One-pot synthesis of fluorescent BSA–Ce/Au nanoclusters as ratiometric pH probes

Abstract

A facile, one-pot synthetic approach has been developed for the preparation of BSA–Ce/Au NCs. The fluorescence intensities of BSA–Ce/Au NCs at 410 and 650 nm are pH dependent and independent, respectively. The fluorescence intensity ratio (I₄₁₀/I₆₅₀) is linear against pH values from 6.0 to 9.0. These stable and biocompatible BSA–Ce/Au NCs have been used as ratiometric probes for monitoring local pH values inside HeLa cells.