Effective and efficient detection of pH fluctuations based on ratiometric metallic-ciprofloxacin architectures

Abstract The availability of lanthanide ciprofloxacin complexes and the exploration of efficient new ways to the target species have made fluorescent signals as essential tools for chemical sensing. Both terbium (III) and europium (III) compounds possess easily distinguished, line-like emission bands occurring in the green and red region respectively. Based on the steps of ionizations and the coordination structure changes, the two molecular probes give rise to unique pH-sensitivities at different conditions. The photoluminescence properties of the mixture for the two complexes are demonstrated. At pH from 3 to 6, the Eu(III) emission is found to be less affected and the solution emits blue light in acidic environment (pH = 3). The terbium (III) characteristic luminescence exhibited off-on changes within a narrow pH range (pH = 5–6). Further spectroscopic pH titrations (pH from 6 to 10) are performed and the Eu (III) red emission has been significantly improved. The molecular-based probes have excellent water solubility, negligible cytotoxicity and enough permeability to across cell membrane. Such pH-responsive performance has been carried out for the investigation of intracellular pH measurement and these novel pH indicators were considered to be suitable for detecting bio-medical samples.