A simple pH fluorescent probe based on new fluorophore indolizine for imaging of living cells

A simple pH fluorescent probe based on new fluorophore indolizine derivative has been synthesized and characterized. This probe responds to acidic pH (pKa = 3.85) with high quantum yield (phi = 0.52), short response time (within 1 min), high selectivity and sensitivity. The response mechanism of the fluorescent probes relies on ICT changes. The probe was successfully used to monitor intracellular H+ within RAW 264.7 cells. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.