Steady State Fluorescence Studies of Wild Type Recombinant Cinnamoyl CoA Reductase (Ll-CCRH1) and its Active Site Mutants

Fluorescence quenching and time resolved fluorescence studies of wild type recombinant cinnamoyl CoA reductase (Ll-CCRH1), a multitryptophan protein from Leucaena leucocephala and 10 different active site mutants were carried out to investigate tryptophan environment. The enzyme showed highest affinity for feruloyl CoA (K _a ?=?3.72?×?10⁵ M^?1) over other CoA esters and cinnamaldehydes, as determined by fluorescence spectroscopy. Quenching of the fluorescence by acrylamide for wild type and active site mutants was collisional with almost 100 % of the tryptophan fluorescence accessible under native condition and remained same after denaturation of protein with 6 M GdnHCl. In wild type Ll-CCRH1, the extent of quenching achieved with iodide (f _a?=?1.0) was significantly higher than cesium ions (f _a?=?0.33) suggesting more density of positive charge around surface of trp conformers under native conditions. Denaturation of wild type protein with 6 M GdnHCl led to significant increase in the quenching with cesium (f _a?=?0.54), whereas quenching with iodide ion was decreased (f _a?=?0.78), indicating reorientation of charge density around trp from positive to negative and heterogeneity in trp environment. The Stern-Volmer plots for wild type and mutants Ll-CCRH1 under native and denatured conditions, with cesium ion yielded biphasic quenching profiles. The extent of quenching for cesium and iodide ions under native and denatured conditions observed in active site mutants was significantly different from wild type Ll-CCRH1 under the same conditions. Thus, single substitution type mutations of active site residues showed heterogeneity in tryptophan microenvironment and differential degree of conformation of protein under native or denatured conditions.     

Conformational Flexibility of Cytokine-Like C-Module of Tyrosyl-tRNA Synthetase Monitored by Trp144 Intrinsic Fluorescence

The non-catalytic COOH-terminal module formed after proteolytic cleavage of full-length mammalian tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase displays dual function: tRNA binding ability and cytokine activity. With the aim to explore the intramolecular dynamics of C-module in solution we used fluorescence spectroscopy to study conformational changes of isolated protein. We used information from fluorescence spectra and computational model for characterization of a microenvironment of a single tryptophan residue (Trp144). Its fluorescence parameters and protection from quenching by Cs⁺ ions indicate the internal localization—buried into protein globule. The fluorescence quenching of Trp144 by acrylamide suggests rapid conformation dynamics of the C-module in nanosecond time scale. The temperature-induced conformational changes in the C-module were monitored by the fluorescence measurements of Trp144 emission and by red-edge excitation shift. An emission maximum shift up to ∼349 nm and significant decrease of the red-edge shift effect at 37–52 °C indicated a major conformational transition of Trp144 from buried native state into highly relaxing polar solvent environment.     

Identification of tyrosine in the presence of tryptophan using Cd-enriched colloidal CdS nanoparticles: A fluorescence spectroscopic study

A simpler identification method of tyrosine in the presence of tryptophan using CdS nanoparticles by conventional spectroscopic technique is proposed. Effect of both sulfide-enriched CdS as well as Cd²⁺-enriched CdS on tryptophan is investigated through absorption and emission spectroscopy. Quenching of tryptophan emission obeyed Stern-Volmer relation and was found to be independent of temperature, indicating a possible static quenching. The time-resolved fluorescence decay of tryptophan was minimally affected by sulfide-enriched CdS as well as Cd²⁺-enriched CdS nanoparticles, suggesting quenching to be static. In the presence of Cd²⁺-enriched CdS nanoparticles, the emission of tryptophan in phosphate buffer shows a typical spectral broadening along with a long wavelength increase in fluorescence emission. Additionally, spectra followed a typical isoemissive point at 440 nm when tryptophan alone was there. Similarly, isoemissive point at 340 nm was observed in the case of tyrosine. However, a further red shift of isoemissive point (470 nm) in the mixture of both tyrosine and tryptophan was observed. This observation might make Cd²⁺-enriched CdS nanoparticles useful for using as marker for tyrosine in the presence of tyrptophan.     

