Sensing Performance and Efficiency of Two Energy Transfer-Based Two-Photon Fluorescent Probes for pH

Abstract

The design and synthesis of fluorescent probes for monitoring pH values inside living cells have attracted great attention, due to the important role pH plays in many biological processes. In this study, the optical properties of two different two-photon fluorescent probes for pH are studied. The ratiometric sensing of the probes are theoretically illustrated. Meanwhile, the recognitional mechanisms of the probes are investigated, which shows the energy transfer process when react with H+. Specially, the calculated results demonstrate that Probe1 possesses a higher energy transfer efficiency and a larger two-photon absorption cross-section than Probe2, indicating it to be a preferable pH fluorescent probe. Therefore, the influence of connection between the donor and the acceptor on the sensing performances of the probe is demonstrated. Our results help to understand the experimental observations and provide a theoretical basis to synthesize efficient two-photon fluorescent probes for monitoring pH changes.

Excellent ratiometric two-photon fluorescent probes for hydrogen sulfide detection based on the fluorescence resonance energy transfer mechanism

“…38 At present, the theoretical studies on TP-FRET probes are still very limited. [41][42][43][44][45][46] Wang et al designed a TP-FRET ratiometric fluorescent probe, for which a rhodamine spirolactam and a naphthalene derivative were selected as the energy acceptor and donor respectively. 41 The FRET and the fluorescence OFF-ON effects are fully rationalized by quantum chemical calculations.…”

“…Zhang and coworkers theoretically investigated the optical properties and recognition mechanism of a series of TP fluorescent probes. [42][43][44] The influence of the donor and linker on the sensing performances was demonstrated. These theoretical studies revealed the microscopic FRET mechanism behind the experimental observations and provided useful structure and property relationship for the design of TP-FRET fluorescent probes.…”