pH-sensitive intracellular photoluminescence of carbon nanotube-fluorescein conjugates in human ovarian cancer cells.
To add to the understanding of the properties of functionalized carbon nanotubes in biological applications, we report a monotonic pH sensitivity of the intracellular fluorescence emission of single-walled carbon nanotube-fluorescein carbazide (SWCNT-FC) conjugates in human ovarian cancer cells. Light-stimulated intracellular hydrolysis of the amide linkage and localized intracellular pH changes are proposed as mechanisms. SWCNT-FC conjugates may serve as intracellular pH sensors.
Chen
M T
MT
Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
Gomez
L M
LM
Ishikawa
F N
FN
Vernier
P T
PT
Zhou
C
C
Gundersen
M A
MA
D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D005260:Female; D016650:Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate / Q000737:chemistry*; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D006868:Hydrolysis; D042541:Intracellular Space / Q000378:metabolism*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry*; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D016650:Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate