Anionic micelle-induced fluorescent sensor activity enhancement of acridine orange: Mechanism and pH effect

Photophysical properties and sensory capabilities of Acridine Orange (AO) have been studied in absence and presence of biomimicking anionic SDS (sodium dodecyl sulphate) micellar nanocage at various pH, where Cu2+ is introduced as sensing input. In pure aqueous system, AO fluorescence intensity quenched and enhanced by Cu2+ at pH ∼2 and pH ∼8, respectively. In presence of SDS micelle AO fluorescence intensity quenched by Cu2+ at both pH ∼2 and pH ∼8. Sensing [i.e. quenching] efficiency has been enhanced in presence of SDS micelle by ∼150 times at pH ∼2 and ∼250 times at pH ∼8, when compared with pure aqueous system.