STEADY-STATE NEAR-INFRARED DETECTION OF SINGLET MOLECULAR OXYGEN: A STERN-VOLMER QUENCHING EXPERIMENT WITH SODIUM AZIDE

Abstract— A sensitive near-infrared detection system incorporating improvements to existing methodologies has been used to characterize the sodium azide quenching of the steady-state luminescence of singlet molecular oxygen at 1270 nm. Stern-Volmer plots which were linear up to 80% quenching of the ¹O₂ generated by rose bengal and eosin Y yielded a rate constant of 5.8 ± 0.1 times 10⁸ M ⁻¹ s⁻¹ for the quenching of ¹O₂ in water, while the rate constants obtained in deuterium oxide with the same sensitizers were 6.28 times 10⁸ M ⁻¹ s⁻¹ and 6.91 times 10⁸ M ⁻¹ s⁻¹ respectively. A flow system minimized the effects of photobleaching of the rose bengal. With a mercury arc light source, the instrument can be used in photosensitization experiments to detect low levels of ¹O₂ production in aqueous media.     

DEACTIVATION OF PYRENE BY INDOLE IN MICELLAR SOLUTIONS

Abstract— The deactivation rate of excited pyrene by indole strongly depends on the polarity of the media. In micellar systems (Triton X-100, cetyltrimcthylammonium chloride (CTAC) and sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) the deactivation efficiency is enhanced due to the high local concentration of indole in the micellar pseudophase. Quantitative interpretation of the data in CTAC and SDS micelles requires to take into account indole exchange between the micelles and the aqueous phase. In SDS micelles, where due to their smaller size the exchange process is more relevant, the exit and entrance rates are (3.0 ± 0.6) x 10⁶ and (1.2 ± 0.3) x 10¹⁰ M ⁻¹s⁻¹ respectively. Intramicellar bimolecular quenching constants are (1.1 ± 0.2) x 10⁸ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ (1.4 ± 0.2) x 10⁸ M ⁻¹ s⁻¹ and (1.5 ± 0.2) x 10⁸ M ⁻¹ s⁻¹ in Triton X-100, SDS and CTAC respectively. These rates are similar to those measured in ethanol rich ethanol-water homogeneous solutions. This is in agreement with the average polarity sensed by both pyrene and indole in the micellar pseudophases.     

Quenching of Singlet Oxygen by a Carotenoid–Cyclodextrin Complex: The Importance of Aggregate Formation

The Girard's reagent P derivative of canthaxanthin ((GRP)₂-canthaxanthin), a dicationic carotenoid, forms a highly water-dispersible complex with (2-hydroxypropyl)-γ-cyclodextrin. The UV–visible light spectrum of the complex is consistent with some degree of aggregation, but the spectrum is independent of concentration from 7.5 to 750 μ m . Stern-Vomer plots for singlet-oxygen quenching by the complex are linear over a concentration range of 0–20 μ m . In the presence of 1 m m (2-hydroxypropyl)-γ-cyclodextrin, the singlet-oxygen quenching constant for the complex is 7.9 ± 0.9 × 10⁸  m ⁻¹s⁻¹. This is about an order of magnitude lower than the singlet-oxygen quenching constants for (GRP)₂-canthaxanthin in various organic solvents. The properties of the complex are also compared with the properties of (GRP)₂-canthaxanthin solubilized in neat water and in water containing various detergents. The singlet-oxygen quenching constant for (GRP)₂-canthaxanthin in micelles depends strongly on the specific detergent used, varying from 9.4 × 10⁸  m ⁻¹s⁻¹ for hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to 1.24 ± 0.4 × 10¹⁰  m ⁻¹s⁻¹ for sodium dodecyl sulfate. The small quenching constant in CTAB micelles correlates with spectroscopic evidence for aggregation of the (GRP)₂-canthaxanthin in this detergent.     

