"On-off-on" switchable sensor: a fluorescent spiropyran responds to extreme pH conditions and its bioimaging applications

Abstract

A novel spiropyran that responds to both extreme acid and extreme alkali and has an "on-off-on" switch is reported. Benzoic acid at the indole N-position and carboxyl group at the indole 6-position contribute to the extreme acid response. The ionizations of carboxyl and phenolic hydroxyl groups cause the extreme alkali response. Moreover, the fluorescent imaging in bacterial cells under extreme pH conditions supports the mechanism of pH response.

Keywords: bacterial labeling; chromophores; dual color; extreme pH sensor; spiropyran; “on−off−on” switch.