Benzoperylene probe/ZnS quantum dots nanocomposite for the ratiometric detection and intracellular imaging of highly reactive oxygen species

A ratiometric nanosensor for the selective detection and intracellular imaging of highly reactive oxygen species (hROS) is developed. Benzoperylene probe and Mn-ZnS quantum dots based nanoparticles were fabricated through cost effective and simple procedures. The nanoparticles exhibit distinct excimer emission and long-lived room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) emission at the same time under single wavelength excitation. The nanosensor shows highly sensitive and selective ratiometric response towards hROS over other ROS. The dual emission property also endows the nanoparticles the capability for sensitive live cell imaging of hROS, and the potential for real time monitoring of intracellular hROS.