limit of 3.48 nM. The fluorescence recognition mechanism stems from weak interactions between Zn2+ ions and complex 1. Its pronounced stability and recyclability suggest that the new material may be used for high-precision detection of Zn2+ ions in real-life aqueous samples, even under acidic and basic conditions.

Dual lanthanide Complexes-Loaded ratiometric nanothermometer for elucidating intracellular variations of temperature and calcium transport

Herein, we report a ratiometric nanothermometer to study the correlation of heat/temperature and intracellular calcium transport. Firstly, poly(methyl methacrylate)-based copolymeric nanoparticles (NPs) from nanoprecipitation encapsulates two lanthanide complexes (Eu(DNPD)3Phen and Sm(DBM)3Phen) to enhance fluorescence of lanthanide ions (Ln3+). NPs were thereafter coated with an amphiphilic block copolymer pluronic F-127 to prevent nonspecific interaction between NPs and proteins, which ensures internalization of the nanothermometer into living cells. The back energy transfer (BET) from the excited state of Ln3+ to the triplet energy levels of ligand endows the temperature dependence on ratiometric fluorescence of Eu3+ and Sm3+. This nanothermometer has excellent anti-interference ability, ensuring accurate cell temperature measurement within a range of 29.0–40.0℃. It exhibits a maximum relative thermal sensitivity of 1.9 % ℃-1 at 29.0℃ and a minimum temperature resolution of 0.1℃ at 39.0℃ in live HeLa cells. The nanothermometer was applied for studying temperature or heat induced intracellular Ca2+ transport. It illustrated that free cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) increased only when the cell temperature reached a certain threshold under photothermal stimulation, and the rise of temperature corresponds to the increase of [Ca2+]i. Furthermore, Ca2+ burst induced Ca2+ transport from cytoplasm to endoplasmic reticulum, which promoted ATP hydrolysis along with the rise of intracellular temperature. 200 s stimulation with FCCP enhanced ca. 1.7℃ of intracellular temperature along with 2.2 folds increment of [Ca2+]i, as FCCP induces Ca2+ efflux from mitochondria by increasing proton concentration therein. These results indicate that a close relationship between intracellular temperature and Ca2+ transport, which is of great significance for further understanding the role of temperature in signaling pathways and neurotransmitter release events.

Ratiometric Sensing of Azithromycin and Sulfide Using Dual Emissive Carbon Dots: A Turn On-Off-On Approach.

A novel ratiometric fluorescence probe was developed for the determination of azithromycin (AZM) and sulfide ions based on the differential modulation of red emissive carbon dots (R-N@CDs) and blue emissive carbon dots (B-NS@CDs). The addition of sulfide anion selectively quenched the red emission of R-N@CDs while the blue emission of B-NS@CDs unaffected. Upon subsequent introduction of AZM to this R-N@CDs@sulfide system, the quenched red fluorescence was restored. Comprehensive characterization of the CDs was performed using UV-Vis, fluorescence, FTIR spectroscopy, XPS, and TEM. The proposed method exhibited excellent sensitivity and selectivity, with limits of detection of 0.33 µM for AZM and 0.21 µM for sulfide. Notably, this approach enabled direct detection of sulfide without requiring prior modulation of the CDs with metal ions, as is common in other reported methods. The ratiometric probe was successfully applied for the determination of AZM in biological fluids and sulfide in environmental water samples with high selectivity. This work presents the first fluorometric method for the detection of AZM in biological fluids.

Construction of an ultrasensitive hypochlorite fluorescent probe based on a novel chromophore fragmentation strategy

The excess intake of hypochlorite (ClO−) in the human body and excessive emission in wastewater can pose serious health risks and environmental pollution. Therefore, it is vital to develop an efficient method for detecting ClO− in foodstuff and water. In this work, we reported a lactam-fused aza-BODIPY (LAB1) for ultrasensitive ClO− detection based on novel chromophore fragmentation strategy for the first time. It exhibited distinct advantages of good selectivity, high sensitivity, fast response (60 s) and low detection limit of 9.65 nM. The sensing mechanism revealed LAB1 core was fragmented by ClO−, leading to significantly colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescence changes. As a result, 320 nm blue-shift in absorption maximum (from green to colorless) and 340 nm blue-shift in emission maximum (from dark to bright blue) allowed for visual detection by the naked eyes. The potential applicability of LAB1 for ClO− detection with satisfactory recovery in the real samples (tap water and lake water) and vegetables (spinach, lettuce, Chinese cabbage, bean sprouts), and fluorescence “turn on” imaging in mung bean sprout were demonstrated. In addition, LAB1-loaded test paper was suitable for semi-quantitative scanning ClO− analysis by using color recognition APP in a smartphone. Therefore, this work highlights a promising approach based on novel sensing mechanism for monitoring ClO− in food samples.

