Fluorescence lifetimes of protochlorophyllide in plants with different proportions of short-wavelength and long-wavelength protochlorophyllide spectral forms

Dark-grown leaves of maize (Zea mays), wheat (Triticum aestivum), wild-type pea (Pisum sativum) and its light-independent photomorphogenesis mutant (lip1) have different proportions of protochlorophyllide (Pchlide) forms as revealed by low-temperature fluorescence emission spectra. Four discrete spectral forms of Pchlide, with emission peaks around 633, 640, 656 and 670 nm, could be distinguished after Gaussian deconvolution. In maize and wheat the 656 nm component was the most prominent, whereas for wild-type pea and its lip1 mutant, the 633 and 640 nm components contributed mostly to the fluorescence emission spectra. For the fluorescence lifetimes measured at 77 K a double exponential model was the most adequate to describe the Pchlide fluorescence decay not only for the Pchlide(650-656) form but also for the short-wavelength Pchlide forms. A fast component in the range 0.3-0.8 ns and a slow component in the range 5.1-7.1 ns were present in all samples, but the values varied, depending on species. The long-wavelength Pchlide(650-656) form had a slow component with a lifetime between 5.1 and 6.7 ns, probably reflecting the fluorescence from aggregated Pchlide. The short-wavelength Pchlide(628-633) form had values of the slow component varying between 6.2 and 7.1 ns. This represents a monomeric but probably protein-bound Pchlide form because the free Pchlide in solution has a much longer lifetime around 10 ns at 77 K. The contribution of different Pchlide forms to the measured lifetime values is discussed.     

Fluorescence lifetimes study of alpha-tocopherol and biological prenylquinols in organic solvents and model membranes

We have found that for biological prenyllipids, such as plastoquinol-9, alpha-tocopherol quinol, and alpha-tocopherol, the shortest fluorescence lifetimes were found in aprotic solvents (hexane, ethyl acetate) whereas the longest lifetimes were those of ubiquinonol-10 in these solvents. For all the investigated prenyllipids, fluorescence lifetime in alcohols increased along with an increase in solvent viscosity. In a concentrated hexane solution, the lifetimes of prenylquinols considerably decreased. This contrasts with methanol solutions, which is probably due to the self-association of these compounds in aprotic solvents. We have also found a correlation of the Stokes shift of prenyllipids fluorescence with the orientation polarizability of the solvents. Based on data obtained in organic solvents, measurements of the fluorescence lifetimes of prenyllipids in liposomes allowed an estimation of the relative distance of their fluorescent rings from the liposome membrane surface, and was found to be the shortest for alpha-tocopherol quinol in egg yolk phosphatidylcholine liposomes, and increased in the following order: alpha-tocopherol in dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine liposomes < alpha-tocopherol < plastoquinol-9 < ubiquinol-10 in egg-yolk phosphatidylcholine liposomes.     

Fluorescence quantum yields and their relation to lifetimes of rhodamine 6G and fluorescein in nine solvents: improved absolute standards for quantum yields

Absolute fluorescence quantum yields are reported for the rhodamine 6G cation and the fluorescein dianion dyes in nine solvents. This information is combined with previously reported fluorescence lifetimes to deduce radiative and nonradiative decay rates. Along the alcohol series from methanol to octanol, rhodamine 6G displays an increasing radiative rate, in parallel with the square of the refractive index increase, and a slightly decreasing nonradiative rate. Fluorescein is different: the apparent radiative rate actually decreases, suggesting that the emissive species is perturbed in some fashion. For both dyes, fluorescence yields are enhanced in D2O, rising to 0.98, in parallel with a corresponding increase in lifetimes. Protonated solvents invariably give shorter lifetimes and lower quantum yields, contrary to some previous speculation. From this work and an analysis of existing literature values, more precise values have been obtained for two previously proposed absolute quantum yield standards. The yield of fluorescein in 0.1 N NaOH(aq) is 0.925+/-0.015, and for rhodamine 6G in ethanol, it is 0.950+/-0.015. In both cases, the solutions are assumed to be in the limit of low concentration, excited close to their long-wave absorption band and at room temperature but may be either air-saturated or free of oxygen.     

Fluorescence study of fullerene in organic solvents at room temperature

At room temperature, fluorescence spectra for C60 in organic solvents of four typical kinds have been reported, which indicate that intensity of fluorescence and fine structure of fluorescence peaks are dependent on the interaction between C60 and solvent. It is shown that the solvents of effective electron donors could make a comparatively strong interaction with fullerenes due to formation of the charge transfer adduct, which could greatly distort the molecular symmetry, leading to the strong and well-resolved fluorescence. The strong fluorescence spectra for C70 in room temperature solutions are also observed.     

Relationship between the spectral properties of solutions of borofluoride complex of alkylated dipyrromethene and the physicochemical parameters of solvents

Spectral and photophysical characteristics of borofluoride complex of alkylated dipyrromethene (Bodipy) are determined by means of absorption and fluorescence electron spectroscopy in various organic solvents. Dependences of the spectral and photophysical characteristics of Bodipy solutions vs. the physico-chemical parameters of solvents are obtained by linear regression analysis and the contribution from each parameter to the property under study is determined. It is established that the negative solvatochromic effect is intrinsic for Bodipy. It is concluded that specific interactions contribute substantially to the properties of the chromophore, which are determined by the electron donor properties of the solvent.     

Fluorescence spectral imaging of dihydroxyacetone on skin in vivo

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) has been proposed as a potential alternative to dansyl chloride for use as a fluorescence marker on skin to assess stratum corneum turnover time in vivo. However, the fluorescence from DHA on skin has not been adequately studied. To address this void, a noninvasive, noncontact spectral imaging system is used to characterize the fluorescence spectrum of DHA on skin in vivo and to determine the optimal wavelengths over which to collect the DHA signal that minimizes the contributions from skin autofluorescence. The DHA-skin fluorescence signal dominates the 580-680 nm region of the visible spectrum when excited with ultraviolet radiation in the 320-400 nm wavelength region (UVA). An explanation of the time-dependent spectral features is proposed in terms of DHA polymerization and binding to skin.     

Preparation and properties of surfactant-bacillolysin ion-pair in organic solvents

The transesterification-active enzyme bacillolysin was extracted into organic solvents such as isooctane by enzyme-AOT (bis (2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate) ion-pairing preserving its natural second structure and catalytic activity. Extraction efficiency was affected by the interaction mode of the two phases, ionic strength, and pH of aqueous phase, surfactant and enzyme concentration. Magnetic stirring with phase mixing was favorable for the enzyme extraction. Optimal ionic strength and pH were 8 mM CaCl₂ and 5.0, respectively. Critical number of AOT molecule for an enzyme molecule to be extracted into isooctane was 89. Optimal initial enzyme concentration in the aqueous phase was 7 mg mL⁻¹ while the initial AOT concentration in isooctane was 3 mM. Within CMC (critical micellar concentration) of AOT in isooctane, the increase of initial AOT concentration enhanced the extraction efficiency.     

Fluorescence lifetime properties of near-infrared cyanine dyes in relation to their structures

Structurally diverse near-infrared (NIR) absorbing polymethine dyes were prepared and their fluorescence lifetimes (FLT) were evaluated in relation to their structural features. Comparative FLT analysis based on the modification of methine chain length and heterocyclic system showed that indolium or benzo[e]indolium heptamethine dyes exhibited longer FLT than the benzo[c,d]indolium trimethine dye. Modification of heterocyclic system alone with an intact chain length showed that indolium-based heptamethine dyes showed approximately 30% longer FLT than the benzo[e]indolium-based dyes. In general, the FLT of polymethine dyes increased from polar to non-polar solvents. In addition, correlation study between the theoretical and the experimental FLT for indocyanine green (ICG) suggests that the lack of structural rigidity for these cyanine dyes is primarily responsible for the loss of the excited state energy via non-radiative pathway.     

Influence of polarity of solvents on the spectral properties of bichromophoric coumarins

