Citation: Chen Li, Zhe Liu, Jiuxiao Li, Yueping Ren, Kun Li, Weijie Chi, Ji-Ting Hou, Jianliang Shen. Facile construction of fluorescent probes for monitoring pH fluctuations in diabetic cataract[J]. Chinese Chemical Letters, ;2026, 37(9): 112487. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2026.112487 shu

Facile construction of fluorescent probes for monitoring pH fluctuations in diabetic cataract

Chen Li ^{a, b, 1} ,
Zhe Liu ^{a, 1} ,
Jiuxiao Li ^a ,
Yueping Ren ^{b, *,} ,
Kun Li ^e ,
Weijie Chi ^c ,
Ji-Ting Hou ^{a, *,} ,
Jianliang Shen ^{a, d, *,}

a.
National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
b.
National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
c.
Collaborative Innovation Center of OneHealth, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
d.
Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Ophthalmic Drug Discovery and Medical Device Research, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
e.
Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China

yuepingren@aliyun.com

houjt2206@wmu.edu.cn

shenjl@wiucas.ac.cn

sjl1@wmu.edu.cn

Received Date: 31 December 2025
Revised Date: 28 January 2026
Accepted Date: 1 February 2026
Available Online: 1 February 2026

Figures(6)

Cataracts, particularly diabetic cataracts (DC), represent a significant cause of blindness, exacerbated by diabetes mellitus. Monitoring intracellular pH (pH_i) in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of DC. This study introduces a novel phenol-armed flavylium-based fluorescent probe (FpH-2) for real-time pH monitoring in HLECs. The probe is facilely prepared to offer a reversible and highly sensitive fluorescence response to pH changes, with a pK_a value of 6.66. The probe’s efficacy was demonstrated through its ability to monitor pH elevation under high glucose conditions, simulating diabetic stress. The study further investigates the effects of various clinical drugs on pH regulation in HLECs, offering new perspectives for managing DC. The findings suggest that pH_i serves as a critical parameter for investigating DC pathophysiology and pharmacology, offering potential for advancing early diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
- Fluorescent probe,
- Intracellular pH,
- Flavylium dye,
- Diabetic cataract,
- High glucose stress
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