Rapid and reliable ratiometric fluorescence detection of isoquercitrin based on a high-nuclearity Zn(II)-Nd(III) nanomolecular sensor

Rapid and quantitative detection of isoquercitrin (Isq) has been attracting much attention due to its outstanding pharmacological and physiological activities. Herein, an interesting 48-metal Zn(II)-Nd(III) nanocluster (1, molecular sizes 1.3 × 2.8 × 3.1 nm) with salen-type Schiff base ligand was constructed as molecular sensor for the luminescence detection of Isq. 1 exhibits visible ligand-centered emission and NIR luminescence of Nd(III), and shows ratiometric fluorescence response to Isq with high sensitivity even in the presence of other interferences. The fluorescence sensing behavior can be expressed by a second-order equation I1060nm/I480nm = A*[Isq]2 + B*[Isq] + C, which is used to quantitatively analyze the Isq concentrations in DMF and FCS. The LODs to Isq for the ligand-centered and lanthanide emissions of 1 in DMF are 0.21 μM and 0.11 nM, respectively. The quenching of the ligand-centered emission of 1 caused by Isq is attributed to the competitive absorption of light energy and “inner effect”, while, the luminescence enhancement is due to the “antenna effect”.

Dual-Modulation ratiometric fluorescence strategy for cobalt and topotecan detection using Red-Emissive carbon dots

A new ratiometric fluorescence strategy for sensitive and selective detection of cobalt ions (Co2+) and topotecan (TOP) is proposed. The dual-probe system consists of red-emissive nitrogen and sulphur doped carbon dots (R-NS@CDs) and TOP. For Co2+ detection, the fluorescence of R-NS@CDs at 680 nm is enhanced upon addition of Co2+, while complexed TOP emission peak at 545 nm remains constant. This enables ratiometric detection of Co2+ over a range of 5.0–160.0 ng mL−1. The mechanism of R-NS@CDs fluorescence enhancement by Co2+ is elucidated using FTIR, fluorescence spectroscopy, zeta potential measurements, and TEM imaging. For the detection of TOP, a ratiometric probe system comprising R-NS@CDs and Co2+ was utilized. TOP forms a complex with Co2+ bounded to R-NS@CDs, quenching the R-NS@CDs-Co2+ fluorescence and simultaneously the native TOP fluorescence is enhanced. This allows ratiometric quantification of TOP from 1.0-90.0 ng mL−1. The method provides high selectivity and low detection limits of 1.51 ng mL−1 for Co2+ and 0.37 ng mL−1 for TOP. Practical applicability is demonstrated through selective detection of Co2+ in environmental water samples and TOP in real plasma samples. The built-in self-calibration enabled by dual analyte modulation of R-NS@CDs makes this a simple and powerful analytical approach.

The future of drug Monitoring: Highly selective ratiometric sensing of mefenamic acid by simple AIEE active probe supported through Extensive fluorometric and DFT studies

Over intake of mefenamic acid (MA) cause morbidity, mortality, liver damage, and hepatic necrosis. For this reason, it is of great importance to discover novel methodologies that provide sharp detection timing, improved sensing efficiency, and profound reproducibility in MA detection. In our current research, we synthesized a naphthalic anhydride based probe PPN which revealed excellent sensing potential towards MA. Probe PPN exhibited ratiometric fluorescence against MA based on complex formation and photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process. Detection mechanism was verified through Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and 1H NMR titration experiments. The type of interaction between probe PPN and MA was investigated through quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis and noncovalent interaction (NCI) analysis and was further evaluated via spectroscopic analysis. Moreover, the probe PPN was practically employed to the sensing of MA in artificial urine, pharmaceutical wastewater, and blood samples. Probe PPN is the most streamlined probe designed ever for the sensing of MFA in complex environments with extreme selectivity and sensitivity.

