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Synthesis, Cellular Delivery and In vivo Application of Dendrimer-based pH Sensors
Published on: September 10, 2013
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A cell-surface-anchored ratiometric i-motif sensor for extracellular pH detection
Le Ying1, Nuli Xie1, Yanjing Yang1
1State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, China. jinhuang@hnu.edu.cn kmwang@hnu.edu.cn.
Summary
This study introduces a novel FRET-based sensor for detecting extracellular pH. The sensor utilizes a pH-sensitive i-motif structure for highly sensitive and reversible measurements.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Accurate monitoring of extracellular pH is crucial for understanding cellular processes.
- Existing methods for pH sensing may have limitations in sensitivity or reversibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel FRET-based sensor for sensitive and reversible extracellular pH detection.
- To leverage the unique properties of i-motif structures for pH sensing applications.
Main Methods:
- Development of a Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)-based sensor.
- Anchoring the sensor to the cell surface via streptavidin-biotin interactions.
- Utilizing a pH-sensitive i-motif structure within the sensor.
Main Results:
- The FRET-based sensor successfully detected extracellular pH.
- The sensor demonstrated high sensitivity in pH measurements.
- The sensor exhibited excellent reversibility, allowing for repeated measurements.
Conclusions:
- The developed FRET-based sensor is a promising tool for real-time extracellular pH monitoring.
- The i-motif structure's pH sensitivity is effectively harnessed for biosensing.
- This technology offers potential advancements in cellular microenvironment analysis.

