Quantum dot photoluminescence lifetime-based pH nanosensor.

The first CdSe/ZnS quantum dot photoluminescence lifetime-based pH nanosensor has been developed. The average lifetime of mercaptopropionic acid-capped QD nanosensors showed a linear response in the pH range of 5.2-6.9. These nanosensors have been satisfactorily applied for pH estimation in simulated intracellular media, with high sensitivity and high selectivity toward most of the intracellular components.