Nanostructured rhodamine B/aluminosilicate extracted sugarcane bagasse modified with tobacco-derived carbon quantum dot as ratiometric fluorescence probe for determination of tetracycline

Tetracycline (TC), as a widely used antibiotic, is very useful in treating bacterial infections. However, its residues in animal foodstuffs can enter the human body through the food cycle and causes severe and chronic diseases. On the other hand, due to its weak non-biodegradability, it is considered a threat to the environment. In this regard, the development of sensing methods to detect and measure TC is need of the hour. Herein, a dual-emission fluorescence sensor based on porous aluminosilicate structure (ASS) with rough surface hexagonal shape morphology and pore diameter less than 2 nm was prepared. The porous AAS was modified by post-modification method with blue carbon dots (CDT) and rhodamine B (RB) as two fluorophores to develop the ratiometric fluorescence (RF) sensor (CDT-AAS/RB). Nanostructured CDT-AAS/RB emitted two resolved peaks at 445 and 585 nm , which were dramatically quenched in the presence of TC. The RF sensor, with excellent sensitivity, was able to measure TC over the linear range of 0.001–150 μM with a limit of detection of 5.4 nM in the aqueous phosphate buffer. Moreover, the AAS component granted high selectivity and anti-interference ability to the sensor. In addition, the stability of the sensor was greatly improved due to the non-accumulation of CDT nanoparticles and RB molecules in the presence of the AAS. The proposed method was able to determine TC in complex real samples with satisfactory recovery, and the obtained results were validated with standard high-performance liquid chromatography technique.

Less interference fluorescence analytical strategy: Bridging substance-triggered ratiometric sensor with convenient preparation and application

High interference and narrow application range are key of bottleneck of recent fluorescence analysis methods, which limit their wide application in the sensing field. Therefore, to overcome these disadvantages, a ratiometric fluorescence sensing system utilizing berberine (BER) and silver nanoclusters protected by dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA-AgNCs) was constructed for the first time in this work, to achieve determination of BER and daunorubicin (Dau). BER aqueous solution (non-planar conformation) has no fluorescence emission. When it was mixed with DHLA-AgNCs, the conformation of BER became planar, producing fluorescence emission at 515 nm besides the fluorescence emission peak of DHLA-AgNCs at 653 nm. With the increase of BER concentration added in system, the fluorescence intensity of BER (planar conformation) at 515 nm increased obviously and the fluorescence intensity of DHLA-AgNCs decreased slightly. Therefore, the dual emission fluorescence sensing system was constructed based on a fluorescence substance and non fluorescence substance, to achieve determination of BER. Meanwhile, based on the bridging effect of BER and fluorescence resonance energy transfer effect from Dau, the altering of two peaks intensity was utilized to achieve determination of Dau. Thus, this dual emission sensing system can not only be used for fluorescence analysis of BER and its analogues, but also based on the bridging effect of BER, allowing the determination of Dau and its analogues that could not be directly measured with silver nanoclusters, expanding the application range of traditional dual emission detection systems. Meanwhile, this system has strong anti-interference ability and low toxicity to the human body and less pollution to the sample and environment. This provides a new direction and universal research strategy for the construction of new fluorescence sensing systems in the future for the analysis of target substances that cannot be directly detected with conventional fluorescence analysis methods.

Dual-emissive BT-CP-TD covalent organic polymers for detecting furacillin, white light emission and information encryption

Recently, luminescent covalent organic polymers (LCOPs) are garnering more and more attention owing to their excellent emissive properties. However, the precise control of LCOPs’ luminescence behaviors remains a formidable challenge. Here, a dual-emissive CP-(BTxTD100-x) COP which was composited of CP, BT and TD (x is the added molar ratio of BT to total feed aldehyde) were synthesized by Knoevenagel condensation reaction between 1,3,5-tri(4-cyano-methylbenzene) benzene (CP) and 2,7-dibenzaldehyde-benthiadiazole (BT)/1,4-bis(4-aldehyde phenyl)benzene (TD). The luminescent behaviors of CP-(BTxTD100-x) COP could be precisely tuned by the ratio of CP, BT and TD as well as excitation wavelength. The CP-(BT33TD67) COP emitted white light (0.3012, 0.3207) when excited at 310 nm. A ratiometric fluorescence sensor was developed for detecting furacillin using CP-(BT33TD67) COP, showing a detection limit of 8.23 ng mL−1. Based on the excitation-depending behaviors of CP-(BT33TD67) COP, combined with CP-(BT100TD0) COP, a kind of security and information encryption image in the form of a quick response was designed. The discoveries provide a new idea for the design of dual-emission LCOPs by regulating the ratio of monomers and excitation wavelengths. The findings also extend the potential applications of dual-emission LCOPs.