Absorption and fluorescence spectra of bichromophoric coumarins were investigated in different solvents and in polymer matrices. These bichromophoric coumarins were composed of a coumarin dimethylamino-substituted at position 7 or unsubstituted coumarin and phthalimide or a 1,8-naphthylimide linked with an iminomethyl bridge to the position 3 or 8 of the coumarin ring. Absorption spectra of 7-dimethylamino derivatives in position 3 of coumarin were quite similar, exhibiting broad bands around 430-440 nm like the parent compound 7-dimethylaminocoumarin-3-carbaldehyde. For coumarin derivatives substituted in position 8, the absorption maximum was shifted to shorter wavelength as for derivatives without position 7 dimethylamino substitution. The most intense fluorescence was observed for 7-(N,N-dimethylamino)-3-[(N-phtalimidoyl)iminomethyl]coumarin in polar solvent, while intense fluorescence was observed for 7-(N,N-dimethylamino)-3-[N-(1,3-dioxobenz[de]isoquinolinyl)iminomethyl]-coumarin in non polar solvent (chloroform), comparable with the fluorescence of 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin. Spectral measurements of bichromophoric coumarins in polymer matrices revealed that the maxima lies in between those for chloroform and methanol yielding more intense fluorescence then in solutions. Completely different solvent effects were observed for 7-(N,N-dimethylamino)-3-[N-(1,3-dioxobenz[de]isoquinolinyl)imino-methyl]coumarin and 7-(N,N-dimethylamino)-3-[(N-phtalimidoyl)iminomethyl]coumarin. With addition of polar methanol the intensity of fluorescence decreases, yielding a Stern-Volmer-like constant of 0.54 dm3 mol?1 for 7-(N,N-dimethylamino)-3-[N-(1,3-dioxo-benz[de]isoquinolinyl)iminomethyl]coumarin and an even higher one of 1.08 dm3·mol?1 for 7-dimethylaminocoumarin-3-carbaldehyde compared to the rather low one of 0.024 dm3 mol?1 for 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin. Contrary to this, addition of methanol under identical conditions brings about an increase in fluorescence intensity of 7-(N,N-dimethylamino)-3-[(N-phtalimidoyl)iminomethyl]coumarin (about 60-fold). The reasons for these different solvent effects are discussed.     

Spectral parameters and Hamaker constants of silicon hydride compounds and organic solvents

Cyclopentasilane (CPS) and polydihydrosilane, which consist of hydrogen and silicon only, are unique materials that can be used to produce intrinsic silicon film in a liquid process, such as spin coating or an ink-jet method. Wettability and solubility of general organic solvents including the above can be estimated by Hamaker constants, which are calculated according to the Lifshitz theory. In order to calculate a Hamaker constant by the simple spectral method (SSM), it is necessary to obtain absorption frequency and function of oscillator strength in the ultraviolet region. In this report, these physical quantities were obtained by means of an optical method. As a result of examination of the relation between molecular structures and ultraviolet absorption frequencies, which were obtained from various liquid materials, it was concluded that ultraviolet absorption frequencies became smaller as electrons were delocalized. In particular, the absorption frequencies were found to be very small for CPS and polydihydrosilane due to σ-conjugate of their electrons. The Hamaker constants of CPS and polydihydrosilane were successfully calculated based on the obtained absorption frequency and function of oscillator strength.     

Ultrasonic measurements and other allied parameters of yttrium soaps in mixed organic solvents

The ultrasonic measurements of yttrium soaps were made in a mixture of 70% benzene and 30% dimethylsulfoxide (v/v) to determine the critical micelle concentration, soap-solvent interaction and various acoustic and thermodynamic parameters. The values of the CMC decrease with increasing chainlength of fatty acid constituent of the soap molecule and are in agreement with the values obtained from other micellar properties. The various acoustic parameters (intermolecular free-length, adiabatic compressibility, apparent molar compressibility, specific acoustic impedance, apparent molar volume, molar sound velocity, solvation number, available volume and relative association) for yttrium soaps (myristate, palmitate, stearate and oleate) have been evaluated by ultrasonic velocity measurements.

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Ultraschallmessungen und damit verknüpfte Parameter von Yttrium-Seifen in gemischten organischen Lösungsmitteln

Zusammenfassung Es wurden Ultraschallmessungen von Yttrium-Seifen in einer Mischung 70% Benzol und 30% Dimethylsulfoxid (v/v) durchgeführt, um die kritische Micellenkonzentration, Seifen-Solvens-Wechselwirkung und verschiedene akustische und thermodynamische Parameter zu bestimmen. Die CMC-Werte fallen mit steigender Kettenlänge der Fettsäurekomponente des Seifenmoleküls und sind damit in Übereinstimmung mit den aus anderen micellaren Eigenschaften bestimmten Werten. Verschiedene akustische Parameter (intermolekulare freie Länge, adiabatische Kompressibilität, effektive molare Kompressibilität, spezifische akkustische Impedanz, effektives molares Volumen, molare Schallgeschwindigkeit, Solvatationszahl, verfügbares Volumen und relative Assoziation) der Yttrium-Seifen (Myristat, Palmitat, Stearat und Oleat) wurden aus den Ultraschallmessungen ermittelt.

