Ratiometric photoluminescence sensing based on Ti3C2 MXene quantum dots as an intracellular pH sensor

Nanoscale. 2018 Jan 18;10(3):1111-1118. doi: 10.1039/c7nr06958h.

Abstract

Intracellular pH sensing is of importance and can be used as an indicator for monitoring the evolution of various diseases and the health of cells. Here, we developed a new class of surface-functionalized MXene quantum dots (QDs), Ti3C2, by the sonication cutting and hydrothermal approach and further explored their intracellular pH sensing. The functionalized Ti3C2 QDs exhibit bright excitation-dependent blue photoluminescence (PL) originating from the size effect and surface defects. Meanwhile, Ti3C2 QDs demonstrate a high PL response induced by the deprotonation of the surface defects. Furthermore, combining the highly pH sensitive Ti3C2 QDs with the pH insensitive [Ru(dpp)3]Cl2, we developed a ratiometric pH sensor to quantitatively monitor the intracellular pH values. These novel MXene quantum dots can serve as a promising platform for developing practical fluorescent nanosensors.