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Article
Reflection-mode Micro-Spherical Fiber-optic Probes for in vitro Real-time and Single-cell Level pH Sensing
Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
  • Qingbo Yang, Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Hanzheng Wang
  • Xinwei Lan
  • Baokai Cheng
  • Sisi Chen
  • Honglan Shi, Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Hai Xiao, Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Yinfa Ma, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Abstract

pH sensing at the single-cell level without negatively affecting living cells is very important but still a remaining issue in the biomedical studies. A 70 µm reflection-mode fiber-optic micro-pH sensor was designed and fabricated by dip-coating thin layer of organically modified aerogel onto a tapered spherical probe head. A pH sensitive fluorescent dye 2',7'-Bis (2-carbonylethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) was employed and covalently bonded within the aerogel networks. By tuning the alkoxide mixing ratio and adjusting hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) priming procedure, the sensor can be optimized to have high stability and pH sensing ability. The in vitro real-time sensing capability was then demonstrated in a simple spectroscopic way, and showed linear measurement responses with a pH resolution up to an average of 0.049 pH unit within a narrow, but biological meaningful pH range of 6.12–7.81. Its novel characterizations of high spatial resolution, reflection mode operation, fast response and high stability, great linear response within biological meaningful pH range and high pH resolutions, make this pH probe a very cost-effective tool for chemical/biological sensing, especially within the single cell level research field.

Department(s)
Chemistry
Second Department
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
  • PH Sensing,
  • Tapered Optical Fiber Spherical Sensor,
  • ORMOSILs Ultra-thin Layer Coating,
  • Single-cell Level Sensing
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2015 Elsevier, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
2-1-2015
Publication Date
01 Feb 2015
Citation Information
Qingbo Yang, Hanzheng Wang, Xinwei Lan, Baokai Cheng, et al.. "Reflection-mode Micro-Spherical Fiber-optic Probes for in vitro Real-time and Single-cell Level pH Sensing" Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical Vol. 207 Iss. A (2015) p. 571 - 580 ISSN: 0925-4005
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/yinfa-ma/10/