The enhanced cyan fluorescent protein: a sensitive pH sensor for fluorescence lifetime imaging

pH is an important parameter that affects many functions of live cells, from protein structure or function to several crucial steps of their metabolism. Genetically encoded pH sensors based on pH-sensitive fluorescent proteins have been developed and used to monitor the pH of intracellular compartments. The quantitative analysis of pH variations can be performed either by ratiometric or fluorescence lifetime detection. However, most available genetically encoded pH sensors are based on green and yellow fluorescent proteins and are not compatible with multicolor approaches. Taking advantage of the strong pH sensitivity of enhanced cyan fluorescent protein (ECFP), we demonstrate here its suitability as a sensitive pH sensor using fluorescence lifetime imaging. The intracellular ECFP lifetime undergoes large changes (32 %) in the pH 5 to pH 7 range, which allows accurate pH measurements to better than 0.2 pH units. By fusion of ECFP with the granular chromogranin A, we successfully measured the pH in secretory granules of PC12 cells, and we performed a kinetic analysis of intragranular pH variations in living cells exposed to ammonium chloride.     

A fluorescence ratiometric nano-pH sensor based on dual-fluorophore-doped silica nanoparticles

We have synthesized dual-fluorophore-doped core-shell silica nanoparticles used as ratiometric pH sensor. The nanoparticles were prepared with a reverse microemulsion technique by simultaneously encapsulating two different fluorophores, the pH-sensitive dye fluorescein as a pH indicator and the pH-insensitive dye phenosafranine as an internal reference for fluorescence ratiometric measurement, into silica shell. The nanoparticles prevent the fluorescence dyes leaching from the silica matrix when immersed inside water. The hydrophilic silica shells were made by hydrolysing and polymerizing tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) in water-in-oil microemulsion. The fluorescence intensity ratio of the two dyes varied linearly as a function of pH in the range from 4.0 to 8.0. The sensor was also applied to measure pH of real water samples. The results are in good agreements with that using the conventional glass electrode method. The as-prepared fluorescent nanoparticles showed rapid response, excellent stability and high reproducibility as pH sensors.     

Ratiometric detection of pH fluctuation in mitochondria with a new fluorescein/cyanine hybrid sensor

The homeostasis of mitochondrial pH (pH_m) is crucial in cell physiology. Developing small-molecular fluorescent sensors for the ratiometric detection of pH_m fluctuation is highly demanded yet challenging. A ratiometric pH sensor, Mito-pH, was constructed by integrating a pH-sensitive FITC fluorophore with a pH-insensitive hemicyanine group. The hemicyanine group also acts as the mitochondria targeting group due to its lipophilic cationic nature. Besides its ability to target mitochondria, this sensor provides two ratiometric pH sensing modes, the dual excitation/dual emission mode (D_ex/D_em) and dual excitation (D_ex) mode, and its linear and reversible ratiometric response range from pH 6.15 to 8.38 makes this sensor suitable for the practical tracking of pH_m fluctuation in live cells. With this sensor, stimulated pH_m fluctuation has been successfully tracked in a ratiometric manner via both fluorescence imaging and flow cytometry.     

A ratiometric approach for pH optosensing with a single fluorophore indicator

A new fiber-optic prototype of luminometer has been designed in order to perform ratiometric-based measurements for optical sensing purposes. The coupling of a pH-selective sensing phase to the fiber-optic prototype has been evaluated for robust pH optosensing in drinking water. The pH-sensitive material has been synthesized by entrapping a pH-sensitive luminescent indicator (mercurochrome) in a sol-gel inorganic matrix. The pH optosensing is based on the detection of pH-induced reversible changes in the mercurochrome fluorescent emission and in the light reflected by the sensing phase.The instrument has been constructed using low-cost and simple optoelectronic components. The active phase was excited by means of a visible 470 nm high intensity light emitting diode (LED). The radiant power of the LED was modulated using a sinusoidal function so that scattered light due to light sources of different frequency than the modulating signal (e.g. sunlight) can be easily removed by adequate electronic filtering of the emission signal. Both the fluorescence emission from the dye and the sensing phase reflected light were collected in a bifurcated fiber-optic to allow the ratiometric measurement.Two different ratiometric approaches have been evaluated. The analytical performance of the pH optrode using both measurement methods have been compared, between them and with simple fluorescence intensity measurements, in terms of sensitivity, measurement range, response time, repeatability and insensitivity to changes in excitation light intensity.The applicability of the developed pH optrode and methods has been tested for pH analysis in tap and bottled still mineral water samples. The results obtained showed good agreement with the corresponding pH values provided by a commercial glass electrode.In this work, pH was selected as a model analyte to evaluate the performance of the proposed methodology, although other optical sensors for different applications/analytes could benefit of this approach.     

