WATER SOLUBLE PH RESPONSIVE FLUORESCENT NANOPARTICLES

摘要

A nano-pH sensor can include a nanoparticle having an outer surface functionalized by a carboxy functional group. The nanoparticle is reversibly aggregated as a function of pH and is generally non-toxic. A fluorometer can be oriented to expose the nanoparticles to a light source at a given wavelength. Further, the fluorometer can be configured to detect changes in fluorescence of the gold nanoparticle with changes in pH.

主权项

1. A method of detecting pH, comprising:
a) exposing a plurality of nanoparticles to a fluid environment, said nanoparticles having an outer surface functionalized by a carboxy functional group, said nanoparticle being non-toxic and reversibly aggregated as a function of pH; b) subjecting the plurality of nanoparticles to a light source having a wavelength; c) measuring a fluorescence intensity of the plurality of nanoparticles; and d) correlating the fluorescence intensity with a pH.