Static and Dynamic Quenching of Tryptophan Fluorescence in Various Proteins by a Chromium (III) Complex

The interaction of a chromium (III) complex, (R,R)-N,N′-Bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-cyclohexane-diaminochromium (III), with human serum albumin, bovine serum albumin, lysozyme, and free tryptophan was studied using steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy. Dynamic and static quenching constants were calculated using Stern-Volmer kinetics. The complex bound more tightly to the serum albumins than to lysozyme or free tryptophan, but only one binding site was determined in all systems. The interaction was also determined to be thermodynamically favorable, and the binding constants were on the order of 10³–10⁶. The fluorescence quenching was static in nature with Forster distances in the 1.8–2.0 nm range.     

Study on the Fluorescence Quenching Reaction of Amitriptyline and Clomipramine Hydrochlorides with Eosin Y and its Analytical Application

Amitriptyline.HCl (AMI) and clomipramine.HCl (CMI) react with eosin Y (EY) in pH 3.8 NaAc-AcH buffer solution to form ion association complex which results in quenching of fluorescence of EY and appearance of a new resonance Rayleigh scattering (RSS) spectrum at 620 nm. The spectral characteristics of absorption, fluorescence and RSS spectra have been investigated. The factors influencing the reaction were studied and optimum conditions for the reaction have been determined. Based on fluorescence quenching, a simple and sensitive spectrofluorimetric method for determination of AMI and CMI has been developed. The fluorescence quenching intensity was measured at 550 nm using an excitation wavelength of 310 nm. The calibration graph was found to be rectilinear in the range 0.08–2.0 μg?mL^?1 with detection limit of 0.017 μg?mL^?1 for AMI and 0.06–2.0 μg?mL^?1 with detection limit of 0.015 μg?mL^?1 for CMI. The method can be satisfactorily applied to the determination of AMI and CMI in tablets without interference from commonly occurring exicipients. The recovery and RSD values obtained indicate good accuracy and precision of the method. The mechanism of the reaction and fluorescence quenching has also been discussed.     

Synthesis of Water Dispersible Fluorescent Carbon Nanocrystals from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Syzygium cumini</Emphasis> Fruits for the Detection of Fe<Superscript>3+</Superscript> Ion in Water and Biological Samples and Imaging of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium avenaceum</Emphasis> Cells

In this work, water dispersible fluorescent carbon nanocrystals (NCs) were synthesized by a simple, green and low cost hydrothermal method using Syzygium cumini (jamun) as a carbon source at 180 °C for 6 h. The average size of carbon NCs was found to be 2.1 ± 0.5 nm and shown bright blue fluorescence when excited at 365 nm under UV lamp. The carbon NCs were characterized by spectroscopic (UV-visible and fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared and dynamic light scattering) and high resolution transmission electron microscopic techniques. The quantum yield of carbon NCs was found to be ~5.9 % at 438 nm emission wavelength when excited at 360 nm. It was noticed that none of the metal ions quenched the fluorescence intensity of carbon NCs at 438 nm except for Fe³⁺, indicating the formation of Fe³⁺ ion-carbon NCs complexes. The linear range was observed in the concentration range of 0.01–100 μM with the corresponding detection limits of 0.001 μM, respectively. Furthermore, the carbon NCs were used as probes for imaging of fungal (Fusarium avenaceum) cells.     