A ratiometric fluorescence sensor with broad dynamic range based on two pH-sensitive fluorophores

This paper describes a novel ratiometric fluorescence sensor for pH measurement. Two pH-sensitive fluorophores, N-allyl-4-(4'-methyl-piperazinyl)-1,8-naphthalimide (AMPN) and meso-5,10,15,20-tetra-(4-allyloxyphenyl)porphyrin (TAPP), which served as referencing indicators for each other, were co-polymerized with acrylamide, hydroxyethyl methacrylate and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate on the silanized glass surface. The proposed sensor is based on the pH-dependent fluorescence intensities of the two fluorophores in different pH ranges. The sensor covers a broad dynamic range of pH 1.5-9.0. It exhibits satisfactory analytical performance in terms of selectivity, reproducibility and stability. The successful fabrication of the proposed sensor provides an alternative concept to utilizing two or more fluorophores for the development of ratiometric sensors covering a broad range of pH.     

Two-photon nano-PEBBLE sensors: subcellular pH measurements

Intracellular pH mapping is of great importance as it plays a critical role in many cellular events. Also, in tissue, pH mapping can be an indicator for the onset of cancer. Here we describe a biocompatible, targeted, ratiometric, fluorescent, pH sensing nano-PEBBLE (Photonic Explorer for Biomedical use with Biologically Localized Embedding) that is based on two-photon excitation. Two-photon excitation minimizes the photobleaching and cell autofluorescence drastically, leading to an increase in the signal-to-noise ratio. PEBBLE nanosensors provide a novel approach for introducing membrane impermeant dyes, like HPTS, into cells. We use both non-targeted and F3 peptide targeted PEBBLE nanosensors for intracellular pH measurement of 9L cells. The intracellular measurements suggest that the non-targeted nanosensors are mostly trapped in endosomes, whereas the F3 peptide targeting enables them to escape/avoid these acidic compartments. Combining the advantages of pH sensitive PEBBLE nanoparticles, including their specific targeting, with the advantages of two-photon microscopy provides an attractive and promising prospect for non-invasive real-time monitoring of pH inside cancer cells and tissues.     

Convenient and efficient FRET platform featuring a rigid biphenyl spacer between rhodamine and BODIPY: transformation of 'turn-on' sensors into ratiometric ones with dual emission

We have connected a borondipyrromethene (BODIPY) donor to the 5′ position of a tetramethylrhodamine (TMR) acceptor to form a high efficiency (over 99 %) intramolecular fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) cassette, BODIPY–rhodamine platform (BRP). While the good spectral overlap between the emission of BODIPY and the absorption of TMR was one favorable factor, another feature of this FRET system was the rigid and short biphenyl spacer that favored efficient through‐bond energy transfer. More importantly, in this system, the 2′‐carboxyl group of the rhodamine unit was preserved for the further modifications, which was as convenient as those carbonyl groups on the original rhodamines without connection to donors. For this reason, BRP is clearly differentiated from the previous ratiometric sensors based on donor rhodamine systems. To illustrate its value as a versatile platform, we introduced typical Hg²⁺ receptors into BRP, through convenient one‐pot reactions on the 2′‐carboxyl group, and successfully developed two ratiometric sensors, BRP‐1 and BRP‐2, with different spirocyclic receptors that recognized Hg²⁺ on different reaction mechanisms. Upon excitation at a single wavelength (488 nm), at which only BODIPY absorbed, both of the FRET sensors exhibited clear Hg²⁺‐induced changes in the intensity ratio of the two strong emission bands of BODIPY and rhodamine. It should be noted that these ratiometric Hg²⁺ sensors exhibited excellent sensitivity and selectivity Hg²⁺, as well as pH insensitivity, which was similar to the corresponding ‘turn‐on’ rhodamine sensors. While both ratiometric probes were applicable for Hg²⁺ imaging in living cells, BRP‐1 exhibited higher sensitivity and faster responses than BRP‐2. Our investigation indicated that on a versatile platform, such as BRP, a large number of highly efficient ratiometric sensors for transition‐metal ions could be conveniently developed.     

