Near-infrared fluorescent probes based on TBET and FRET rhodamine acceptors with different pK _a values for sensitive ratiometric visualization of pH changes in live cells.

ABSTRACT: Three near-infrared ratiometric fluorescent probes (A-C) based on TBET and FRET near-infrared rhodamine acceptors with different pK _a values were designed and synthesized to achieve sensitive ratiometric visualization of pH variations in lysosomes in visible and near-infrared channels. Tetraphenylethene (TPE) was bonded to near-infrared rhodamine dyes through short electrical π -conjugation linkers to prevent an aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effect and allow highly efficient energy transfer of up to 98.9% from TPE donors to rhodamine acceptors. Probes A-C respond to pH variation from 7.4 to 3.0 in both buffer solutions and live cells with significant decreases of donor fluorescence and concomitant extraordinary increases of rhodamine acceptor fluorescen

SUBMITTER: Wang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6668629 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature