Effects of Refractive Index and Viscosity on Fluorescence and Anisotropy Decays of Enhanced Cyan and Yellow Fluorescent Proteins

The fluorescence lifetime strongly depends on the immediate environment of the fluorophore. Time-resolved fluorescence measurements of the enhanced forms of ECFP and EYFP in water–glycerol mixtures were performed to quantify the effects of the refractive index and viscosity on the fluorescence lifetimes of these proteins. The experimental data show for ECFP and EYFP two fluorescence lifetime components: one short lifetime of about 1 ns and a longer lifetime of about 3.7 ns of ECFP and for EYFP 3.4. The fluorescence of ECFP is very heterogeneous, which can be explained by the presence of two populations: a conformation (67% present) where the fluorophore is less quenched than in the other conformation (33% present). The fluorescence decay of EYFP is much more homogeneous and the amplitude of the short fluorescence lifetime is about 5%. The fluorescence anisotropy decays show that the rotational correlation time of both proteins scales with increasing viscosity of the solvent similarly as shown earlier for GFP. The rotational correlation times are identical for ECFP and EYFP, which can be expected since both proteins have the same shape and size. The only difference observed is the slightly lower initial anisotropy for ECFP as compared to the one of EYFP.     

Energy Deactivation of Electronic Excitation of 2-N-Piperidine-5-(2",2"-Dicyanvinyl)Thiophene Depending on the Solvent Viscosity

Using the methods of picosecond laser spectroscopy and steady-state luminescence, we investigated the energy, spectral, and kinetic characteristics of 2-N-piperidine-5-(2",2"-dicyanvinyl)thiophene (PDCVTh) in solutions at room temperature. The mechanism of radiationless energy deactivation of electronic excitation in PDCVTh is interpreted in terms of the notions of conformational changes, controlled by medium viscosity, in a molecule after absorption by it of excitation energy.     

Time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy imaging applied to live cells

We have developed a wide-field time-resolved imaging system to image quantitatively both the fluorescence lifetime and the rotational correlation time of a fluorophore. Using a polarization-resolved imager, we simultaneously image orthogonal polarization components of the fluorescence emission onto a time-gated intensified CCD. We demonstrate imaging of solvent viscosity variations through the rotational correlation time of fluorescein in a multiwell plate and apply this technique to probe the microviscosity in live cells.     

Time-Resolved FRET and FLIM of Four-way DNA Junctions

Conformational transitions in a 4-way DNA junction when titrated with ionic solutions are studied using time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Parameters characterising the transition in terms of critical ion concentration (c _1/2) and the Hill coefficient for ion binding are obtained by fitting a simple two-state model using steady-state spectra. Data obtained from a fluorescence lifetime plate reader and analysed by fitting a single exponential to donor fluorescence lifetime decays are shown to be in good agreement with the parameters obtained from steady-state measurements. Fluorescence lifetimes, however, offer advantages, particularly in being independent of fluorophore concentration, output intensity, inhomogeneity in the excitation source and output wavelength. We demonstrate preliminary FRET-FLIM images of DNA junction solutions obtained using a picosecond gated CCD which are in agreement with results from a fluorescence lifetime plate reader. The results suggest that time-resolved FRET-FLIM is sensitive to subtle structural changes and may be useful in assays based on 4-way DNA junctions.     

SYBR Green I: Fluorescence Properties and Interaction with DNA

In this study, we have investigated the fluorescence properties of SYBR Green I (SG) dye and its interaction with double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). SG/dsDNA complexes were studied using various spectroscopic techniques, including fluorescence resonance energy transfer and time-resolved fluorescence techniques. It is shown that SG quenching in the free state has an intrinsic intramolecular origin; thus, the observed >1,000-fold SG fluorescence enhancement in complex with DNA can be explained by a dampening of its intra-molecular motions. Analysis of the obtained SG/DNA binding isotherms in solutions of different ionic strength and of SG/DNA association in the presence of a DNA minor groove binder, Hoechst 33258, revealed multiple modes of interaction of SG inner groups with DNA. In addition to interaction within the DNA minor groove, both intercalation between base pairs and stabilization of the electrostatic SG/DNA complex contributed to increased SG affinity to double-stranded DNA. We show that both fluorescence and the excited state lifetime of SG dramatically increase in viscous solvents, demonstrating an approximate 200-fold enhancement in 100?% glycerol, compared to water, which also makes SG a prospective fluorescent viscosity probe. A proposed structural model of the SG/DNA complex is compared and discussed with results recently reported for the closely related PicoGreen chromophore.     

Wavelength-selective fluorescence as a novel tool to study organization and dynamics in complex biological systems

The dynamics exhibited by a given component of a large macromolecule such as a folded globular protein or an organized supramolecular assembly like the biological membrane is a function of its precise localization within the larger system. A set of approaches based on the red edge effect in fluorescence spectroscopy, which can be used to monitordirectly the environment and dynamics around a fluorophore in a complex biological system, is reviewed in this article. A shift in the wavelength of maximum fluorescence emission toward higher wavelengths, caused by a shift in the excitation wavelength toward the red edge of the absorption band, is termed the red edge excitation shift (REES). This effect is mostly observed with polar fluorophores in motionally restricted media such as very viscous solutions or condensed phases. This phenomenon arises from the slow rates of solvent relaxation around an excited-state fluorophore, which is a function of the motional restriction imposed on the solvent molecules in the immediate vicinity of the fluorophore. Utilizing this approach, it becomes possible to probe the mobility parameters of the environment itself (which is represented by the relaxing solvent molecules) using the fluorophore merely as a reporter group. Further, since the ubiquitous solvent for biological systems is water, the information obtained in such cases will come from the otherwise optically silent water molecules. This makes REES and related techniques extremely useful in biology since hydration plays a crucial modulatory role in a large number of important cellular events.     

基于光纤的溶解氧浓度荧光测定法

针对溶解氧浓度微量探测的现实需求,提出了一种基于荧光猝灭原理、利用多孔光纤实现的溶解氧浓度测定新方法。该方法将钌联吡啶[Ru（dpp）₃]Cl₂掺杂的凝胶薄膜修饰在多孔光纤的内壁上,制备了一种溶解氧测定探头并对其测试性能进行表征。光纤贯穿整个长度的孔洞结构既可以作为敏感膜的载体,也可以作为待测物流过的通道和反应场所。与传统测试方法相比,该测试探头的多孔道结构显著提高了比表面积,指示剂可以与溶解氧直接反应,提高了探头的敏感性并且具有微量探测的潜力。实验结果表明,在0~20 mg/L的浓度范围内,Stern-Volmer曲线近似线性,响应敏感度I₀/I为3.6,响应时间为200 ms。该测试方法在溶解氧微量探测领域具有重要用途。     

Study of thermal and chemical effects on cellulase enzymes: Viscosity measurements

The behaviour of cellulase enzymes in phosphate saline buffer has been studied over a wide range of temperatures and enzyme concentrations by using viscosity measurements. To characterize the conformation change of cellulase versus temperature and chemical denaturants, such as guanidinium chloride (GdmCl) and urea, the information about the intrinsic viscosity and the hydrodynamic radius are necessary. The dependence of the intrinsic viscosity and the hydrodynamic radius in its random coil conformation on temperature and denaturant concentration were studied. Our results and discussions are limited to the dilute regime of concentration because of abnormalities in conformation observed in the very dilute regime due to the presence of capillary absorption effects.     

Study on the toxic interactions of Ni with DNA using neutral red dye as a fluorescence probe

The interaction between Ni²⁺ and calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) was investigated in simulated physiological buffer (pH 7.4) using the Neutral Red (NR) dye as a spectral probe by UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, as well as CD spectra. The experimental results showed that the conformational changes in DNA helix induced by Ni²⁺ are the reason for the fluorescence quenching of the DNA-NR system. From the experimental results, conclusion can be drawn that Ni²⁺ can cause structural changes of ctDNA and bind with DNA by electrostatic interaction. At the same time, the paper proved that conformation changes of DNA can also lead to the fluorescence decrease of DNA-probe systems.     

