Synthesis of Fe3O4@phenol formaldehyde resin core-shell nanospheres loaded with Au nanoparticles as magnetic FRET nanoprobes for detection of thiols in living cells

A magnetic, sensitive, and selective fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) probe for detection of thiols in living cells was designed and prepared. The FRET probe consists of an Fe(3)O(4) core, a green-luminescent phenol formaldehyde resin (PFR) shell, and Au nanoparticles (NPs) as FRET quenching agent on the surface of the PFR shell. The Fe(3)O(4) NPs were used as the core and coated with green-luminescent PFR nanoshells by a simple hydrothermal approach. Au NPs were then loaded onto the surface of the PFR shell by electric charge absorption between Fe(3)O(4)@PFR and Au NPs after modifying the Fe(3)O(4)@PFR nanocomposites with polymers to alter the charge of the PFR shell. Thus, a FRET probe can be designed on the basis of the quenching effect of Au NPs on the fluorescence of Fe(3)O(4)@PFR nanocomposites. This magnetic and sensitive FRET probe was used to detect three kinds of primary biological thiols (glutathione, homocysteine, and cysteine) in cells. Such a multifunctional fluorescent probe shows advantages of strong magnetism for sample separation, sensitive response for sample detection, and low toxicity without injury to cellular components.     

Obtaining of hybrid nanocomposites by simultaneous photopolymerization of some urethane monomers and photoinduced formation of gold nanoparticles

Urethane–urea dimethacrylates were synthesized and used in the preparation of nanocomposites containing gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in situ photogenerated during the UV‐curing process in the absence of reducing agent. A study of the photopolymerization kinetics showed that the photoreactivity of the monomers alone or in combination with a dual urethane benzophenone (BP) macromer is dependent on the nature of photoinitiator (Irgacure819, BP/amine) and the formulation composition. It was found that the addition of 1 wt % AuBr₃ in monomers slightly improved the polymerization rate and the degree of conversion. The formation of Au NPs into the network was confirmed through UV–vis, XRD, EDX, SAXS, and TEM analyses, the last indicating the existence of NPs with size around 8.5 nm and spherical/triangle shapes. On addition of 10 wt % 2[N‐methacryloyloxyethyl‐(N'‐2‐thioethyl)] (urea) in formulation, the Au NPs (200 nm) became predominantly cubic/hexagonal in shape. The composite films emit fluorescence at 575 nm, and this property could be exploited in the field of fluorescent bio/sensors. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014 , 52, 728–738     

Synthesis and Characterization of Reversible Chemosensory Polymers: Modulation of Sensitivity through the Attachment of Novel Imidazole Pendants

Three novel electron donor–acceptor conjugated polymers ( P1 – P3 ) bearing various imidazole pendants have been synthesized. Their excellent photophysical and electrochemical properties make them suitable transduction materials for chemosensing applications. Indeed, polymers P1 – P3 have been found to show remarkable sensing capabilities towards H⁺ and Fe²⁺ in semi‐aqueous solutions. Upon titration with H⁺, polymers P1 and P2 showed hypsochromic shifts of their absorptions and photoluminescence (PL) maxima with enhanced fluorescence intensities. However, P3 showed diminished absorption and fluorescence intensities under similar conditions due to static quenching. The anomalous behavior of P3 compared with P1 and P2 has been clarified in terms of electronic distributions through computational analysis. Furthermore, P3 (K_SV=1.03×10⁷) showed a superior sensing ability towards Fe²⁺ compared with P1 (K_SV=2.01×10⁶) and P2 (K_SV=4.12×10⁶) due to its improved molecular wire effect. Correspondingly, the fluorescence lifetime of P3 was greatly decreased (almost 11‐fold) compared to those of polymers P1 (4.6‐fold) and P2 (6.2‐fold) in the presence of Fe²⁺. By means of a fluorescence on‐off‐on approach, chemosensing reversibilities in protonation–deprotonation and metallation–demetallation have been achieved by employing triethylamine (TEA) and the disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Na₂‐EDTA)/phenanthroline, respectively, as suitable counter ligands. ¹H NMR titrations have revealed the unique behavior of P3 compared with P1 and P2 . To the best of our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of Fe²⁺ sensors based on single imidazole receptors conjugated to a main‐chain polymer showing such a diverse sensitivity pattern depending on their attached substituents.     

