A luminescent ratiometric pH sensor based on a nanoscale and biocompatible Eu/Tb-mixed MOF
Tifeng Xia1, Fengliang Zhu, Ke Jiang
1State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials, Cyrus Tang Center for Sensor Materials and Applications, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China. cuiyj@zju.edu.cn gdqian@zju.edu.cn.
Dalton Transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003)
|June 3, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed a nanoscale metal-organic framework (MOF) for precise pH monitoring in biological settings. This biocompatible nanosensor offers accurate, self-referenced pH detection crucial for bioimaging and environmental applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Precise, real-time monitoring of localized pH changes is critical in engineering, environmental science, and biological studies.
- Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer nanoscale processability for bioimaging and biomonitoring, but their fabrication at the nanoscale remains challenging.
- Developing reliable nanosensors for biological pH monitoring is essential for understanding cellular processes and environmental conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize a nanoscale mixed-lanthanide metal-organic framework (NMOF) using a microemulsion method.
- To investigate the NMOF's potential as a self-referenced pH sensor for biological environments.
- To evaluate the biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of the synthesized NMOF for in vivo applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a nanoscale mixed-lanthanide metal-organic framework (NMOF) via a microemulsion technique.
- Adjustment of NMOF morphology and size by varying CTAB surfactant concentration.
- Characterization of pH-dependent luminescence using Tb³⁺ and Eu³⁺ emissions (545 nm and 618 nm, respectively).
- Assessment of cytotoxicity using MTT assay and optical microscopy.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized a nanoscale mixed-lanthanide metal-organic framework with tunable size and morphology.
- The NMOF demonstrated significant pH-dependent luminescence emission in the range of pH 3.00–7.00.
- The sensor utilizes dual emissions from Tb³⁺ and Eu³⁺ for self-referenced pH detection.
- MTT and optical microscopy assays confirmed the low cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility of the NMOF nanosensor.
Conclusions:
- The developed nanoscale MOF serves as an effective, self-referenced pH sensor with tunable properties.
- The NMOF exhibits excellent biocompatibility, making it suitable for bioimaging and biomonitoring applications.
- This research addresses the challenge of fabricating nanoscale MOFs for precise pH monitoring in biological systems.