6-Thioguanine luminescence probe to study DNA and low-molecular-weight systems

6-Thioguanine, an antitumor drug, has been tested as a luminescence probe to study DNA and cryoprotector solutions at temperatures between 4.2 and 273 K. The electronic structure of the tautomeric and ionic forms of 6-thioguanine is studied comprehensively both theoretically and experimentally. An excited-state diagram of 6-thioguanine N9H tautomer is proposed. The temperature behavior of 6-thioguanosine is examined in different cryoprotector solutions and with different aggregate states of solvents. Structure and phase transitions in low-molecular-weight cryoprotectors (glycerol, ethanol, propanediol, DMSO) and their water solution are investigated in the 4.2–273 K temperature range. New structural transitions in propanediol-water solutions are found in the temperature interval 10–180 K. DNA solutions are investigated by using 6-thioguanine incorporated in DNA by the method of biosynthesis. Phosphorescence intensity curves for 6-thioguanosine in native DNA manifest peculiarities at 21, 64, 87, 140, 180, and 268 K.     

硫杂杯[4]芳烃基胶束自组装荧光探针的结构性质及检测性能的研究

水体中重金属污染因威胁生态环境和人类健康而被受广泛关注。荧光探针由于具有快速高效检测重金属的特性,一直是该领域的研究热点。通常,荧光探针在结构上包括对待测物质起识别作用的受体和能产生信号响应的荧光体,并逐步形成了内在型、共轭型、系综型和模板辅助自组装型等四种结构类型。近年来,基于受体和荧光体在表面活性剂胶束内自组装而形成的胶束自组装型荧光探针因结构简单、易于制备、能直接应用于水环境等特点逐渐受到重视。以对铜离子具有优异结合性能的对叔丁基硫杂杯[4]芳烃（TCA）为受体,以芘、荧蒽、蒽、菲、苝等分子为荧光体,通过表面活性剂胶束自组装制备针对Cu2+检测的胶束自组装型荧光探针,采用参比法测定了胶束自组装荧光探针的荧光量子产率,采用稳态荧光法测定了胶束聚集数,同时通过计算荧光猝灭率分别考察了荧光体种类、复配表面活性剂等因素对该探针的Cu2+检测性能的影响情况。实验结果显示,采用十二烷基硫酸钠（SDS）、曲拉通100（TX-100）、聚氧乙烯月桂醚（Brij35）等三种不同的表面活性剂对探针荧光体的荧光量子产率产生了明显影响,测得的荧光探针荧光量子产率介于0.25~0.47,且三者逐渐增大,说明表面活性剂改变了胶束内荧光分子芘所处微环境的极性,且不同类型表面活性剂对微环境极性的影响程度有所差异,微环境极性的增强对极性更大的激发态芘具有更强的稳定作用。而受体TCA的加入对荧光体所处微环境极性影响较小,未对荧光量子产率产生较大影响。但TCA的加入使探针的胶束聚集数明显减少,这归因于具有两亲性的受体TCA分子通过胶束自组装进入并分散在表面活性剂分子层中,形成共胶束结构,从而改变了表面活性剂分子的聚集状态。荧光体变更对荧光探针的Cu2+检测性能有显著影响,在同样条件下,以荧蒽、蒽、菲作为荧光体的探针检测Cu2+所得到的荧光猝灭率远高于芘、苝,这主要是因为不同荧光体在从激发态返回基态时辐射跃迁所释放能量不同,其能量与受体TCA识别Cu2+所需能量之间的匹配度越高,荧光猝灭率越大。不同类型的表面活性剂之间的复配能明显提升荧光探针检测性能,当非离子/阴离子、非离子/阳离子型复配表面活性剂之间的复配比例分别为7∶3和1∶1时荧光猝灭率达到最大值,且均高于单一表面活性剂时的荧光猝灭率。这说明不同类型表面活性剂复配的最佳比例存在较大差异,但均有效地增强了受体与荧光体的分散性及自组装性能,提高了对Cu2+的检测性能。研究结果将为新型胶束自组装荧光探针的设计和应用提供数据参考。     