Ternary Ag/Polyaniline/Au nanocomposites: Preparation,characterization and electrochemical properties

Ternary Ag/Polyaniline/Au nanocomposites were synthesized successfully by immobilizing of Au nanoparticles (NPs) on the surface of Ag/Polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposites. Ag/PANI nanocomposites were prepared via in situ chemical polymerization of aniline in the presence of 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) capped silver colloidal NPs. Then, uniform gold (Au) NPs were assembled on the surface of resulted Ag/PANI nanocomposites through electrostatic interaction to get Ag/Polyaniline/Au nanocomposites. The nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Moreover, Ag/PANI/Au nanocomposites were immobilized on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode and showed enhanced electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of H₂O₂ compared with Ag/PANI.     

The synthesis of Ag-polypyrrole nanocomposite coated latex particles and their application as a fluorescent quenching agent

 Submicron-sized Ag-polypyrrole/poly(styrene-co-methacrylic acid) (Ag-PPy/P(St-co-MAA)) composite particles were fabricated via a redox reaction between pyrrole and AgNO₃ in the presence of P(St-co-MAA) soap-free latex. The products are characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction spectra (EDS), Raman spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that Ag-PPy nanocomposites were in situ deposited onto the surface of P(St-co-MAA) latex particles tailored by carboxylic-acid groups. The nanocomposites of Ag-PPy distributed on the surface of polymer particles transformed from discretely dots to continuously coating as the reaction temperature increased from 15℃ to 60℃. Strawberry-like composite particles were obtained at the reaction temperature of 60℃. The TGA characterization confirmed that the Ag-PPy nanocomposites loading onto the P(St-co-MAA) particles were systematically controlled over a range of 6 wt%-42 wt% by changing the reaction temperatures. The fluorescence quenching effect of the Ag-PPy/P(St-co-MAA) composite particles was explored on Rhodamine B as a model molecule with the Stern-Völmer quenching constant K_SV of 5.9×10⁴ (g/mL)^-1. It is suggested that the fluorescence quenching effect is caused by the resonance energy transfer mechanism.     

Green fluorescent protein for in situ synthesis of highly uniform Au nanoparticles and monitoring protein denaturation

Purified recombinant green fluorescent protein (GFP) expressed in E. coli was used for single-step synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with extraordinary size specificity in aqueous medium. The fluorescence of GFP offered a probe for concomitant changes in the protein during the course of synthesis, in addition to the monitoring of the time-dependent formation of Au NPs by the surface plasmon resonance. Reaction of AuCl⁻₄ with the protein produced spherical Au NPs having diameters ranging from 5–70 nm. Remarkably, addition of 1.0×10⁻⁵ M AgNO₃ in the medium produced uniform spherical Au NPs with particle diameter of 2.2±0.5 nm. Fluorescence spectroscopic measurements suggest that during synthesis of Au NPs in absence of AgNO₃, partial denaturation of the protein occurred resulting in the lowering of fluorescence intensity. On the other hand, when the NPs were synthesized in the presence of AgNO₃ complete denaturation of the protein with complete loss of fluorescence could be observed, which was further confirmed by native and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). However, use of AgNO₃ only resulted neither in the formation of NPs nor had any significant effect on the fluorescence of GFP.     

Ultrasensitive fluorescence detection of glutaraldehyde in water samples with bovine serum albumin-Au nanoclusters

Based on the cross-linking nature of BSA in the presence of glutaraldehyde (GA), the fluorescence of BSA-stabilized Au nanoclusters was effectively quenched by GA. A new method for ultrasensitive GA detection in water samples was thus developed with fluorescent BSA-stabilized Au nanoclusters. The fluorescence quenching of BSA-stabilized Au nanoclusters in the presence of GA fitted to Stern-Volmer equation. In the GA concentration range of 0.8–6 μM, a linear relationship of F₀/F versus GA concentration was obtained with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.2 μM. The relative standard deviation of 5 replicate measurements of 4 μM GA is 1.3%. This method shows good selectivity over other organics in water samples. The feasibility of the new sensor for GA in different water samples was demonstrated.     

