QUENCHING OF SINGLET OXYGEN BY HUMAN PLASMA

Direct measurements of the decay of singlet oxygen phosphorescence at 1270 nm were made in human plasma diluted with various amounts of deuterium oxide. The Stern-Volmer plot of the singlet oxygen lifetimes was linear up to 15% plasma concentration (vol/vol). Extrapolation of these measurements to 100% plasma content gave a singlet oxygen lifetime of 1.04 +/- 0.03 microseconds in human plasma. Biological molecules accounted for 77% of the total singlet oxygen quenching while water accounted for 23% of the quenching. The contributions of various types of biological molecules to the total singlet oxygen quenching were calculated from their plasma concentrations and their quenching constants. Plasma proteins quenched most of the singlet oxygen. Uric acid also quenched a significant amount of singlet oxygen (12%). Tocopherols, carotenoids, ascorbic acid and bilirubin made only small contributions to the total singlet oxygen quenching (less than or equal to 4%).     

Novel rhenium(I) polypyridine biotin complexes that show luminescence enhancement and lifetime elongation upon binding to avidin

While most biotin-fluorophore conjugates suffer from significant emission quenching upon binding to avidin due to resonance energy-transfer, three novel rhenium(I) polypyridine biotin complexes have been designed in view of their characteristic photophysical properties, in particular their large Stokes shifts. In contrast to most biotin-fluorophore conjugates, the (3)MLCT emission intensities and lifetimes of these rhenium(I) complexes are increased upon binding to avidin, rendering them luminescent probes for avidin and biotinylated species.     

Excited state kinetics in crystalline solids: self-quenching in nanocrystals of 4,4'-disubstituted benzophenone triplets occurs by a reductive quenching mechanism

We report an efficient triplet state self-quenching mechanism in crystals of eight benzophenones, which included the parent structure (1), six 4,4'-disubstituted compounds with NH(2) (2), NMe(2) (3), OH (4), OMe (5), COOH (6), and COOMe (7), and benzophenone-3,3',4,4'-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (8). Self-quenching effects were determined by measuring their triplet-triplet lifetimes and spectra using femtosecond and nanosecond transient absorption measurements with nanocrystalline suspensions. When possible, triplet lifetimes were confirmed by measuring the phosphorescence lifetimes and with the help of diffusion-limited quenching with iodide ions. We were surprised to discover that the triplet lifetimes of substituted benzophenones in crystals vary over 9 orders of magnitude from ca. 62 ps to 1 ms. In contrast to nanocrystalline suspensions, the lifetimes in solution only vary over 3 orders of magnitude (1-1000 μs). Analysis of the rate constants of quenching show that the more electron-rich benzophenones are the most efficiently deactivated such that there is an excellent correlation, ρ = -2.85, between the triplet quenching rate constants and the Hammet σ(+) values for the 4,4' substituents. Several crystal structures indicate the existence of near-neighbor arrangements that deviate from the proposed ideal for "n-type" quenching, suggesting that charge transfer quenching is mediated by a relatively loose arrangement.     

Carotenoid triplet state lifetimes

Carotene and xanthophyll triplet lifetimes are found to depend on the concentration of the parent molecule. These results account for some of the variations in carotenoid triplet lifetimes reported previously. The rate constants obtained for ground state quenching correlate with the number of conjugated double bonds, the longer chain systems having higher quenching rate constants.     

Radiative lifetime of Li2 A 1Σ+u

Collision free lifetimes and total quenching cross sections have been measured for Li₂ A ¹Σ⁺_u as a function of the degree of vibrational excitation. The lifetimes are independent of ν and average 18.0 ± 1.9 ns. The quenching cross sections range from 185 A² to 406 A².     

Changes in plasma composition during the expansion into the first vacuum stage of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer

The effects of collisions on the composition of the plasma passing through the first vacuum stage of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer were monitored in three sets of experiments. Rates of collisional quenching of an excited state in the neutral calcium atom were estimated from changes in experimental fluorescence lifetimes. Intensities from collisionally-assisted fluorescence provided evidence of energy transfer between excited states. Changes in analyte number density along the axis of the supersonic expansion in the first vacuum stage provided evidence that ion-electron recombination occurs to a significant extent during the expansion. Together, the experiments create a picture of the first vacuum stage in which collisions play an important role in shaping the composition of the plasma that is ultimately delivered to the mass analyzer.     