Lutetium Texaphyrin (PCI-0123): A Near-Infrared, Water-Soluble Photosensitizer

Lutetium texaphyrin, PCI-0123, is a pure, water-soluble photosensitizer with a large broad absorption band centered at 732 nm. The compound was tested for photodynamic therapy (PDT) effectiveness in a murine mammary cancer model. The texaphyrin macrocycle as illustrated by magnetic resonance imaging and ¹⁴C-radiolabeled texaphyrin studies was shown to be tumor selective; a tumor-to-muscle ratio of 10.55 was seen after 5 h. Lutetium texaphyrin, at a drug dose of 20 μmol/kg with irradiation 5 h postinjection at 150 J/cm² and 150 mW/cm², had significant efficacy (P < 0.0001) in treating neoplasms of moderate size (40 ± 14 mm³) and also had significant efficacy ( P < 0.0001) in treating larger neoplasms (147 ± 65 mm³). The PDT efficacy was correlated with the time interval between PCI-0123 administration and light exposure. A 100% cure rate was achieved when photoirradiation took place 3 h postinjection compared to 50% for 5 h using 10 μmol/kg and 150 J/cm² at 150 mW/cm². The PDT efficacy was attributable to the selective uptakehetention of the texaphyrin photosensitizer in addition to the depth of light penetration achievable at the 732 nm laser irradiation.     

FLUORESCENCE QUANTUM YIELDS OF 124-kDa PHYTOCHROME FROM OAT UPON EXCITATION WITHIN DIFFERENT ABSORPTION BANDS

Abstract— A fluorescence quantum yield (emission at650–850 nm) of π= (2.3 ± 0.3)10⁻³ was measured for the red-absorbing form (Pr) of 124-kDa phytochrome from etiolated oat seedlings ( Avena sativa ) upon excitation in the Soret band at Λ^exc= 380 nm. The small difference between this value and the previously determined quantum yield with Λ^exc= 640 nm, π= (3.5 ± 0.4)10⁻³is attributed to a blue-absorbing emitter responsible for the "anomalous" or "blue" emission of the chromoprotein in the region from ca. 400 to 550 nm. The absorption of Pr at 380 nm is consequently somewhat lower than that measured directly from the spectrum. Processes from upper excited states of the Pr phytochromobilin-derived chromophore other than rapid relaxation to the emitting state are not important. A quantum yield of Φ ' 1.2 times 10⁻³ is estimated for the blue fluorescence. The proportion of the blue emitters relative to Pr appears to be relatively high.     

Dynamics of Flavin in Flavocytochrome b2: A Fluorescence Study

Abstract— The dynamics of the flavin bound to the flavocytochrome b₂ from Hansenula anomala were studied by fluorescence intensity quenching and quenching emission anisotropy with iodide. The fluorescence intensity of bound flavin is decreased 13-fold as compared to the free molecule. The remaining fluorescence decays with two lifetimes equal to 0.963 ± 0.040 and 4.635 ± 0.008 ns and fractional intensities of 0.036 ± 0.002 and 0.964 ± 0.002, respectively. The bimolecular diffusion constant was found to be 3.33 × 10⁹ M ^-1 s^-1 when the flavin is bound to the enzyme and 8.3 × 10⁹ Mv s^-1 when the flavin is free in solution. Thus, the flavin in flavocytochrome b₂ is accessible to the solvent, but the amino acid residues of the binding site inhibit the diffusion of iodide. The rotational correlation time of bound flavin was found to be 2.015 ± 0.365 ns, a value higher than that (155 ps) of free flavin in solution. Our results are discussed on the basis of local dynamics of the flavin.     

Irradiation of DNA with 193 nm Light Yields Formamidopyrimidine-DNA Glycosylase (Fpg) Protein-Sensitive Lesions

Abstract— Irradiation of aqueous solutions of plasmid DNA (pUC18) at pH 7.6 with 193 nm laser light results in low yields of prompt single strand breakage (air-saturated sample φ_ssb= [1.5 ± 0.1] ± 10⁻⁴, argon-saturated sample φ_ssb= [0.9 ± 0.1] ± 10⁻⁴). Treatment of the irradiated DNA samples with Escherichia coli formamidopyrimi-dine-DNA glycosylase (Fpg) protein results in an approximate 20-fold increase in the yield of single strand breakage (air-saturated sample φ_fpg= [33.1 ± 3.1] ± 10⁻⁴, argon-saturated sample φ_fpg= [23.8 ± 2.6] × 10 ⁴). This result indicates that 193 nm light induces other modification) (most likely of the purine moieties) that are 20 times more abundant than prompt strand breakage within the DNA matrix.     

