Abstract
A novel terpyridine derivative conjugated by tetraethylene glycol chains with a coordinative europium (III) center was prepared and the assembled complex with high water solubility exhibited sensitive pH dependence. Modulation of the luminescence could be realized at variable physiological pH values (from 8 to 2) by consecutive changes in the form and intensity of both europium and ligand emissions. The achieved multiple optical signal shifts (blue-red-green) and especially the performance of the well-defined lanthanide complex under strong acidic condition had never been reported. In vitro studies revealed that the europium complex was non-toxic to HeLa and THP-1 cells. Fluorescent microscope images supported the distribution of the emissive species and the measurement of pH fluctuations in pathogenic cells could be achieved.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 151-157 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Dyes and Pigments |
Volume | 150 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2018 |
Keywords
- Cellular imaging
- Lanthanide
- Luminescence
- pH sensor
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Chemical Engineering
- Process Chemistry and Technology