Reversible three-state switching of multicolor fluorescence emission by multiple stimuli modulated FRET processes within thermoresponsive polymeric micelles

Micellar traffic lights: The title FRET system (FRET=fluorescence resonance energy transfer) consists of one type of donor dye and two types of acceptor dyes. On/off fluorescence switching of the latter two dyes can be controlled by pH changes and light, respectively. This novel type of multicolor luminescent polymeric assembly can act as a ratiometric probe for pH and temperature with tunable sensitivity. (Figure Presented).