A Novel Single Fluorophore-Labeled Double-Stranded Oligonucleotide Probe for Fluorescence-Enhanced Nucleic Acid Detection Based on the Inherent Quenching Ability of Deoxyguanosine Bases and Competitive Strand-Displacement Reaction

We develop a novel single fluorophore-labeled double-stranded oligonucleotide (OND) probe for rapid, nanostructure-free, fluorescence-enhanced nucleic acid detection for the first time. We further demonstrate such probe is able to well discriminate single-base mutation in nucleic acid. The design takes advantage of an inherent quenching ability of guanine bases. The short strand of the probe is designed with an end-labeled fluorophore that is placed adjacent to two guanines as the quencher located on the long opposite strand, resulting in great quenching of dye fluorescence. In the presence of a target complementary to the long strand of the probe, a competitive strand-displacement reaction occurs and the long strand forms a more stable duplex with the target, resulting in the two strands of the probe being separated from each other. As a consequence of this displacement, the fluorophore and the quencher are no longer in close proximity and dye fluorescence increases, signaling the presence of target.     

Fluorescence probes of viscosity: A comparative study of the fluorescence anisotropy decay of perylene and 3,9-dibromoperylene in glycerol

The authors compare the results of fluorescence anisotropy decay measurements for glycerol solutions of perylene with those of 3,9-dibromoperylene (DBP). For both molecules a good linear dependence is observed between the glycerol viscosity (varied by temperature) and the longer rotational correlation time obtained as a result of a global (using data obtained at 256- and 430-nm excitation wavelengths) biexponential analysis of the fluorescence anisotropy decay, at least in the range of 7–60 P for perylene and 4–60 P for DBP. This significantly extends the reported range of 0.5 to 150 cP investigated by Williams and Ben-Amotz [1] with the probe BTBP.     

Fluorescence-based Broad Dynamic Range Viscosity Probes

We introduce two new fluorescent viscosity probes, SYBR Green (SG) and PicoGreen (PG), that we have studied over a broad range of viscosity and in collagen solutions. In water, both dyes have low quantum yields and excited state lifetimes, while in viscous solvents or in complex with DNA both parameters dramatically (300–1000-fold) increase. We show that in log-log scale the dependence of the dyes’ quantum yield vs. viscosity is linear, the slope of which is sensitive to temperature. Application of SG and PG, as a fluorescence-based broad dynamic range viscosity probes, to the life sciences is discussed.     

Acridones and Quinacridones: Novel Fluorophores for Fluorescence Lifetime Studies

Two new families of fluorescent probe, acridones and quinacridones, whose fluorescence lifetime can be altered to produce a range of lifetimes from 3 ns to 25 ns are described. Both families of fluorophore have fluorescence lifetimes which are unaffected by pH in the range of 5 to 9 and show a marked resistance to photobleaching. The probes have been modified to allow them to be attached to biomolecules and the labelling of a neuropeptide (substance P) is described. The labelled peptides have the same fluorescence lifetime as the free fluorophore. Quinacridone, with an emission around 550 nm offers a long fluorescence lifetime, photostable alternative to fluorescein.     

Conformation and aggregation of poly-L-proline in solution

Although a large number of physical techniques have been successfully used to investigate many of the properties of poly-L-proline, the work reported here has used a combination of osmometry, light scattering, viscometry, and sedimentation studies to reveal a new aspect of this model biopolymer. Experiments were made both on solutions (propionic acid) of poly-L-proline Form I and Form II and on solutions (propionic acid with a threefold dilution of n-propanol) in which Form II was in the process of converting to Form I. The results indicate that an increase in the measured molecular weight accompanies known optical activity and intrinsic viscosity changes which occur as Form II becomes Form I. It appears that the molecular weight determined at infinite dilution for poly-L-proline I is approximately twice that found for poly-L-proline II, and evidence for concentration-promoted aggregation beyond the level of a dimer has been noted in these Form I solutions. Based on these facts and on the information obtained about the particle shapes, it is proposed that this association occurs by a side-to-side binding of two macro-molecules. Discussion is directed toward how these experimental findings can be incorporated into the established concept of the Form I conformation. Light, scattering experiments were also performed on solutions (propionic acid 3 M in LiBr) in which the high-salt, or collapsed, form of poly-L-proline had been generated from either Form II or Form I material. These results showed that the dissolved particles are composed of single chains and are significantly smaller in size than found in solutions of either form and it appears possible that in the collapsed form poly-L-proline might be represented by rodlike macromolecules possessing trans-peptide bonds and a conformation with a relatively small helical pitch.     

Fluorescence of an eosine probe in solutions of human serum albumin with organic and inorganic ligands

The fluorescence of an eosine molecular probe in solutions of human serum albumin (HSA) in the presence of an inorganic (CsCl) and organic (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS) ligand was studied. The interaction of HSA molecules with these ligands was analyzed. It was demonstrated that the presence of CsCl, a low-molecular-weight salt, in the solutions influences the efficiency of the complexation of eosine with HSA. Data on the dynamics of the conformation rearrangement of HSA during denaturation under the action of SDS were obtained.     

丁二酰化壳寡糖稀土配合物与鲱鱼精DNA相互作用的电化学及光谱学研究

采用紫外光谱和循环伏安法,研究了丁二酰化壳寡糖稀土配合物（BCS-La、BCS-Nd）与鲱鱼精DNA之间的作用方式。BCS-La、BCS-Nd的存在导致Fe（CN）₆^3-/4-探针分子峰电流下降,式量电位正移,表明BCS-La、BCS-Nd和探针分子与DNA之间存在竞争性作用;BCS-La和BCS-Nd分子都是通过插入方式与DNA相互作用。在一定的扫描速率范围内（0.01~0.2 V/s）,在BCS-La或BCS-Nd参与的条件下,Fe（CN）₆^3-/4-在Au/DNA电极上的反应受吸附控制。BCS-La和BCS-Nd分别使得鲱鱼精DNA的特征峰产生明显的减色效应,最大吸收峰峰位红移,进一步表明BCS-La和BCS-Nd分别以插入方式与鲱鱼精DNA发生相互作用,导 致DNA分子的构象变化。BCS-La与DNA的结合比为：n（BCS-La）：n（DNA）=2：1;n（BCS-Nd）：n（DNA）=6：1。     

Binding of Fluorescein Isothiocyanate to Insulin: A Fluorimetric Labeling Study

The determination of the fluorophore to the protein molar ratio has been studied using fluorescence spectroscopy. The tyrosine fluorescence is measured from insulin (Ins) solutions at wavelengths lambda(ex)/lambda(em) = 276/300 nm and from fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) solutions at lambda(em)/lambda(em) = 494/518 nm. Series of solutions prepared from insulin and FITC are tested for conjugation, recording their fluorimetric intensities. Fluorimetric titrations with different formal concentrations are followed either by intrinsic and extrinsic emission intensities at lambda(ex)/lambda(em) = 276 or 494/518 nm and by their typical emission spectra at pH 9.0. All results denoted a binding ratio of 3 moles of FITC/mole of Ins.     

Fluorescence study of the core/shell interface in polyelectrolyte micelles. Binding of fluorescent surfactants in the interfacial region

Properties of the interfacial region between the nonpolar core and the polar shell in polystyreneblock-poly (methacrylic acid) micelles were studied by fluorescence techniques using 5-(N-octadecanoyl) aminofluorescein (OAF) as a probe for microfluidity and local pH. The block copolymer used was tagged between blocks by one 9, 10-diphenylanthracene (DPA) group, which allowed us to study binding of OAF at the interface by means of nonradiative energy transfer between DPA and OAF. A shift in the pK _a of OAF and appreciable changes in anisotropy and quenching efficiency due to immobilization of the fluorophore head-group in hydrophobic poly(methacrylic acid) domains were observed after binding of the probe at the interface.