Intramolecular dimers: a new strategy to fluorescence quenching in dual-labeled oligonucleotide probes

Many genomics assays use profluorescent oligonucleotide probes that are covalently labeled at the 5' end with a fluorophore and at the 3' end with a quencher. It is generally accepted that quenching in such probes without a stem structure occurs through F?rster resonance energy transfer (FRET or FET) and that the fluorophore and quencher should be chosen to maximize their spectral overlap. We have studied two dual-labeled probes with two different fluorophores, the same sequence and quencher, and with no stem structure: 5'Cy3.5-beta-actin-3'BHQ1 and 5'FAM-beta-actin-3'BHQ1. Analysis of their absorption spectra, relative fluorescence quantum yields, and fluorescence lifetimes shows that static quenching occurs in both of these dual-labeled probes and that it is the dominant quenching mechanism in the Cy3.5-BHQ1 probe. Absorption spectra are consistent with the formation of an excitonic dimer, an intramolecular heterodimer between the Cy3.5 fluorophore and the BHQ1 quencher.     

Scattering Resonance States and Partial Potential Energy Surface of Reaction I+HI(v=0)→IH(v′=0)+I

The partial potential energy surface of the I HI→IH I reaction involving the translational and vibrational motions has been constructed at the QCISD(T)//MP4SDQ level with the pseudo potential method that is helpful to interpreting the scattering resonance states. The lifetimes of the scattering resonance states in the title reaction obtained from the partial potential energy surface are about 90-120 fs, which agrees with the result of high-resolved threshold photodetachment spectroscopy of anion IHI- measured by Neumark.     

Radiative lifetimes for the B1piu state of the Na2 molecule

A study of the radiative lifetimes calculation of the Na2 B1piu state is presented. RKR electronic potentials are considered. The studied vibrational levels are for v' = 0-33 (B1piu) and v" = 0-65 (chi1sigmag+). The rotation is considered for values of J' = 1-225 (B1piu). The Einstein emission coefficients are calculated for the specified B1piu rovibrational levels (for Q line and R, P lines, for all ground state vibrational levels). With the inverse of Einstein emission coefficients sum, the radiative lifetimes are calculated. These calculated lifetimes are in good agreement with the experimental and previously calculated (with RKR potentials) lifetimes, but now great extension of considered rovibrational levels is considered. The bound-free contribution is irrelevant for Na2 lifetimes of the B1piu state. The perturbation between Na2 B1piu and alpha1sigmau+ states is considered.     

QUENCHING OF METHYLCYCLOHEXANE FLUORESCENCE BY METHANOL*

We measured the fluorescence emission spectrum and intensity decays of methylcyclohexane (MCH) when excited by simultaneous absorption of two photons at 298 nm. The steady-state intensities and lifetimes were both decreased by methanol, which was found to be an efficient quencher of MCH fluorescence. Methanol quenching of MCH is clearly dynamic, but the exact mechanism of quenching is unclear. Dynamic quenching of MCH was also observed by water and n-propanol. These results suggest that alkane fluorescence from biopolymers, if observable, will only occur from regions of the macromolecules that are not exposed to water.     

Bimodal Fluorescence/Magnetic Resonance Molecular Probes with Extended Spin Lifetimes

Bimodal molecular probes combining nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and fluorescence have been widely studied in basic science, as well as clinical research. The investigation of spin phenomena holds promise to broaden the scope of available probes allowing deeper insights into physiological processes. Herein, a class of molecules with a bimodal character with respect to fluorescence and nuclear spin singlet states is introduced. Singlet states are NMR silent but can be probed indirectly. Symmetric, perdeuterated molecules, in which the singlet states can be populated by vanishingly small electron-mediated couplings (below 1 Hz) are reported. The lifetimes of these states are an order of magnitude longer than the longitudinal relaxation times and up to four minutes at 7 T. Moreover, these molecules show either aggregation induced emission (AIE) or aggregation caused quenching (ACQ) with respect to their fluorescence. In the latter case, the existence of excited dimers, which are proposed to use in a switchable manner in combination with the quenching of nuclear spin singlet states, is observed     