Smart Shell-by-Shell Nanoparticles with Tunable Perylene Fluorescence in the Organic Interlayer

A new series of shell-by-shell (SbS)-functionalized Al₂O₃ nanoparticles (NPs) containing a perylene core in the organic interlayer as a fluorescence marker is introduced. Initially, the NPs were functionalized with both, a fluorescent perylene phosphonic acid derivative, together with the lipophilic hexadecylphosphonic acid or the fluorophilic (1 H,1 H,2 H,2H-perfluorodecyl)phosphonic acid. The lipophilic first-shell functionalized NPs were further implemented with amphiphiles built of aliphatic chains and polar head-groups. However, the fluorophilic NPs were combined with amphiphiles consisting of fluorocarbon tails and polar head-groups. Depending on the nature of the combined phosphonic acids and the amphiphiles, tuning of the perylene fluorescence can be accomplished due variations of supramolecular organization with the shell interface. Because the SbS-functionalized NPs dispose excellent dispersibility in water and in biological media, two sorts of NPs with different surface properties were tested with respect to biological fluorescent imaging applications. Depending on the agglomeration of the NPs, the cellular uptake differs. The uptake of larger agglomerates is facilitated by endocytosis, whereas individualized NPs cross directly the cellular membrane. Also, the larger agglomerates were preferentially incorporated by all tested cells.     

Studies on the fluorescence quenching of polysilane copolymers by chlorohydrocarbons

The room-temperature solution fluorescence quenching of polysilane copolymers by chlorohydrocarbons such as CCl₄, CHCl₃, C₂Cl₆, and Cl₂CHCHCl₂ was studied. The existence of dynamic quenching was preliminarily demonstrated by the experiment of fluorescence lifetime quenching. The fluorescence quenching data were in conformity with the equation: F₀/F = (1+K_SV[Q])exp(NV[Q]), where F and F₀ are the fluorescence intensity with and without the addition of quencher, K_SV is the Stern-Volmer constant, [Q] is the quencher concentration, N is the Avogadro constant, and V is the volume of the active sphere. The fluorescence quenching by the first three chlorohydrocarbons was attributed to the contemporaneous effect of dynamic quenching and static quenching. There exists, at least mathematically, a critical quencher concentration [Q]_C. When the quencher concentration [Q] < [Q]_C, the fluorescence quenching is dominated by the dynamic quenching part; when [Q] > [Q]_C, it is dominated by the static quenching part. However, the fluorescence quenching by Cl₂CHCHCl₂ was attributed to only static quenching. Furthermore, it was proposed that the dynamic quenching may be related with the electrical positivity of the central carbon nucleus of the quenching molecules while the static quenching may be caused by the “outside heavy atom effect” of the Cl element. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Iron(II) complexes containing the 2,6-bis-iminopyridyl moiety. Synthesis,characterization, reactivity,and DNA binding

Two iron(II) complexes, [Fe^II(py^tBuN₃)₂](FeCl₄) (1) and [Fe^II(py^tBuMe₂N₃)Cl₂] (2), with sterically constrained py^tBuN₃ and py^tBuMe₂N₃ chelate ligands (py^tBuN₃ = 2,6-bis-(aldiimino)pyridyl; py^tBuMe₂N₃ = 2,6-bis-(ketimino)pyridyl), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV–vis spectra, and preliminary X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The latter revealed that Fe(II) in 1 is six-coordinate by six nitrogen donors from two bisiminopyridines in a distorted octahedron. Complex 2 reacts with thiourea with a second-order rate constant k₂ = (2.50 ± 0.05) × 10^?3 M^?1 s^?1 at 296 K, and the reaction seemed to be slow. In a similar way, the interaction of 2 and DNA was studied by fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy. The results revealed that 2 caused fluorescence quenching of DNA through a dynamic quenching procedure. The binding constants K_A, K_app, and K_SV as well as the number of binding sites between 2 and DNA were determined.     

