We report three fluorescent probes based on coumarin-hybridized dyes with spirocycling structures (A, B and C) for sensitive and selective detection of pH changes in live cells to avoid blind spot imaging issues at neutral and basic pH values by monitoring visible and near-infrared fluorescence changes. Under neutral or basic conditions, the fluorescent probes A, B and C retain their closed spirocyclic forms and display fluorescent peaks in the visible regions corresponding to coumarin derivatives at 470, 500, and 490 nm, respectively. However, the acidic pH results in ring opening of the spirocylic forms of the fluorescent probes A, B and C, generating new near-infrared fluorescence peaks at 695, 720 and 715 nm, respectively. The fluorescent probes have been successfully applied to visualize pH changes by monitoring visible and near-infrared fluorescence changes in two channels. Our experiments demonstrate the sensitivity to pH changes, photostability, low auto-fluorescence background, good cell membrane permeability and low cytotoxicity.

Near-infrared fluorescent probes for sensitive and selective detection of pH changes in live cells though visible and near-infrared channels

254th National Meeting (2017)

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