Ground-and Excited-State Characterization of an Electrostatic Complex between Tetrakis-(4-Sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin and 16-Pyrimidinium Crown-4

Abstract— We report the formation of an electrostatic complex between (16-pyrimidinium crown-4)tetranitrate (16PC4) and tetrakis-(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (4SP) in aqueous solution. Ground-state complex formation results in a red shift of the 4SP visible absorption bands and a decrease in absorbance of the Soret band. The equilibrium constant for complex formation (determined from optical titrations) is found to be (2.0 ± 0.2) × 10⁵ M ⁻¹. In addition, the data fit to an expression describing a 1:1 stoichiometry. Excitation of the complex results in quenching of both the excited singlet and triplet states of the associated porphyrin. The singlet-state lifetime decreases from 10 ns for the free porphyrin to 1.5 ns in the presence of 16PC4 at low solution ionic strengths. In addition, evidence is presented for triplet-state quenching within the complex with k _q= (1.1 ± 0.1) × 10⁴ s⁻¹. The mechanism of quenching is tentatively assigned to electron transfer from either the excited singlet or excited triplet state of the porphyrin to the ground state of the 16PC4.     

RATE CONSTANTS FOR INTERACTION OF 1O21Δg) WITH AZIDE ION IN WATER

Abstract— The rate constant for quenching of ¹O₂ by azide ion in water was determined to be (5.0 ± 0.4) × 10⁸ M ⁻¹ s⁻¹ using a variety of sensitizers (including humic acids) and ¹O₂ acceptors. The apparent second-order rate constant decreases with pH below pH 5.5 in accordance with the protonation of azide ion to form hydrazoic acid (p K _a= 4.6). Quenching by hydrazoic acid is at least 2 orders of magnitude slower than by azide ion. Greater than 99% of all interactions between ¹O₂ and azide ion involve physical quenching rather than chemical reaction. Humic acid triplets are not significantly quenched by azide ion at concentrations less than 2 m M , allowing azide ion quenching to be used as a diagnostic test for the intermediacy of ¹O₂ in photosensitized oxidations in natural surface waters.     

PHOTOREDUCTION OF IRON(III)PORPHYRINS

Abstract— Ferrideuteroporphyrin in benzene, water or micelle solutions containing primary or secondary alcohols as well as in pure or basic 2-propanol solutions is clearly reduced to the ferrous state by continuous light irradiation in the Soret region. Quantum yields range between 4 × 10⁻⁴ and 3 × 10⁻² depending on the solvents used and on the coordination state of the ferric porphyrin. As inferred from laser pulse photolysis experiments, the primary chemical step appears to be the homolytic cleavage of the bond between the ferric ion and a coordinated alcoholate anion leading to the ferrous porphyrin and the alkoxy radical. This cleavage is found to occur within less than 50 ns. The alkoxy radical rearranges leading to the α-hydroxyalkyl radical which reacts with excess ferric porphyrin leading to further reduction. The reaction rate constant for the reaction of α-hydroxyisopropyl radicals is found to be k = (2.1 ± 0.3) × 10⁸ M ⁻¹ s⁻¹ in pure 2-propanol. As expected, this rate is greatly increased in basic 2-propanol where α-hydroxyisopropyl radicals deprotonate.     