Design and synthesis of triptycene based fluorescent polymer with pendent triazole: Effect of functionality on host–guest interaction

Fluorescent materials have emerged as one of the promising candidates for chemical sensing due to their high sensitivity towards analytes that are relatively electron deficient such as nitroaromatics (NACs). Herein, four new 1,2,3‐triazole functionalized dibromo monomers ( 2‐5 ) have been synthesized. These dibromo monomers ( 2‐5 ) have been subsequently polymerized with 2,6‐diethynyltriptycene ( DET ) to yield four new ethynyl linked polymers ( P2‐P5 ) with 1,2,3‐triazole pendent. These polymers are organosoluble, amorphous in nature and have high thermal stability [T_d > 289 °C and high char yield (>73%) at 800 °C]. Interestingly these new polymers ( P2‐P5 ) are highly fluorescent in solution (Φ = 0.37–0.43 in DCM) relative to the polymer ( P1 ) that does not have the 1,2,3‐triazole motif as a pendent. The host–guest interaction between these polymers ( P1‐P5 ) and electron deficient molecules (PA and C₆₀) has been investigated. The Stern–Volmer quenching constant (K_SV) data suggest that the interaction of picric acid and polymers increases significantly in presence of 1,2,3‐triazole linked pendent group whereas in case of C₆₀, the K_SV value decrease considerably in presence of 1,2,3‐triazole linked pendent. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017 , 55, 3725–3735     

Physicochemical investigation of sulfonamide-derived compounds interacting with conventional cationic surfactants in aqueous media

The sulfonamide core in compounds is effective synthons, which offer exciting perspectives in chemotherapeutic and pharmacological research. In this study, we investigated the molecular interaction of potent sulfonamide derivatives (SDs), 2-benzenesulfonamido-3-methylbutyric acid (BSB) and tetraaquabis{3-methyl-2-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]butanoate}copper(II) (Cu-BSB), with cationic surfactants, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and ethylhexadecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide (EHDAB), using UV-visible spectroscopy and steady-state fluorescence measurements. Various mathematical models were applied to quantify the effect of cationic surfactants on physicochemical characteristics of BSB and Cu-BSB. These interactions were confirmed by estimating the partition coefficient (K_x), binding capacities (K_b), Stern-Volmer quenching constant (K_sv), and related Gibbs free energies (ΔG_b). The in-depth mechanism revealed that the binding mode in SD–surfactants combinational system is spontaneous and quenching exists in static mode initiated by ground-state complex formation. We believe that the true knowledge of host–guest interaction mechanisms concerning model membrane with entrapped moiety can help in better understanding of molecular recognition in related phospholipid membrane models.     

Fluorescence quenching of para-substitutedstyrenes by tetramethylethylene. Correlationanalysis of the quenching coefficient KSV and thequenching rate constant k_q by the dual-parameter equation with polar and spin-delocalization substituent constants

The fluorescence quenching coefficient (Ksv) and the quenching rate constant kq of ten para-substituted styrenes (1-Ys) have been measured and correlation-analyzed by both the dual-parameter equation (Eq. 1) with (ρxσx+ρ'σ') and the single-parameter equation (Eq. 2) with ρxσx. Ex-cellent results have been obtained for the correlation of KSV against (ρxσmb+ρ'σ'JJ) or (ρxσ+ +ρ'σ'JJ). Our results suggest that, possibly, there might be no need to use excited-state substituent constant for the fluorecence quenching process of excited states of styrenes.     

Novel isoindigo‐based conjugated polyelectrolytes: Synthesis and fluorescence quenching behavior with water‐soluble poly(p‐phenylenevinylene)s

Two novel ID‐based water‐soluble conjugated polymers (+)‐PIDPV and (?)‐PIDPV were synthesized by Heck coupling reaction. These two polyelectrolytes are both consisted of isoindigo units and phenylenevinylene units. In the UV–vis absorption spectra, both (+)‐PIDPV and (?)‐PIDPV exhibit broad absorption bands that almost cover the whole visible region. Photophysical investigations reveal that the fluorescence of water‐soluble PPV can be efficiently quenched by oppositely charged PIDPV at a very low concentration. Cationic PPV shows an efficient quenching effect with Κ_SV = 1.01 × 10⁶ M^?1 in the presence of (?)‐PIDPV while the anionic PPV gives a lager quenching constant with Κ_SV = 1.71 × 10⁶ M^?1 in the presence of (+)‐PIDPV. Furthermore, the blend films of water‐soluble PPVs and oppositely charged PIDPV also exhibit excellent quenching effect. These properties suggest that (+)‐PIDPV and (?)‐PIDPV are promising materials in the application of ionic photoactive layer in the organic solar cells. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015 , 53, 2223–2237     

Catalytic gold nanoparticles for fluorescent detection of mercury(II) and lead(II) ions

In this study, we developed a fluorescence assay for the highly sensitive and selective detection of Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions using a gold nanoparticle (Au NP)-based probe. The Hg–Au and Pb–Au alloys that formed on the Au NP surfaces allowed the Au NPs to exhibit peroxidase-mimicking catalytic activity in the H₂O₂-mediated oxidation of Amplex UltraRed (AUR). The fluorescence of the AUR oxidation product increased upon increasing the concentration of either Hg²⁺ or Pb²⁺ ions. By controlling the pH values of 5 mM tris–acetate buffers at 7.0 and 9.0, this H₂O₂–AUR–Au NP probe detected Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions, respectively, both with limits of detection (signal-to-noise ratio: 3) of 4.0 nM. The fluorescence intensity of the AUR oxidation product was proportional to the concentrations of Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions over ranges 0.05–1 μM (R² = 0.993) and 0.05–5 μM (R² = 0.996), respectively. The H₂O₂–AUR–Au NP probe was highly selective for Hg²⁺ (>100-fold) and Pb²⁺ (>300-fold) ions in the presence of other tested metal ions. We validated the practicality of this simple, selective, and sensitive H₂O₂–AUR–Au NP probe through determination of the concentrations of Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions in a lake water sample and of Pb²⁺ ions in a blood sample. To the best of our knowledge, this system is the first example of Au NPs being used as enzyme-mimics for the fluorescence detection of Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions.     

Exploring the interactions between gold nanoparticles and analytes through surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

Surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI‐MS) is applied to provide strong evidence for the chemical reactions of functionalized gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with analytes – Hg²⁺ ions induced MPA?Au NPs aggregation in the presence of 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PDCA) and H₂O₂ induced fluorescence quenching of 11‐MUA?Au NDs. PDCA‐Hg²⁺‐MPA coordination is responsible for Au NPs aggregation, while the formation of 11‐MUA disulfide compounds that release into the bulk solution is responsible for H₂O₂‐induced fluorescence quenching. In addition to providing information about the chemical structures, SALDI‐MS is also selective and sensitive for the detection of Hg²⁺ ions and H₂O₂. The limits of detection (LODs) for Hg²⁺ ions and H₂O₂ by SALDI‐MS were 300 nM and 250 µM, respectively. The spot‐to‐spot variations in the two studies were both less than 18% (50 sample spots). Our results reveal that SALDI‐MS can be used to study analyte‐induced changes in the surface properties of nanoparticles. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of three supramolecular coordination polymers constructed from different metal ions and 2,2′-bipyridyl-3,3′-dicarboxylic acid

Three new supramolecular coordination polymers based on 2,2′-bipyridyl-3,3′-dicarboxylic acid (H₂BPDC) and Mn(II), Fe(II), and Zn(II) were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized with single-crystallographic X-ray analysis and IR spectrum. Complex 1 exhibits a 1-D, chain-like structure, which is further connected to 2-D supramolecular layer structure through hydrogen bonds. Complex 2 exhibits a 3-D supramolecular structure constructed from 1-D chains through hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions. Like 1, 3 also shows 2-D supramolecular layer structure based on 1-D chains. Furthermore, the fluorescence of 3 was studied.     