Scattering Resonance States and Partial Potential Energy Surface of Reaction I ＋ HI （ v = 0 ） → IH （ v＇ = 0 ） ＋ I

The partial potential energy surface of the I ＋ HI →IH ＋ I reaction involving the translational and vibrational motions has been constructed at the QCISD（ T ）//MP4SDQ level with the pseudo potential method that is helpful to interpreting the scattering resonance states. The lifetimes of the scattering resonance states in the title reaction obtained from the partial potential energy surface are about 90-120 fs, which agrees with the result of high-resolved threshold photodetachment spectroscopy of anion IHI^- measured by Neumark.     

Optical absorption and photoluminescence properties of Er3+ doped mixed alkali borate glasses

An investigations of the optical absorption and fluorescence spectra of 0.2 mol% Er2O3 in mixed alkali borate glasses of the type 67.8B2O3 x xLi2O(32-x)Na2O, 67.8B2O3 x xLi2O(32-x)K2O and 67.8B2O3 x xNa2O(32-x)K2O (where x = 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24) are presented. The glasses were obtained by quenching melts consisting of H3BO3, Li2CO3, Na2CO3, K2CO3 and Er2O3 (950-1100 degrees C, 1.5-2 h) between two brass plates. Spectroscopic parameters like Racah (E1, E2 and E3), spin-orbit (xi(4f)) and configuration interaction (alpha) parameters are deduced as function of x. Using Judd-Ofelt theory, Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters (omega2, omega4 and omega6) are obtained. Radiative and non-radiative transition rates (A(T) and W(MPR)), radiative lifetimes (tauR), branching ratios (beta) and integrated absorption cross-sections (sigma) have been computed for certain excited states of Er3+ in these mixed alkali borate glasses. Emission spectra have been studied for all the three Er3+ doped mixed alkali borate glasses. The present paper throws light on the trends observed in the intensity parameters, radiative lifetimes, branching ratios and emission cross-sections as a function of x in these borate glasses, keeping in view the effect of mixed alkalies in borate glasses.     

Short-lived olefin triplets and energy transfer from them to β-carotene

Results concerning lifetimes, and kinetics of quenching by β-carotene, are reported for short-lived triplets of several conjugated dienes and aryl-su     

Beta-phenyl quenching of triplet excited ketones: how critical is the geometry for deactivation?

The phenomenon of beta-phenyl quenching has been examined by laser-flash photolysis in a series of alpha- and/or beta-substituted ketones 4-8 with similar excited-state characteristics. It is found that alpha-substitution markedly increases the triplet lifetimes in contrast to beta-substitution. The force field calculations for the various staggered conformers of ketones 4-6 and 8-syn show that the lowest-energy conformation in all these ketones has the carbonyl group and the beta-phenyl ring gauche to each other. Despite this geometrical requirement, the longer lifetimes observed are interpreted as being due to the influence of the alpha-substituent on the rotational freedom of the planar benzoyl moiety as a whole. The experimental results are suggestive of the attainment of what appears to be a critical geometry for quenching. This scenario may be likened to Norrish type II reactions, where the alpha-substituent has long been known to suppress the elimination pathway and promote Yang cyclization. In addition, we have shown that the diastereomers of alpha,beta-disubstituted ketones exhibit distinct lifetimes.     

Effect of halogenated compounds on the photophysics of C70 and a monoadduct of C70: Some implications on optical limiting behaviour

The fluorescence spectra, quantum yields and lifetimes of C₇₀ and a pseudo-dihydro derivative (C₇₀R) have been measured in a wide range of solvents at room temperature. This information is important for the development of reverse saturable absorbers. Phosphorescence spectra and phosphorescence lifetimes were also measured at low temperature. The fluorescence is subject to quenching by halogenated compounds. The efficiency of quenching follows the order I>Br≫Cl. The nature of the quenching is shown to vary, with chlorinated compounds exhibiting static quenching of fullerene fluorescence, owing to nonfluorescent complex formation, whilst those compounds containing bromine and iodine exhibit dynamic quenching due to the external heavy-atom effect, that increases the intersystem crossing rate constant in the fluorophore–perturber complex. This constant is evaluated by an original method from the bimolecular quenching rate constants. The phosphorescence quantum yield of both fullerenes at 77 K slightly increases in the presence of iodobenzene, in spite of a strong decrease in phosphorescence lifetime. The marked increase of the intersystem crossing rate constant in concentrated solutions owing to the external heavy-atom effect is of interest for the application of fullerenes as fast-responding optical limiters (reverse saturable absorbers) of intense laser pulses, even in cases where the triplet quantum yield is of the order of unity.     

