| abstract |
A fluorescence energy transfer indicator, a chemical sensor incorporating it, and a method for making it are provided, such being useful in medical, biological and industrial applications. The fluorescence energy transfer indicator includes a rigid spacer group that tethers together a fluorescent energy donor and a colorimetric indicator acceptor, the tethering being across a predetermined, known or determinable length in order to thereby tailor the indicator to the specific needs of the chemical sensor. The emission spectrum of the fluorescent energy donor overlaps with an absorbance spectrum of the colorimetric indicator acceptor, which undergoes a change in color or in color intensity as a function of the species being monitored or measured in accordance with parameters of the species such as pH, oxygen concentration, carbon dioxide concentration and the like. |