Near-Infrared Fluorescence Lifetime pH-Sensitive Probes

We report what we believe to be the first near-infrared pH-sensitive fluorescence lifetime molecular probe suitable for biological applications in physiological range. Specifically, we modified a known fluorophore skeleton, hexamethylindotricarbocyanine, with a tertiary amine functionality that was electronically coupled to the fluorophore, to generate a pH-sensitive probe. The pK(a) of the probe depended critically on the location of the amine. Peripheral substitution at the 5-position of the indole ring resulted in a compound with pK(a) similar to 4.9 as determined by emission spectroscopy. In contrast, substitution at the meso-position shifted the pK(a) to 5.5. The resulting compound, LS482, demonstrated steady-state and fluorescence-lifetime pH-sensitivity. This sensitivity stemmed from distinct lifetimes for protonated (similar to 1.16 ns in acidic DMSO) and deprotonated (similar to 1.4 ns in basic DMSO) components. The suitability of the fluorescent dyes for biological applications was demonstrated with a fluorescence-lifetime tomography system. The ability to interrogate cellular processes and subsequently translate the findings in living organisms further augments the potential of these lifetime-based pH probes.