Ratiometric Fluorescence Aptasensor of Allergen Protein Based on Multivalent Aptamer-Encoded DNA Flowers as Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Platform.

Life-threatening allergic reactions to food allergens, particularly peanut protein Ara h1, are a growing public health concern affecting millions of people worldwide. Thus, accurate and rapid detection is necessary for allergen labeling and dietary guidance and ultimately preventing allergic incidents. Herein, we present a novel ratiometric fluorescence aptasensor based on multivalent aptamer-encoded DNA flowers (Mul-DNFs) for the high-stability and sensitive detection of allergen Ara h1. The flower-shaped Mul-DNFs were spontaneously packaged using ultralong polymeric DNA amplicons driven by a rolling circle amplification reaction, which contains a large number of Ara h1 specific recognition units and has excellent binding properties. Furthermore, dual-color fluorescence-labeled Mul-DNFs probes were developed by hybridizing them with Cy3- and Cy5-labeled complementary DNA (cDNA) to serve as a ratiometric fluorescence aptasensor platform based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Benefiting from the combined merits of the extraordinary synergistic multivalent binding ability of Mul-DNFs, the excellent specificity of the aptamer, and the sensitivity of the ratiometric sensor to avoid exogenous interference. The developed ratiometric aptasensor showed excellent linearity (0.05-2000 ng mL-1) with a limit of detection of 0.02 ng mL-1. Additionally, the developed ratiometric fluorescence aptasensor was utilized for quantifying the presence of Ara h1 in milk, infant milk powder, cookies, bread, and chocolate with recoveries of 95.7-106.3%. The proposed ratiometric aptasensor is expected to be a prospective universal aptasensor platform for the rapid, sensitive, and accurate determination of food and environmental hazards.

Lanthanide metal-organic framework-based surface molecularly imprinted polymers ratiometric fluorescence probe for visual detection of perfluorooctanoic acid with a smartphone-assisted portable device

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) poses a threat to the environment and human health due to its persistence, bioaccumulation, and reproductive toxicity. Herein, a lanthanide metal-organic framework (Ln-MOF)-based surface molecularly imprinted polymers (SMIPs) ratiometric fluorescence probe (Eu/Tb-MOF@MIPs) and a smartphone-assisted portable device were developed for the detection of PFOA with high selectivity in real water samples. The integration of Eu/Tb MOFs as carriers not only had highly stable multiple emission signals but also prevented deformation of the imprinting cavity of MIPs. Meanwhile, the MIPs layer preserved the fluorescence of Ln-MOF and provided selective cavities for improved specificity. Molecular dynamics (MD) was employed to simulate the polymerization process of MIPs, revealing that the formation of multiple recognition sites was attributed to the establishment of hydrogen bonds between functional monomers and templates. The probe showed a good linear relationship with PFOA concentration in the range of 0.02–2.8 μM, by giving the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.98 nM. Additionally, The red-green-blue (RGB) values analysis based on the smartphone-assisted portable device demonstrated a linear relationship of 0.1–2.8 μM PFOA with the LOD of 3.26 nM. The developed probe and portable device sensing platform exhibit substantial potential for on-site detecting PFOA in practical applications and provide a reliable strategy for the intelligent identification of important targets in water environmental samples.

Dual fluorophores embedded in zeolitic imidazolate framework‑8 for ratiometric fluorescence sensing of a biomarker of anthrax spores

