Development of a Simple Dansyl-Based PH Fluorescent Probe in Acidic Medium and Its Application in Cell Imaging

A simple pH fluorescent probe based on dansyl derivative (Bu-Dns) was synthesized via one-step reaction between dansyl chloride and 4-bromobutan-1-amine hydrobromide. The obtained probe showed good selectivity and sensitivity toward H⁺ in acidic medium over two pH units (~4-2). At pH > 4, Bu-Dns solution emitted yellow fluorescent light, which became gradually weaker with decreasing pH value. At pH below 2, complete fluorescence quenching occurred. The pH response of Bu-Dns was ascribed to the protonation of dimethylamine group. The lack of influence of metal ion on pH response increases the prevalence of Bu-Dns in the potential detection of pH variation in acidic aqueous media. More importantly, it can sense the intracellular pH change in acidic range.