Bay Functionalized Perylenediimide with Pyridine Positional Isomers: NIR Absorption and Selective Colorimetric/Fluorescent Sensing of Fe<Superscript>3+</Superscript> and Al<Superscript>3+</Superscript> Ions

Bay functionalized perylene diimide substituted with pyridine isomers, (2-pyridine (2HMP-PDI), 3-pyridine (3-HMP-PDI) and 4-pyridine (4-HMP-PDI)) have been synthesized and explored for selective coloro/fluorimetric sensing of heavy transition metal ions. HMP-PDIs showed strong NIR absorption (760–765 nm) in DMF. The absorption and fluorescence of HMP-PDIs have been tuned by make use of pyridine isomers. Reddish-orange color was observed for 2-HMP-PDI (λ_max = 437, 551, 765 nm) whereas 4-HMP-PDI exhibited light green (λ_max = 432, 522, 765 nm). 3-HMP-PDI showed orange-yellow (λ_max = 431, 524, 762 nm). The fluorescence spectra of 2-, 3- and 4-HMP-PDI showed λ_max at 585, 538, 546 nm, respectively. Interestingly, HMP-PDI dyes showed selective color change (intense pink color) and fluorescence quenching for Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺ metal ions in DMF. Absorbance spectra revealed complete disappearance of NIR absorption and intensification/appearance of new peak at lower wavelength. The concentration dependent studies suggest that 4-HMP-PDI can detect up to 36.52 ppb of Fe³⁺ and 43.12 ppb of Al³⁺ colorimetrically. The interference studies in presence of other metal ions confirmed the good selectivity for Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺. The mechanistic studies indicate that Lewis acidic character of Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺ ions were responsible for selective color change and fluorescence quenching.     

A Colorimetric and Fluorescent Probe Based on Michael Acceptor Type Diketopyrrolopyrrole for Cyanide Detection

A new probe 1 was synthesized by incorporating an α,β-unsaturated ketone to a diketopyrrolopyrrole fluorophore. The probe exhibited a selective and sensitive response to cyanide against other anions. Addition of CN^? aqueous solution to 1 resulted in a rapid color change from pink to light yellow together with a blue shift from 518 to 421 nm, while other anions did not induce any significant color change. Furthermore, the Michael addition of cyanide to 1 elicited 98% fluorescence quenching at 608 nm, which constituted the fluorescence signature for cyanide detection. The detection limit was 0.67 μM using the fluorescence spectra changes, which was far lower than the WHO guideline of 1.9 μM. Moreover, 1-based test strips could successfully detect CN^? solutions.     

Individual-collective crossover driven by particle size in dense assemblies of superparamagnetic nanoparticles

Prussian blue analogues (PBA) ferromagnetic nanoparticles Cs ^I _x Ni ^II [Cr ^III (CN)₆ ] _z ·3(H₂O) embedded in CTA⁺ (cetyltrimethylammonium) matrix have been investigated by magnetometry and magnetic small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). Choosing particle sizes (diameter D = 4.8 and 8.6 nm) well below the single-domain radius and comparable volume fraction of particle, we show that the expected superparamagnetic regime for weakly anisotropic isolated magnetic particles is drastically affected due to the interplay of surface/volume anisotropies and dipolar interactions. For the smallest particles (D = 4.8 nm), magnetocrystalline anisotropy is enhanced by surface spins and drives the system into a regime of ferromagnetically correlated clusters characterized by a temperature-dependent magnetic correlation length L _mag which is experimentally accessible using magnetic SANS. For D = 8.6 nm particles, a superparamagnetic regime is recovered in a wide temperature range. We propose a model of interacting single-domain particles with axial anisotropy that accounts quantitatively for the observed behaviors in both magnetic regimes.     

The Smart 2-(2-Fluorobenzoyl)-N-(2-Methoxyphenyl)Hydrazinecarbothioamide Functionalized as Ni(II) Sensor in Micromolar Concentration Level and its Application in Live Cell Imaging

In recent years, fluorescent probes for the detection of environmentally and biologically important metal cations have received extensive attention for designing and development of fluorescent chemosensors. Herein, we report the photophysical results of 2-(2-fluorobenzoyl)-N-(2-methoxyphenyl) hydrazinecarbothioamide (4) functionalized as Ni (II) sensor in micromolar concentration level. Through fluorescence titration at 488 nm, we were confirmed that ligand 4 showed the remarkable emission by complexation between 4 and Ni (II) while it appeared no emission in case of the competitive ions (Cr³⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ba²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ca²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cu⁺, Cs⁺). Furthermore, ligand 4 exhibited no toxicity with precise cell permeability toward normal living cells using L929 cell lines in bio imaging experiment investigated through confocal fluorescence microscope. The non-toxic behavior of ligand 4 (assessed by MTT assay) and its ability to track the Ni²⁺ in living cells suggest its possibility to use in biological system as nickel sensor.