     

Fluorescence lifetimes of benzyl and deuterium-substituted benzyl radicals

Fluorescence lifetimes of C₆H₅CH₂, o-, m-, p-DC₆H₅CH₂, C₆H₅CD₂, C₆D₅CH₂, and C₆D₅CD₂ have been measured at 77 K in rigid glasses. Very long decay times are observed for all the radicals. There is a dramatic deuterium effect upon ring deuteration; alkyl deuteration lengthens the lifetime if the phenyl ring is already deuterated, but otherwise exhibits a slight inverse deuterium effect. The oscillator strength of the ²A₂ ? ²B₂ transition is calculated to be no larger than 8 × 10^?4.     

Fluorescence lifetimes of some Harmala and Rauwolfia alkaloids

Quantum yields and lifetimes of several derivatives of the Peganum Harmala and Rauwolfia alkaloids have been measured. The natural lifetimes of these alkaloids have been calculated from a modified form of the Strickler—Berg equation and the results are compared with the observed lifetimes.     

Synthesis of ether-linked fluorocarbon surfactants and their aggregational properties in organic solvents

A series of single- and double-tailed hydrocarbon-fluorocarbon (HF) surfactants were prepared to evaluate the effect of molecular structure on aggregate formation in organic solvents. The molecules were designed with ether linkages to permit facile syntheses of both sets of molecules. Solvent foaming studies were used to rapidly assess the surface-active properties of the surfactants, while dynamic light scattering provided quantitative critical micelle concentrations (CMC) and hydrodynamic radius (R(h)) measurements of the aggregates in solution. The single-tailed surfactants did not produce any foaming action in a number of hydrocarbon solvents, nor was any micellar formation observed up to 100 mM concentrations. Double-tailed surfactants, on the other hand, gave low CMC values in dodecane but with R(h) values that indicated a tight micelle structure. Bilayer formation was expected but not observed for these molecules, which is believed to be due to their unusual structural geometry, imparted by the glycerol backbone. No thermotropic liquid crystalline (LC) behavior was observed for any of the single- or double-tailed molecules. These data contrast with the known behavior of perfluorinated alkanes and other fluorinated surfactants, suggesting that the ether linkage plays an important role in the self-organizing behavior of these molecules.     

Pyrolysis of N-doped organic aerogels with relation to sorption properties

Resorcinol–formaldehyde aerogels (five samples, three of them with addition of nitrogen containing precursors—3-hydroxypyridine, 3-aminophenol and melamine) have been prepared by sol–gel polycondensation, subcritical drying and pyrolysis. The pyrolysis of prepared organic aerogels has been studied by non-isothermal TG at constant heating rate. The process of pyrolysis has been found to consist of three steps with the total mass loss 40.2–61.7% (room temperature—1,000 °C). The resulted carbon aerogels have been tested as sorbents of Ni(II), Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions. Various relations have been found among the results obtained from the pyrolysis experiments and properties affecting adsorption. Besides the expected correlation between the mass loss gained from TG (isothermal step at 500 °C was applied) and from heating in the laboratory oven, the relationship between the mass loss during pyrolysis and sorption capacities for all three metal ions has been found. Other relations among pyrolysis behaviour, surface area and content of nitrogen have been also examined. Batch adsorption experiments show (with an exception of one sample) that N-doped samples have higher adsorption capacity for metal ions. In addition, changing of nitrogen functionalities during the pyrolysis has been considered and pyridinic-N (N-6) functionality has been contemplated as a suitable structure for the adsorption process.     

Fluorescence spectra and lifetimes of chalcone ketyl radical anions

Fluorescence spectra and lifetimes have been measured at 77 K for the chalcone ketyl radical anion, and its hydroxy and methoxy derivatives. The radical anions were produced by γ-irradiation of sample molecules at 77 K in alkaline polyvinyl alcohol films and in EPA rigid glasses with sec-butylamine, followed by thermal bleaching (annihilation reactions of various unstable species at an elevated temperature). Fluorescence lifetimes of these radical anions (1.6–3.1 ns) were only slightly shorter than those of the corresponding ketyl radicals (3.1–5.5 ns).     

Ultrasonic measurements and other allied parameters of praseodymium and neodymium palmitates in mixed organic solvents

Ultrasonic measurements on praseodymium and neodymium palmitates were made in a mixture of 60% benzene and 40% dimethyl sulfoxide (V/V), to determine the critical micelle concentration (CMC), soap-solvent interaction, and various acoustic and thermodynamic parameters. The values of the CMC increase with the increase in the size of the cation in the soap molecules. The ultrasonic velocity, specific acoustic impedance, apparent molar compressibility, apparent molar volume and relative association increase while the adiabatic compressibility, intermolecular free length, solvation number, molar sound velocity and available volume decrease with increasing soap concentration.