Intracellular pH sensors based on surface-enhanced raman scattering

Anal Chem. 2004 Dec 1;76(23):7064-8. doi: 10.1021/ac049093j.

Abstract

We present the development of nanoscale pH sensors based on functionalized silver nanoparticles and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The SERS spectrum from individual silver nanoparticle (50-80 nm in diameter) clusters functionalized with 4-mercaptobenzoic acid shows a characteristic response to the pH of the surrounding solution and is sensitive to pH changes in the range of 6-8. Measurements from nanoparticles incorporated in living Chinese hamster ovary cells demonstrate that the nanoparticle sensors retain their robust signal and sensitivity to pH when incorporated into a cell.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • CHO Cells
  • Cricetinae
  • Cricetulus
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Intracellular Fluid / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / chemistry
  • Particle Size
  • Reference Standards
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Silver / chemistry
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman / methods*
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman / standards
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Silver