Fluorescence,Photophysical Behaviour and DFT Investigation of E,E-2,5-bis[2-(3-pyridyl)ethenyl]pyrazine (BPEP)

E,E-2,5-bis[2-(3-pyridyl)ethenyl]pyrazine (BPEP) has been prepared by aldol condensation between 2,5-dimethylpyrazine and pyridine-3-carboxaldehyde. It is characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR. The electronic absorption and emission properties of BPEP were studied in different solvents. BPEP displays a slight solvatochromic effect of the absorption and emission spectrum, indicating a small change in dipole moment of BPEP upon excitation. The dye solutions (1 × 10^?4 M) in CHCl₃, EtOH and dioxane give laser emission in blue region upon excitation by a 337.1 nm nitrogen pulse (λ = 337 nm). The tuning range, gain coefficient (α) and emission cross – section (σ_e) have been determined. Ground and excited states electronic geometric optimizations were performed using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT), respectively. A DFT natural bond analysis complemented the ICT. The simulated maximum absorption and emission wavelengths are in line the observed ones in trend, and are proportionally red-shifted with the increase of the solvent polarity. The stability, hardness and electrophilicity of BPEP in different solvents were correlated with the polarity of the elected solvents. BPEP dye displays fluorescence quenching by colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The fluorescence data reveal that radiative and non-radiative energy transfer play a major role in the fluorescence quenching mechanism.     

Characterization of ammonia two-photon laser-induced fluorescence for gas-phase diagnostics

Two-photon laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) of ammonia (NH₃) with excitation of the C′-X transition at 304.8 nm and fluorescence detection in the 565 nm C′-A band has been investigated, targeting combustion diagnostics. The impact of laser irradiance, temperature, and pressure has been studied, and simulation of NH₃-spectra, fitted to experimental data, facilitated interpretation of the results. The LIF-signal showed quadratic dependence on laser irradiance up to 2 GW/cm². Stimulated emission, resulting in loss of excited molecules, is induced above 10 GW/cm², i.e., above irradiances attainable for LIF imaging. Maximum LIF-signal was obtained for excitation at the 304.8 nm bandhead; however, lower temperature sensitivity over the range 400–700 K can be obtained probing lines around 304.9 nm. A decrease in fluorescence signal was observed with pressure up to 5 bar absolute and attributed to collisional quenching. A detection limit of 800 ppm, at signal-to-noise ratio 1.5, was identified for single-shot LIF imaging over an area of centimeter scale, whereas for single-point measurements, the technique shows potential for sub-ppm detection. Moreover, high-quality NH₃-imaging has been achieved in laminar and turbulent premixed flames. Altogether, two-photon fluorescence provides a useful tool for imaging NH₃-detection in combustion diagnostics.     

Interaction Between Isoquercitrin and Bovine Serum Albumin by a Multispectroscopic Method