Study of non-covalent interactions of luotonin A derivatives and the DNA minor groove as a first step in the study of their analytical potential as DNA probes

The interaction between DNA and several newly synthesized derivatives of the natural anticancer compound luotonin A has been studied. The results from our work reveal an effective and selective alkaloid/double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA) interaction. In the presence of increasing amounts of ds-DNA, a noticeable fluorescence quenching of the luotonin A derivatives under study was observed. However, this effect did not take place when single-stranded DNA (ss-DNA) was employed. The association constant alkaloids/ds-DNA was calculated by quantitation of such a quenching effect. The influence of other quenchers, namely Co²⁺ and Br⁻ on the native fluorescence of luotonin A and derivatives was also studied, and a remarkable quenching effect was observed for both ions. We have also investigated how by binding DNA the alkaloids could get protected from the external Co²⁺ and Br⁻ quenchers. The Stern–Volmer constants (K _SV) for Co²⁺ and Br⁻ quenching effect on the studied alkaloids were considerably reduced (10–50%) after incubation of the compounds in the presence of DNA with regard to the K _SV values in absence of DNA. An increase in the fluorescence anisotropy values of luotonins was also produced only in the presence of ds-DNA but not in the case of ss-DNA. To better characterize the nature of that interaction, viscosimetry assays and ethidium bromide displacement studies were conducted. With regard to DNA reference solutions, the viscosity of solutions containing DNA and luotonin A derivatives was reduced or not significantly increased. It was also observed that the studied compounds were unable to displace the intercalating agent ethidium bromide. All of these results, together with the obtained association constants values (K _ass = 2.2 × 10² – 1.3 × 10³), support that neither covalent nor intercalating interactions luotonin A derivatives/ds-DNA are produced, leading to the conclusion that these alkaloids bind ds-DNA through the minor groove. The specific changes in the fluorescence behavior of luotonin A and derivatives distinguishing between ss-DNA and ds-DNA binding, lead us to propose these compounds as attractive turn-off probes to detect DNA hybridization.     

Synthesizing a nano-composite of BSA-capped Au nanoclusters/graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets as a new fluorescent probe for dopamine detection

A strong red fluorescent nanocomposite, consisting of graphite-like carbon nitride nanosheets (g-C₃N₄ NSs) and serum albumin-capped Au nanoclusters (AuNCs), was synthesized. Dopamine (DA) can quench the red fluorescence of the nanocomposite, based on the Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism. In this quenching process, the energy is transferred from the fluorescent g-C₃N₄ NSs-AuNCs to the oxidized DA quinine molecules (DA is easily oxidated to form DA quinine in air). The red fluorescence emission at 420 nm decreases dramatically and the quenching ratio (F₀ – F)/F₀ is linearly related to the concentration of DA in the range of 0.05–8.0 μmol L⁻¹ with a detection limit of 0.018 μmol L⁻¹ (S/N = 3). Additionally, this sensor has a potential of application to assay the DA in the real samples, such as human serum and human urine.     

Polyfluorophore Labels on DNA: Dramatic Sequence Dependence of Quenching

We describe studies carried out in the DNA context to test how a common fluorescence quencher, dabcyl, interacts with oligodeoxynucleoside fluorophores (ODFs)—a system of stacked, electronically interacting fluorophores built on a DNA scaffold. We tested twenty different tetrameric ODF sequences containing varied combinations and orderings of pyrene (Y), benzopyrene (B), perylene (E), dimethylaminostilbene (D), and spacer (S) monomers conjugated to the 3′ end of a DNA oligomer. Hybridization of this probe sequence to a dabcyl‐labeled complementary strand resulted in strong quenching of fluorescence in 85 % of the twenty ODF sequences. The high efficiency of quenching was also established by their large Stern–Volmer constants (K_SV) of between 2.1×10⁴ and 4.3×10⁵ M ^?1, measured with a free dabcyl quencher. Interestingly, quenching of ODFs displayed strong sequence dependence. This was particularly evident in anagrams of ODF sequences; for example, the sequence BYDS had a K_SV that was approximately two orders of magnitude greater than that of BSDY, which has the same dye composition. Other anagrams, for example EDSY and ESYD, also displayed different responses upon quenching by dabcyl. Analysis of spectra showed that apparent excimer and exciplex emission bands were quenched with much greater efficiency compared to monomer emission bands by at least an order of magnitude. This suggests an important role played by delocalized excited states of the π stack of fluorophores in the amplified quenching of fluorescence.