EXCITED STATES OF FLAVINES – V. THE QUENCHING OF FLAVINE LUMINESCENCE BY INDOLES

Abstract— The quenching of the fluorescence of flavines by indoles in aqueous solution has been studied as a function of concentration, viscosity and temperature. The quenching shows a negative temperature dependence, and is in part diffusion controlled. Static and dynamic processes both contribute to quenching.
In the presence of alcohol or denaturants static quenching is inhibited and dynamic quenching supervenes. The effect of indoles on the flavine fluorescence lifetimes and phosphorescence characteristics is consistent with the quenching mechanism proposed.     

A FLUORESCENCE STUDY OF TRYPTOPHAN-HISTIDINE INTERACTIONS IN THE PEPTIDE ANANTIN AND IN SOLUTION

Abstract—Anantin is a heptadecapeptide in which the C-terminal peptide chain pierces the covalently cyclized peptide ring formed by an amide link between the α-NH₂ end group and the β-carboxyl group of Asp(8). It contains a tryptophan and a histidine at positions 5 and 12 , respectively. Des-Phe(17)-anantin lacks the C-terminal phenylalanine. Fluorescence emission intensity as a function of pH follows the ionization of a single residue. The pK_a amounts to 7.23 ± 0.03 for anantin and is attributed to His(12). At pH 9 the quantum yield is 0.12 ± 0.01 for anantin, whereas at pH 4.5 the quantum yield decreases more than two-fold (0.05 2 0.01). Practically identical parameters are observed for des-Phe(17)-anantin. This pH dependency reveals intramolecular quenching of the excited indole ring of Trp(5) by the imidazole of His(12), which results in a marked decrease of the tryptophan fluorescence at low pH. In a multifrequency phase fluorometric study the fluorescence lifetimes for both peptides at pH 4.5 and pH 9 are determined. At both, pH fluorescence decay is well described by a sum of two exponentials. For anantin at pH 4.5 the lifetimes are 0.72 ± 0.07 ns and 1.67 ± 0.07 ns. At pH 9 the lifetimes are 1.11 ±0.12 ns and 2.55 ± 0.03 ns. In methanol we find two lifetimes for anantin: 0.68 ± 0.01 ns and 2.57 ± 0.01 ns. The lifetimes are found to be slightly dependent upon emission wavelength. For des-Phe(17)-anantin practically the same values are observed. The quenching of tryptophan fluorescence by histidine is further studied in solution using N-acetyl-tryptophanamide in the presence of increasing concentrations of imidazole in the protonated (pH 4.5) and unprotonated (pH 9) state and in methanol. At both pH values and in methanol, a linear increase in both the inverse of the steady-state fluorescence F_o/F and the inverse of the lifetime 1/τ with increasing imidazole concentration indicates that a collisional mechanism is at the root of the observed quenching. The quenching efficiency values, γ, are calculated and amount to about 0.32 at pH 4. 5 , 0.02 at pH 9 and 0.002 in methanol, showing that protonated imidazole is a better quencher than the unprotonated form, and that the nature of the solvent is involved even in the quenching by unprotonated imidazole. Tryptophan-histidine interactions in solution and in the peptide are compared.     

Radiative lifetime of the Te2 B0+u and A0+u states excited by a pulsed dye laser

A pulsed dye laser has been used to measure the radiative lifetimes and quenching rates of transitions of the B0⁺_u and A0⁺_u states of Te₂. The observed zero pressure lifetimes vary from 55 to 730 ns. The quenching rates vary from 0.9 × 10⁶ to 40 × 10⁶ s⁻¹ Torr⁻¹.