An Active Surface Preservation Strategy for the Rational Development of Carbon Dots as pH-Responsive Fluorescent Nanosensors

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Afonso, ACP (Author) Other; Correia, AS (Author) Other; Duarte, D (Author) Other; Brandao, ATSC (Author) FCUP; de Yuso, MDM (Author) Other; Jimenez Jimenez, J (Author) Other; Nuno Vale (Author) FMUP; Carlos M Pereira (Author) FCUP; Algarra, M (Author) Other; da Silva, LP (Author) FCUP

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: CHEMOSENSORS

Vol. 18

Final page: 191

ISSN: 2227-9040

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 11 Citations

Scopus - 10 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00V-5N1

DOI: 10.3390/chemosensors9080191

Abstract (EN): Here we report the rational development of a carbon dot (CDs)-based fluorescent pH nanosensor by employing an active surface preservation strategy. More specifically, citric acid, urea and fluorescein were subjected to a one-pot hydrothermal treatment, which preserved fluorescein-like structures on the surface of the CDs. The obtained CDs showed pH-sensitive green emission, which can be used to determine pH variations from 3.7 to 12.1 by fluorescence enhancement. Moreover, the obtained nanoparticles showed excellent selectivity toward pH, fluorescence reversibility in different pH values, photostability, while being compatible with human cell lines (even at high concentrations). Furthermore, their performance as pH sensors was comparable with reference pH determination procedures. Thus, an active surface preservation strategy was successfully employed to develop fluorescence pH nanosensors in a rational manner and without post-synthesis functionalization strategies, which show potential for future use in pH determination.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 13