Carbon dots with strong excitation-dependent fluorescence changes towards pH. Application as nanosensors for a broad range of pH

In this study, preparation of novel pH-sensitive N-doped carbon dots (NCDs) using glucose and urea is reported. The prepared NCDs present strong excitation-dependent fluorescence changes towards the pH that is a new behavior from these nanomaterials. By taking advantage of this unique behavior, two separated ratiometric pH sensors using emission spectra of the NCDs for both acidic (pH 2.0 to 8.0) and basic (pH 7.0 to 14.0) ranges of pH are constructed. Additionally, by considering the entire Excitation–Emission Matrix (EEM) of NCDs as analytical signal and using a suitable multivariate calibration method, a broad range of pH from 2.0 to 14.0 was well calibrated. The multivariate calibration method was independent from the concentration of NCDs and resulted in a very low average prediction error of 0.067 pH units. No changes in the predicted pH under UV irradiation (for 3 h) and at high ionic strength (up to 2 M NaCl) indicated the high stability of this pH nanosensor. The practicality of this pH nanosensor for pH determination in real water samples was validated with good accuracy and repeatability.     

Synthesis and characterization of ratiometric nanosensors for pH quantification: a mixed micelle approach

Optical nanoparticle pH sensors designed for ratiometric measurements have previously been synthesized using post-functionalization approaches to introduce sensor molecules and to modify nanoparticle surface chemistry. This strategy often results in low control of the nanoparticle surface chemistry and is prone to batch-to-batch variations, which is undesirable for succeeding sensor calibrations and cellular measurements. Here we provide a new synthetic approach for preparing nanoparticle pH sensors based on self-organization principles, which in comparison to earlier strategies offers a much higher design flexibility and high control of particle size, morphology and surface chemistry.     

Expanding the dynamic measurement range for polymeric nanoparticle pH sensors

Conventional optical nanoparticle pH sensors that are designed for ratiometric measurements in cells have been based on utilizing one sensor fluorophore and one reference fluorophore in each nanoparticle, which results in a relatively narrow dynamic measurement range. This results in substantial challenges when conducting live cell measurements, which often leads to misleading results. In the present work we provide a simple solution to this problem.     

Harnessing a ratiometric fluorescence output from a sensor array

Ratiometric fluorescence-based sensors are widely sought after because they can effectively convert even relatively small changes in optical output into a strong and easy-to-read signal. However, ratiometric sensor molecules are usually difficult to make. We present a proof-of-principle experiment that shows that efficient ratiometric sensing may be achieved by an array of two chromophores, one providing an on-to-off response and the second yielding an off-to-on response in a complementary fashion. In the case that both chromophores emit light of different color, the result is a switching of colors that may be utilized in the same way as from a true ratiometric probe. The chromophore array comprises two sensor elements: i) a polyurethane membrane with embedded N-anthracen-9-yl-methyl-N-7-nitrobenzoxa-[1,2,5]diazo-4-yl-N',N'-dimethylethylenediamine hydrochloride and ii) a membrane with N,N-dimethyl-N'-(9-methylanthracenyl)ethylenediamine. A combination of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) allows for green-to-blue emission switching in the presence of Zn(II) ions. The sensing experiments carried out with different Zn(II) salts at controlled pH revealed that the degree of color switching in the individual sensor elements depends on both the presence of Zn(II) ions and the counter anion. These results suggest that sensing of both cations and anions may perhaps be extended to different cation-anion pairs.     

Targeted Tumor Computed Tomography Imaging Using Low‐Generation Dendrimer‐Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles

We report a facile approach to fabricating low‐generation poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer‐stabilized gold nanoparticles (Au DSNPs) functionalized with folic acid (FA) for in vitro and in vivo targeted computed tomography (CT) imaging of cancer cells. In this study, amine‐terminated generation 2 PAMAM dendrimers were employed as stabilizers to form Au DSNPs without additional reducing agents. The formed Au DSNPs with an Au core size of 5.5 nm were covalently modified with the targeting ligand FA, followed by acetylation of the remaining dendrimer terminal amines to endow the particles with targeting specificity and improved biocompatibility. Our characterization data show that the formed FA‐modified Au DSNPs are stable at different pH values (5—8) and temperatures (4–50 °C), as well as in different aqueous media. MTT assay data along with cell morphology observations reveal that the FA‐modified Au DSNPs are noncytotoxic in the particle concentration range of 0–3000 nM . X‐ray attenuation coefficient measurements show that the CT value of FA‐modified Au DSNPs is much higher than that of Omnipaque (a clinically used CT contrast agent) at the same concentration of the radiodense elements (Au or iodine). Importantly, the FA‐modified Au DSNPs are able to specifically target a model cancer cell line (KB cells, a human epithelial carcinoma cell line) over‐expressing FA receptors and they enable targeted CT imaging of the cancer cells in vitro and the xenografted tumor model in vivo after intravenous administration of the particles. With the simple synthesis approach, easy modification, good cytocompatibility, and high X‐ray attenuation coefficient, the FA‐modified low‐generation Au DSNPs could be used as promising contrast agents for targeted CT imaging of different tumors over‐expressing FA receptors.     

New Chemodosimetric Reagents as Ratiometric Probes for Cysteine and Homocysteine and Possible Detection in Living Cells and in Blood Plasma

In this work, we have rationally designed and synthesized two new reagents ( L₁ and L₂ ), each bearing a pendant aldehyde functionality. This aldehyde group can take part in cyclization reactions with β‐ or γ‐amino thiols to yield the corresponding thiazolidine and thiazinane derivatives, respectively. The intramolecular charge‐transfer (ICT) bands of these thiazolidine and thiazinane derivatives are distinctly different from those of the molecular probes ( L₁ and L₂ ). Such changes could serve as a potential platform for using L₁ and L₂ as new colorimetric/fluorogenic as well as ratiometric sensors for cysteine (Cys) and homocysteine (Hcy) under physiological conditions. Both reagents proved to be specific towards Cys and Hcy even in the presence of various amino acids, glucose, and DNA. Importantly, these two chemodosimetric reagents could be used for the quantitative detection of Cys present in blood plasma by using a pre‐column HPLC technique. Such examples are not common in contemporary literature. MTT assay studies have revealed that these probes have low cytotoxicity. Confocal laser scanning micrographs of cells demonstrated that these probes could penetrate cell membranes and could be used to detect intracellular Cys/Hcy present within living cells. Thus, the results presented in this article not only demonstrate the efficiency and specificity of two ratiometric chemodosimeter molecules for the quantitative detection of Cys and Hcy, but also provide a strategy for developing reagents for analysis of these vital amino acids in biological samples.     

Genetically Encoded Ratiometric RNA‐Based Sensors for Quantitative Imaging of Small Molecules in Living Cells

Precisely determining the intracellular concentrations of metabolites and signaling molecules is critical in studying cell biology. Fluorogenic RNA‐based sensors have emerged to detect various targets in living cells. However, it is still challenging to apply these genetically encoded sensors to quantify the cellular concentrations and distributions of targets. Herein, using a pair of orthogonal fluorogenic RNA aptamers, DNB and Broccoli, we engineered a modular sensor system to apply the DNB‐to‐Broccoli fluorescence ratio to quantify the cell‐to‐cell variations of target concentrations. These ratiometric sensors can be broadly applied for live‐cell imaging and quantification of metabolites, signaling molecules, and other synthetic compounds.     

Time-domain fluorescence lifetime imaging for intracellular pH sensing in living tissues

pH sensing in living cells represents one of the most prominent topics in biochemistry and physiology. In this study we performed one-photon and two-photon time-domain fluorescence lifetime imaging with a laser-scanning microscope using the time-correlated single-photon counting technique for imaging intracellular pH levels. The suitability of different commercial fluorescence dyes for lifetime-based pH sensing is discussed on the basis of in vitro as well of in situ measurements. Although the tested dyes are suitable for intensity-based ratiometric measurements, for lifetime-based techniques in the time-domain so far only BCECF seems to meet the requirements of reliable intracellular pH recordings in living cells.     