The precise and selective monitoring of dipicolinic acid (DPA), a particular biomarker associated with anthrax spores, is crucial for the rapid detection and diagnosis of anthrax infection. A ratiometric fluorescence nanoprobe called AuNCs/GQDs@ZIF-8, has been designed by encapsulating gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) into zeolitic imidazolate framework‑8 (ZIF-8) for sensing DPA. By leveraging enrichment effects of ZIF-8, embedded AuNCs restricts intramolecular movements and triggers aggregation-induced emission, further acquiring bright fluorescence. In the presence of europium ions (Eu3+), the fluorescence of AuNCs@ZIF-8 significantly decreases due to static quenching. However, Eu3+ are sequestered by DPA through strong coordination effects, causing fluorescence recovery of AuNCs@ZIF-8. Eu3+-mediated AuNCs@ZIF-8 therefore serve as response signals for DPA recognition. Integrating with stable reference signals of GQDs, a ratiometric fluorescence sensor exhibits the satisfactory linearity of 0.1–200 µM and detection limit of 32 nM. Furthermore, the smartphone-integrated visual mode can immediately identify fluorescence colors for assessing DPA. Compared to alternative nanoprobes, this ratiometric fluorescence sensor demonstrates higher sensitivity, lowering than DPA commonly released by infectious spores (60 µM). This study not only provides the promising sensor for DPA measurement during early anthrax diagnosis, but offers insights on designing ratiometric sensors with diverse fluorescence nanomaterials.

Ratiometric Fluorescence Detection of Levofloxacin Based on a Cube-like Zn(II)-Eu(III) Nanocluster: Functionalized Sodium Alginate Film for the Detection in Serum and Medicine.

A cube-like Zn(II)-Eu(III) nanocluster 1 (molecular sizes: 1.8 × 2.0 × 2.0 nm) was constructed by the use of a new long-chain Schiff base ligand. It shows a ratiometric fluorescence response to levofloxacin (LFX) with high sensitivity and selectivity, which can be expressed as I615nm/I550nm = A*[LFX]2 + B*[LFX] + C. It is used to quantitatively detect the LFX concentrations in fetal calf serum (FCS) and tablets sold in pharmacy. Filter paper strips bearing 1 can be used to qualitatively detect LFX by a color change to red under a UV lamp. 1 and its hybrid with sodium alginate (SA), 1@SA, display potential applications in the qualitative detection of LFX in FCS and the medicine. The limit of detection of 1 to LFX is as low as 2.1 × 10-2 nM.

A Ratiometric Fluorescent Detection Platform Using G‐CDs@[Ru(bpy)3]2+ for the Specific Detection of Hypochlorite and Live Cell Imaging

AbstractHypochlorite (ClO−), an essential reactive oxygen species (ROS) in physiological processes, is identified to be closely connected with oxidative stress and related diseases. Meanwhile, ClO− is a commonly‐used disinfector for water treatment, and in public places, under acidic conditions, it's easily decomposed into hypertoxic chlorine gas. Since the strong oxidizing property of ClO−, many oxidizing agents may disturb the ClO− detection. Specific and accurate detection of ClO− with superior sensitivity is a challenge. In this work, a sensing platform for rapid, sensitive, and specific ClO− detection is constructed using green fluorescent carbon dots (G‐CDs), with a linear detection range of 0.5–11 µm and a detection limit of 0.233 µm. Moreover, introducing a red fluorescent tripyridinium ruthenium ([Ru(bpy)3]2+) as a reference, a ratiometric fluorescence nanoprobe G‐CDs@[Ru(bpy)3]2+ is prepared and shows favorable intracellular imaging of exogenous and endogenous ClO−. With G‐CDs@[Ru(bpy)3]2+‐based test paper microarrays and a color recognition APP, a smartphone‐based sensing system for point‐of‐care testing of ClO− is also fabricated. In summary, this work proposed a versatile and economical smartphone‐based sensing system that featured reliability and simplicity, and suggested its potential applications in environmental water quality monitoring and live cell imaging.

Ratiometric fluorescence temperature sensing of dual-lanthanide MOFs (Eu1-xTbx-BTC) prepared by solvothermal method

A series of bimetallic-organic frameworks (Eu1-xTbx-BTC) have been prepared via solvothermal method by using 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid as organic ligand, and confirmed by XRD patterns and FT-IR spectra. As x climbs up, the morphology of Eu1-xTbx-BTC evolves from micro-sticks gradually to microspheres with the diameter about 2–3 μm, among which Eu0.1Tb0.9-BTC displays the best luminescence performance under the excitation at 295 nm. Both the emission peaks located at 618 nm and 547 nm are rising with test temperature increasing instead of intrinsic thermal quenching. The fluorescence intensity ratio Δ of Eu0.1Tb0.9-BTC demonstrates a good linear fit in range of 293 K–473 K, combined with the maximum relative sensitivity (Sr) of 0.135%K−1 (293 K) and the temperature resolution (δT) range of 0.099 K–0.123 K. Finally, the five-cycle temperature sensing test proves Eu0.1Tb0.9-BTC has a reliable cycling and thermal stability.