ABSTRACT

The interaction of isoquercitrin and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by means of fluorescence spectroscopy (FS), resonance light scattering spectroscopy (RLS), and ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV). The apparent binding constants (K _a) between isoquercitrin and BSA were 5.37 × 10⁵ L mol^?1 (293.15 K) and 2.34 × 10⁵ L mol^?1 (303.15 K), and the binding site values (n) were 1.18 ± 0.03. According to the Förster theory of non-radiation energy transfer, the binding distances (r) between isoquercitrin and BSA were 1.94 and 1.95 nm at 293.15 K and 303.15 K, respectively. The experimental results showed that the isoquercitrin could be inserted into the BSA, quenching the inner fluorescence by forming the isoquercitrin–BSA complex. The addition of increasing isoquercitrin to BSA solution leads to the gradual enhancement in RLS intensity, exhibiting the formation of the aggregate in solution. It was found that both static quenching and non-radiation energy transfer were the main reasons for the fluorescence quenching. The entropy change and enthalpy change were negative, which indicated that the interaction of isoquercitrin and BSA was driven mainly by van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonds. The process of binding was a spontaneous process in which Gibbs free energy change was negative.     

Molecular adsorbate detection using hyperthermal Cs+ surface scattering: chemisorbed water on Si(111)

Cs⁺ ion beams are scattered from an Si(111) surface chemisorbed with water. Scattering of Cs⁺ ions from the surface at the incidence energies of 10–;15 eV gives rise to reaction products CsOH⁺, CsOH⁺₂ and CsSiO⁺. We interpret that these cluster ions are formed by desorption of X (X = OH, H₂O and SiO), followed by Cs⁺X association and energy quenching near the surface. The Cs⁺ scattering method has potential advantages for adsorbate detection over desorption techniques, in particular for identification of molecular and thermally unstable species.     

Fluorescence Quenching of Humic Acid by Coated Metallic Silver Particles

Natural organic matter is an important component of the aquatic environments, which has attracted wide attention to its influence of interaction with other pollutants. The present work aimed to investigate its fluorescence quenching (FQ) by coated metallic silver particles (AgNPs). In this work, using fluorescence spectroscopy in conjunction with UV-Vis spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering, the effect of coated AgNPs on fluorescence quenching intensity (FQI) of humic acid (HA) was assessed. In addition, the influence of electrolytes (NaCl, NaNO₃ and CaNO₃) in the FQI was observed. Results showed that with AgNPs dosage increased (>1.17X10^?3 mM), fluorescence quantum yield of HA gradually decreased, which implies that the FQ occurred. Furher observation showed that the FQ process followed both first-order and second-order Stern–Volmer functions. The FQ process was affected by the electrolytes: NaCl had an effect on reduction of FQI, possibly resulting from dissolution of AgNPs; Both of NaNO₃ and Ca(NO₃)₂ had an effect on the FQ of HA but Ca(NO₃)₂ presented greater degree. As a result, the FQ degree of HA by alone electrolyte was listed in descent order as Ca(NO₃)₂ > NaNO₃ > NaCl, which also implies the subsequent experimental results, indicating the FQ degree of HA by mutual electrolytes as Ca(NO₃)₂ + NaNO₃ > Ca(NO₃)₂ + NaCl > NaNO₃ + NaCl.     

Study on the Interaction between Florasulam and Bovine Serum Albumin

In this paper, the interaction between florasulam (FU, 2′,6′,8-trifluoro-5-methoxy [Kragh-Hansen U, Molecular aspects of ligand binding to serum albumin. Pharmacol Rev 33(1):17–53 1981; Carter DC and Ho JX, Structure of serum albumin. Adv Protein Chem 45:153–203 1994; He XM, and Carter DC, Atomic structure and chemistry of human serum albumin. Nature 358(6383):209–215 1992] triazolo [1,5-c]pyrimidine-2-sulfonanilide) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by fluorescence, ultraviolet absorption (UV) and Far-UV circular dichroism (CD) spectrometries. A strong fluorescence quenching was observed and the quenching mechanism was considered as static quenching. The binding constant of FU with BSA at 299 and 309 K were obtained as 1.5?×?10⁴ and 7.1?×?10³ l mol^?1, respectively. There was one binding site between FU and BSA. The thermodynamic parameters enthalpy change (ΔH) and entropy change (ΔS) were calculated as ?57.89 kJ mol^?1 and ?113.6 J mol^?1 K^?1, respectively, which indicated that the acting force between FU and BSA was mainly hydrogen bond and Van der Waals force. According to the Förster non-radiation energy transfer theory, the average binding distance between donor (BSA) and acceptor (FU) was obtained (r?=?1.59 nm). The investigations of the UV/Vis and CD spectra of the system showed that the conformation of BSA was changed in presence of FU.     