Development of ratiometric fluorescent pH sensors based on chromenoquinoline derivatives with tunable pKa values for bioimaging

In this work, we first studied the pH-dependent characteristic of chromenoquinoline. Based on this, we then designed and synthesized two novel chromenoquinoline derivatives that can act as fluorescent pH sensors. The pK_a values of two novel chromenoquinoline derivatives can be modulated from 2.32 to 4.38 and 6.27 by introducing EDG on the backbone of chromenoquinoline. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the sensor 4 can be used as a ratiometric fluorescent pH sensor for fluorescence imaging in living cells.     

Detecting the adsorption of dye molecules in homogeneous poly(propylene imine) dendrimer monolayers by surface plasmon resonance sensor

In this work, we studied guest-host interactions between various dye molecules and the fifth-generation poly(propylene imine) (PPI-5) dendrimers in aqueous solutions using a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor. The effect of the properties of guest and host molecules (e.g., charge and shape) and media (e.g., pH and ion strength) on affinity between guest and host molecules was investigated. Based on an immobilized homogeneous monolayer of PPI-5 dendrimer tethered to carboxyl-terminal self-assembled monolayers, the adsorption behavior of a group of dye molecules in PPI-5 was obtained. Results show that the strong affinity of PPI-5 to Rose Bengal and erythrosine B is attributed to the good match in charge and shape between the cavities of the dendrimer and the dye molecules. Maximum adsorption around a pH value of 7 was observed. The kinetic behaviors of different dye molecules in dendrimers were also studied. A fundamental understanding of guest-host interactions in dendrimers will guide the design of new-generation sensors and drug delivery carriers.     

Ratiometric fluorescent detection of acidic pH in lysosome with carbon nanodots

It is significant for cell physiology to keep the homeostasis of p H, and it is highly demanded to develop ratiometric fluorescent sensors toward p H. In this work, under mild condition, through the electrostatic interaction between carbon nanodots(CDs) and organic molecules, two novel ratiometric fluorescence hybrid nanosensors were fabricated for sensing acidic p H. These nanohybrid systems possess dual emission peaks at 455 and 527 nm under a single excitation wavelength of 380 nm in acidic p H condition.With the increasing of p H, the fluorescence of the 1,8-naphthalimide derivative completely quenches,while the blue fluorescence of CDs keeps constant. Furthermore, the CDsàorganic molecular nanohybrids exhibit excellent anti-disturbance ability, reversible p H sensing ability, and a linear response range in wide p H range respectively. Besides the ability to target lysosome, with one of the nanosensor, stimulated p H change has been successfully tracked in a ratiometric manner via fluorescence imaging.     

Stimuli-Responsible SNARF Derivatives as a Latent Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe

Fluorescence imaging is a powerful technique for continuous observation of dynamic intracellular processes of living cells. Fluorescent probes bearing a fluorescence switching property associated with a specific recognition or reaction of target biomolecule, that is, stimuli-responsibility, are important for fluorescence imaging. Thus, fluorescent probes continue to be developed to support approaches with different design strategies. When compared with simple intensity-changing fluorescent probes, ratiometric fluorescent probes typically offer the advantage of less sensitivity to errors associated with probe concentration, photobleaching, and environmental effects. For intracellular usage, ratiometric fluorescent probes based on small molecules must be loaded into the cells. Thus, probes having intrinsic fluorescence may obscure a change in intracellular signal if the background fluorescence of the remaining extracellular probes is high. To overcome such disadvantages, it is necessary to minimize the extracellular background fluorescence of fluorescent probes. Here, the design strategy of the latent ratiometric fluorescent probe for wash-free ratiometric imaging using a xanthene dye seminapthorhodafluor (SNARF) as the scaffold of fluorophore is discussed.     

Green fluorescent protein based pH indicators for in vivo use: a review

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) and its variants have been used as fluorescent reporters in a variety of applications for monitoring dynamic processes in cells and organisms, including gene expression, protein localization, and intracellular dynamics. GFP fluorescence is stable, species-independent, and can be monitored noninvasively in living cells by fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, or macroscopic imaging techniques. Owing to the presence of a phenol group on the chromophore, most GFP variants display pH-sensitive absorption and fluorescence bands. Such behavior has been exploited to genetically engineer encodable pH indicators for studies of pH regulation within specific intracellular compartments that cannot be probed using conventional pH-sensitive dyes. These pH indicators contributed to shedding light on a number of cell functions for which intracellular pH is an important modulator. In this review we discuss the photophysical properties that make GFPs so special as pH indicators for in vivo use and we describe the probes that are utilized most by the scientific community.