A PNIPAM-based fluorescent nanothermometer with ratiometric readout

Abstract

A novel molecular thermometer with ratiometric fluorescence readout was designed and synthesized. Within a sensing temperature range of 33 to 41 °C, the fluorescence color of the nanothermometer changes from blue to green. The ratiometric change magnitude is about 8.7-fold, rendering the visual differentiation of color by the naked eyes feasible.