A self-calibrating ratiometric fluorescence sensor with photonic crystal-based signal amplification for the detection of tetracycline in food

A dual-color ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on photonic crystals (PCs) was developed to detect tetracycline (TC) in food. PC was fabricated via self-assembly of carbon dots (CDs)–loaded SiO2 nanoparticles. Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) and copper ions (Cu2+) were then adsorbed onto the PC for sensor fabrication. The fluorescence of AuNCs was amplified by the PC with an enhancement ratio of 7.6, providing higher sensitivity. The fluorescence of AuNCs was quenched by Cu2+, whereas that of CDs remained unchanged as an internal reference. TC restored the fluorescence of AuNCs owing to its complexation with Cu2+, resulting in a change in the fluorescence intensity ratio. The sensor exhibited a good linear relationship with TC concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 μM, with a detection limit of 34 nM. Furthermore, the sensor was applied for TC detection in food with satisfactory recoveries and relative standard deviations, revealing great potential in practical application.

Portable analysis of tract mercury ions by a hydrogel-based ratiometric fluorescence sensor using C3N4-CdTe0.16S0.84 QDs nanocomposites

The portable detection of trace mercury ions (Hg2+) in water is crucial for preventing and controlling mercury pollution. In this study, graphitic carbon nitride nanoparticles (CNNPs) with green fluorescence as the self-calibration signal were synthesized by a one-pot solvothermal method. Cadmium telluride sulfide quantum dots (CdTe0.16S0.84 QDs) with red fluorescence as a response signal were prepared using an oxidation-reduction method. Thus, a new ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on CNNPs-CdTe0.16S0.84 QDs was constructed for the visual detection of trace Hg2+. The linear range of the sensor was from 0.05 to 2525 nM, with a detection limit of 0.009 nM. The sensor displayed higher sensitivity to Hg2+ compared to copper ions and silver ions. The fluorescence quenching behavior and the source of sensitivity for the three metal ions were investigated using the Stern-Volmer equation and density functional theory. The results suggest that the high sensitivity to Hg2+ may arise from electron transfer and electrostatic interactions between Hg2+ and CdTe0.16S0.84 QDs. Building on this proposed strategy, a new smartphone-assisted CNNPs-CdTe0.16S0.84 QDs hydrogel-based fluorescence sensor was constructed for portable on-site analysis of trace Hg2+. This new method will facilitate the on-site monitoring of hazardous substances in environmental water.

Molecular Imprinting-Based Ratiometric Fluorescence Nanosensor and Kit for Rapid and Visual Detection of Folic Acid

Molecular Imprinting-Based Ratiometric Fluorescence Nanosensor and Kit for Rapid and Visual Detection of Folic Acid

Pyrene doped silica nanoparticles: Synthesis, oxygen sensing, and singlet oxygen generation

Dye-doped silica nanoparticles have garnered attention from researchers owing to their beneficial properties, such as signal amplification, surface modification, and biocompatibility. In this study, pyrene-doped silica nanoparticles (PSNPs) were prepared using the reverse microemulsion approach. Pyrenebutyric acid conjugated with aminopropyltriethoxysilane was synthesized to obtain durable PSNPs with low dye leaching via the covalent encapsulation of pyrene inside a silica matrix. The PSNPs were spherical, with a diameter of 72 nm. The PSNPs exhibited excimer fluorescence upon photoexcitation. To demonstrate the applicability of the synthesized PSNPs in biological applications, including photodynamic therapy (PDT) and oxygen sensing, the influence of oxygen on the fluorescence spectrum was investigated. The excimer fluorescence intensity was quenched by oxygen, along with a decrease in fluorescence lifetime. Ratiometric fluorescence sensing and fluorescence lifetime sensing of oxygen concentration were demonstrated. The biomolecular quenching rate constant was evaluated using the Stern–Volmer plot of the fluorescence lifetime. Moreover, utilizing a chemical trap of singlet oxygen molecules, it was demonstrated that singlet oxygen was generated by the photosensitization of PSNP. The PSNPs synthesized in this study are potentially capable of oxygen sensing, PDT, and bioimaging for various biological applications.