THE KINETICS OF REDUCTION OF CYTOCHROME c BY SEMI-REDUCED FLAVIN

Abstract— Flavin mononucleotide radicals, FMNH', generated by laser flash photolysis of FMN in the presence of the electron donors, histidine, guanosine monophosphate or EDTA, were found to reduce cytochrome c with an apparent rate constant of 6 ± 10⁷ M ⁻¹ s⁻¹. These flash photolysis results were, however, complicated by the electron donor radicals formed simultaneously which, particularly with EDTA, also lead to reduction of cytochrome c. Pulse radiolysis of a nitrous oxide saturated aqueous solution of FMN containing a high concentration of HCOONa, leads to the exclusive formation of FMNH'. By adding small concentrations of cytochrome c to this solution, a rate constant of 4.0 ± 10⁻¹ M ⁻¹ s⁻¹ was obtained for the reduction of cytochrome c by FMNH'. Replacement of the HCOONa by EDTA in such solutions leads to further routes for reduction of cytochrome c on radiolysis. as in the photolytic situation. The relevance of these results to flavin-photosensitised reduction of cytochrome c and other components of the mitochondrial electron transport chain is discussed.     

Fast Redox Perturbation of Aqueous Solution by Photoexcitation of Pyranine

Abstract— Intense illumination (60-120 MW/cm²) of an oxygen-free aqueous solution of pyranine (8-hydroxypyrene-l,3,6-tri-sulfonate) by the third harmonic frequency of an Nd-Yag laser (355 nm) drives a two successive-photon oxidative process of the dye. The first photon excites the dye to its first electronic singlet state. The second photon interacts with the excited molecule, ejects an electron to the solution and deactivates the molecule to a ground state of the oxidized dye (φ⁺). The oxidized product, φ⁺, is an intensely colored compound (Λ_max= 445 nm, ε= 43 000 ± 1000 M ⁻¹ cm⁻¹) that reacts with a variety of electron donors like quinols, ascorbate and ferrous compounds. In the absence of added reductant, φ⁺ is stable, having a lifetime of -10 min. In acidic solutions the solvated electrons generated by the photochemical reaction react preferentially with H⁺. In alkaline solution the favored electron acceptor is the ground-state pyranine anion and a radical, φ, of the reduced dye is formed. The reduced product is well distinguished from the oxidized one, having its maximal absorption at 510 nm with e = 25 000 ± 2000 M^-l cm⁻¹. The oxidized radical can be reduced either by φ^- or by other electron donors. The apparent second-order rate constants of these reactions, which vary from 10⁶ up to 10⁹M⁻¹ s⁻¹, are slower than the rates of diffusion-controlled reactions. Thus the redox reactions are limited by an energy barrier for electron transfer within the encounter complex between the reactants.     

Two-Photon Excitation of 4'-Hydroxymethyl-4,5',8-Trimethylpsoralen

Abstract— Psoralens are a class of pharmaceutical agents commonly used to treat several cutaneous disorders. When irradiated with a mode-locked titanium: sapphire (Ti: sapphire) laser tuned to 730 nm, an aqueous solution of 4'-hydroxymethyl-4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen (HMT) emits blue light. The emission spectrum is centered at 452 nm and is identical to that obtained by one-photon excitation with UVA excitation, and its magnitude depends quad-ratically on the intensity of laser excitation. These results suggest that two-photon excitation occurs to a potentially photochemically active state. To estimate the two-photon absorption cross section, it was first necessary to measure the emission quantum yield of HMT using 365 nm excitation at room temperature that resulted in a value of 0.045 ± 0.007. The two-photon absorption cross section of HMT at 730 nm is therefore estimated to be 20 ± 10⁻⁵⁰ cm⁴ s (20 Göppert-Mayer). The excited-state photophysics and photochemistry of psoralens suggest potential applications to cutaneous phototherapy in diseases such as psoriasis and dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.     

QUENCHING OF CHLOROPHYLL FLUORESCENCE BY NITROBENZENE

Abstract—Nitrobenzene quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence in ethanol has been investigated. Steady state relative quantum yields have been measured and fluorescence decay rates were determined using both nanosecond photon counting and picosecond pulses from a mode-locked Nd³⁺ glass laser.
The fluorescence decay is described by
1( t )= I ₀ exp (- t/τ−At^1/2 )
the form predicted for decay governed by the kinetics of the continuum model of diffusion controlled reactions. From the parameters of the fluorescence decay, the encounter distance is 5–7 A° the mutual diffusion coefficient is 0.62 × 10^--⁵ cm2s^-1± 12%.
Some of the fluorescence quenching is also attributed to static quenching by a nitrobenzene-chlorophyll, ground-state complex. The equilibrium constant for formation of this ground-state complex was determined to be 4.1 M ^-1. The combined dynamic and static quenching model allows calculation of quantum yields of fluorescence in good agreement with the experimentally determined quantum yields.     

