A Nanogel for Ratiometric Fluorescent Sensing of Intracellular pH Values

Abstract

A ratiometric fluorescent nanogel can sense pH over a range that is applicable to physiological studies. It can be easily prepared and made pH-responsive by addition of a pH probe and a FRET system that utilizes the gel to hold dyes in close proximity (see picture; overlay of coumarin dye and Nile Red fluorescence in kidney cells).