Investigation of a nanostrip patch antenna in optical frequencies

This is the first report and investigation of a patch antenna in optical frequency range. Variety of plasmonic nanoantenna reported so far is good at enhancing the local field intensity of light by orders of magnitude. However, their far-field radiation efficiency is very poor. The proposed patch antenna emits a directional beam with high efficacy in addition to enhancing the intensity of near field. The nano-patch antenna (NPA) consists of a square patch of gold film of dimension 480 nm², placed on a substrate of dielectric constant \( \varepsilon_{\text{r}} \)  = 3.9 and thickness 150 nm with a ground plane of gold film of dimension 1,080 nm². The NPA resonates at 210 THz and has gain nearly 2 dB and radiation efficiency 45.18 %. The NPA might be useful in variety of applications such as optical communication, nano-photonics, biosensing, and spectroscopy.     

Preparation of n-ZnO/p-Si solar cells by oxidation of zinc nanoparticles: effect of oxidation temperature on the photovoltaic properties

In this study, n-ZnO/p-Si solar cells were fabricated by spraying ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) film synthesised by dissolving of high purity zinc in hydrogen peroxide H₂O₂ followed by thermal oxidation in air on p-type silicon substrates. The oxidation was carried out at different temperatures (200–500) °C. The crystalline structure of the ZnO NPs films was investigated by X-ray diffraction which indicated wurtzite structure films along (100) plane. The morphology of the NPs was studied by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The result showed an average grain size of ZnO NPs in the range of (72.7–95.8) nm and the surface roughness increasing with oxidation temperature. Three peaks located at ultraviolet, violet and green emission regions were noticed in the photoluminescence spectra of ZnO NPs. From optical studies, it was shown that the direct optical band gap is found to be in the range of (3.85–3.96) eV depended on the oxidation temperature. The synthesised ZnO films have n-type conductivity, and the mobility was in the range of (7–24) cm² V^?1 s^?1. Current–voltage I–V and capacitance–voltage C–V of ZnO NPs/Si heterojunction solar cell were investigated as function of oxidation temperature. The spectral response of n-ZnO NPs/p-Si solar cell showed two peaks of response and its maximum value approaching 0.62 mA W^?1 at λ = 800 nm. Solar cell oxidized at 500 °C gave open circuit voltage V _OC of 375 mV, short circuit current density J _SC of 25 mA cm^?2, a fill factor FF of 0.72, and conversion efficiency η of 6.79 % under illumination of 100 mW cm^?2.     

<Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-Tryptophan-capped carbon quantum dots for the sensitive and selective fluorescence detection of mercury ion in aqueous solution

l-Tryptophan-capped carbon quantum dots (l-CQDs) were facilely synthesized through “green” methodology, and the obtained material was utilized as a sensitive and selective fluorescence sensor for mercury ion (Hg²⁺) in pure aqueous solutions. Carboxyl-functionalized CQDs were first green synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal route, and l-tryptophan was then attached to CQDs via direct surface condensation reaction in aqueous solution at room temperature. The as-synthesized l-CQDs had an average size of ca. 5 nm with a good dispersity in water, and exhibited a favorable selectivity for Hg²⁺ ions over a range of other common metal cations in aqueous solution (10 mM PBS buffer, pH 6.0). Upon the addition of Hg²⁺, a complete fluorescence quenching (ON–OFF switching) of l-CQDs was evident from the fluorescence titration experiment, and the fluorescence detection limit of Hg²⁺ was calculated to be 11 nM, which indicated that the obtained environmentally friendly l-CQDs had sensitive detection capacity for Hg²⁺ in aqueous solution.