USE OF TRIS (2,2'-BIPYRIDINE) RUTHENIUM(II) DICATION IN A NOVEL METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF SINGLET OXYGEN REACTION RATES: APPLICATION TO STUDIES OF GELATIN

Abstract— A novel method for the determination of singlet oxygen reaction rate constants is described and applied to studies of cyclohexadiene in methanol and gelatins in H₂O and D₂O. The technique uses tris (2,2'-bipyridine) ruthenium(II) dication (Ru(bipy)₃₂₊) as both singlet oxygen sensitizer and in situ oxygen concentration monitor during irradiation of sealed samples. Because of the high efficiency with which the luminescence of Ru(bipy)₃2+* can be detected, and the fact that emission lifetimes are used, the method offers some advantages over those previously described. The advantages and disadvantages of the method are discussed. A rate constant of 2.1 (±0.3) x 10⁶ mol^-1 dm³ s^-1 has been determined for the reaction of ¹O₂ with cyclohexadiene in methanol. For two different photographic gelatins the sums of reaction and quenching rate constants are 2.0 (±0.4) x 10⁶ and 3.1 (±2.0) x 10⁵ mol^-1 dm³ s^-1; for swine skin gelatin this value is 3.9 (±2.4) × 10⁵ mol^-1 dm³ s^-1. Chemical reaction, rather than physical quenching, is the dominant reaction route for gelatins and ¹O₂.     

INTERACTION BETWEEN HUMAN α1ACID GLYCOPROTEIN (OROSOMUCOID) AND 2-p-TOLUIDINYLNAPHTHALENE-6-SULFONATE

Abstract—
The interaction between human α₁-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid) and the fluorescent probe, 2- p -toluidinylnaphthalene-6-sulfonate (TNS) has been studied. An association constant of 16.7 (±3) X 10³ M ^-1 was obtained for the complex at 20°C with a stoichiometry of 1:1. From the effect of temperature on the binding process, the standard enthalpy change for the binding is calculated to be ΔH⁰= -18 ± 3 kJ mol^-1 and the standard entropy change ΔS⁰= 19 ± 12 J K^-1 mol^-1. The tryptophan fluorescence of the protein can be described by a sum of three exponentials. Upon TNS binding, the average fluorescence lifetime of the protein in the complex changes much less than the fluorescence intensity. The bound TNS is therefore a very efficient acceptor for the protein fluorescence. The TNS bound to orosomucoid presents two fluorescence lifetimes 1 1 and 4.3 ns. The possible origins of the two lifetimes are discussed.     

INVESTIGATION OF MIGRATION PARAMETERS OF ELECTRON EXCITATION ENERGY IN PHOTOSYNTHETIC and ARTIFICIAL SYSTEMS

Abstract— The technique for the determination of diffusion parameters on the basis of nonlinear fluorescence quenching and excitation energy capturing by the traps is discussed. The nonstationary character of the processes of excitation capturing by traps and of singlet-singlet annihilation which occur upon the system excitation by a picosecond pulse is taken into account. The obtained values of the diffusion parameters in the artificial pigment-polymer antenna system (the diffusion coefficient ∼ 10^-2 cm² s^-1 and the diffusion length ∼ 500 Å) are close to those in the photosynthesizing systems. It is also shown that the method of the determination of diffusion parameters on the basis of excitation capturing by the reaction centres may be applied for the study of the native photosynthetic systems.     

Photomodulation of Oxidative Metabolism and Electron Chain Enzymes in Rat Liver Mitochondria

Abstract— Low-level laser irradiation has been applied in a variety of laboratory studies and clinical trials for photobiostimulation over the last three decades. Considerable skepticism exists regarding the concept of photostimulation within the medical community. One of the major difficulties with photoirradiation research is that it lacks experimentally supportable mechanisms for the alleged photobiostimulatory effects. This study was undertaken to determine whether oxidative metabolism and electron chain enzymes in rat liver mitochondria can be modulated by photoirradiation. Oxygen consumption, phosphate potential, and energy charge of rat liver mitochondria were determined following photoirradiation. Activities of mitochondrial enzymes were analyzed to assess the specific enzymes that are directly involved with the photostimulatory process. An argon-dye laser at a wavelength of 660 nm and at a power density of 10 mW/cm² was used as a photon source. Photoirradiation significantly increased oxygen consumption (0.6 J/cm² and 1.2 J/cm², P < 0.05), phosphate potential, and the energy charge (1.8 J/cm² and 2.4 J/cm², P < 0.05) of rat liver mitochondria and enhanced the activities of NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase, ubiquinol: ferricytochrome C oxidoreductase and ferrocytochrome C: oxygen oxidoreductase (0.6 J/cm², 1.2 J/cm², 2.4 J/cm² and 4.8 J/cm², P < 0.05). The activities of succinate ubiquinone oxidoreductase, ATPase, and lactate dehydrogenase were not affected by photoirradiation.     

CALCIUM-DEPENDENT FLUORESCENCE LIFETIMES OF INDO-1 FOR ONE- AND TWO-PHOTON EXCITATION OF FLUORESCENCE

Abstract— We characterized the fluorescence intensity decays of Indo-1, which is commonly used as an emission wavelength-ratiometric calcium probe. The apparent lifetime of the long-wavelength side of the emission of Indo-1 is dependent on Ca²⁺. This long-wavelength emission displays the characteristics of an excited-state reaction, that is, a negative preexponential component in thc multiexponential analysis. The emission spectra and lifetime of Indo-1 appear to be identical for one-photon and two-photon excitation at 351 and 702 mn, respectively, suggesting that the relative one- and two-photon cross sections are similar for the calcium-free and calcium-bound forms of Indo-1. Also, the two-photon cross section of Indo-1 is relatively high, about 4 × 10⁻⁴⁹ cm⁴ s/photon molecule at 690 nm for both the calcium-free and calcium-bound forms. Hence, Indo-1 can be used for calcium imaging based on one- or two-photon excitation, using either emission wavelength ratios or lifetime imaging methods.     

CAROTENOID TRIPLET STATE AND CHLOROPHYLL FLUORESCENCE QUENCHING IN CHLOROPLASTS AND SUBCHLOROPLAST PARTICLES

Abstract— Absorption changes attributed to the triplet state of carotenoids and to primary electron donors (P-700. P-680)^: and fluorescence quenching at several wavelengths have been measured with a single apparatus. following flash excitation with a dye or a ruby laser. Spinach chloroplasts as well as subchloroplast particles enriched in Photosystem-1 (F₁), Photosystem-2 (F₁) or the light-harvesting Chl a/h (F_III) have been examined at temperatures varying between 5 and 294 K.
The triplet state of carotenoids has been identified on the basis of its difference spectrum (having a peak at 515 nm) and decay kinetics (⋍ 7 µs at low temperature; accelerated by O₂ at 294 K). It is formed in all of the materials studied. The quantum yield of carotenoid triplet formation in chloroplasts increases at low temperature, but less than the fluorescence yield.
In most cases the fluorescence quenching recovers approximately with the same kinetics as the decay of the carotenoid triplets. The fluorescence recovery is, however, significantly faster for chloroplasts at 730 nm. Fluorescence quenching occurs in all types of materials. The ratio of fluorescence quenching to the concentration of carotenoid triplets varies with the material, being maximum in chloroplasts and minimum in F_m particles.
We conclude that the formation of the carotenoid triplet state is not limited to a few sites in the chloroplast and that a carotenoid triplet is a quencher of chlorophyll fluorescence. A detailed comparison of carotenoid triplets and fluorescence quenching gives some information concerning the organization of the pigments in the photosynthetic apparatus.