Hemolysis of Erythrocytes and Erythrocyte Membrane Fluidity Changes by New Lysosomotropic Compounds

This work contains the results of studies on the influence of newly synthesized lysosomotropic substances (lysosomotropes) on human erythrocytes. Six homologous series of the compounds differing in the alkyl chain length and counterions were studied. They were found to hemolyse erythrocytes and to change their osmotic resistance. The observed hemolytic effects were dependent both on the compounds structure (polar head dimension and alkyl chain length of compound) and its form (the kind of the counterion). In parallel, the influence of lysosomotropes on fluidity of the erythrocyte membrane was studied. Three different fluorescent probes were used; 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH), 1-(4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene, p-toluenesulfonate (TMA-DPH) and 6-dodecanoyl-2-dimethylaminonaphthalene (laurdan). Their anisotropy (DPH and TMA-DPH) or general polarization (laurdan) values after incorporation into ghost erythrocyte membranes were measured. The results obtained show that fluidity changes accompanied the effects observed in hemolytic experiments both quantitatively and qualitatively.     

Membrane fluidity altering and enzyme inactivating in sarcoma 180 cells post the exposure to sonoactivated hematoporphyrin in vitro

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a novel tumor therapy method. We investigated membrane fluidity, activity of the enzymes and membrane morphology in vitro post hematoporphyrin-SDT treatment. Furthermore, the potential mechanisms behind the changes in membrane fluidity and enzymic activity were discussed. Tumor cells were exposed to ultrasound at 1.75 MHz for up to 3 min in the presence and absence of hematoporphyrin. Fluorescence polarization, contents of Malonaldehyde, and levels of free fatty acid were assessed. Activity of enzymes was checked by the plumbic nitrate detection method. For the morphologic study, a scanning electron microscope was used to observe the cellular surface. Ultrasonically induced cell damage increased in the presence of HPD (from 15% to 24%). Compared with ultrasound treatment alone, the fluidity decreased from 5.037 to 3.908, malonaldehyde content and free fatty acid level increased from 0.743 nmol/mL to 0.979 nmol/mL and from 237.180 μmol/L to 730.769 μmol/L, respectively, post ultrasound combined with HPD treatment. Inactivity of adenylate cyclase and guanylate cyclase and significant deformation of the cellular surface were also observed post SDT treatment. Our results suggested that alterations in membrane modality and lipid composition played important roles in SDT-mediated inhibition of tumor growth, even inducing tumor cell death, which might be attributed to a sono-chemical activation mechanism.     

荧光偏振法测定红细胞膜粘度在药学方面的应用

本文介绍荧光偏振法应用于“血瘀”的动物模型,观察用人参后血液红细胞膜粘度的变化,借以研究人参对于“血瘀”用药的药效作用.     

Enhanced growth of lactobacilli and bioconversion of isoflavones in biotin-supplemented soymilk upon ultrasound-treatment

This study aimed at utilizing ultrasound treatment to further enhance the growth of lactobacilli and their isoflavone bioconversion activities in biotin-supplemented soymilk. Strains of lactobacilli (Lactobacillus acidophilus BT 1088, L. fermentum BT 8219, L. acidophilus FTDC 8633, L. gasseri FTDC 8131) were treated with ultrasound (30 kHz, 100 W) at different amplitudes (20%, 60% and 100%) for 60, 120 and 180 s prior to inoculation and fermentation in biotin-soymilk. The treatment affected the fatty acids chain of the cellular membrane lipid bilayer, as shown by an increased lipid peroxidation (P < 0.05). This led to increased membrane fluidity and subsequently, membrane permeability (P < 0.05). The permeabilized cellular membranes had facilitated nutrient internalization and subsequent growth enhancement (P < 0.05). Higher amplitudes and longer durations of the treatment promoted growth of lactobacilli in soymilk, with viable counts exceeding 9 log CFU/mL. The intracellular and extracellular β-glucosidase specific activities of lactobacilli were also enhanced (P < 0.05) upon ultrasound treatment, leading to increased bioconversion of isoflavones in soymilk, particularly genistin and malonyl genistin to genistein. Results from this study show that ultrasound treatment on lactobacilli cells promotes (P < 0.05) the β-glucosidase activity of cells for the benefit of enhanced (P < 0.05) isoflavone glucosides bioconversion to bioactive aglycones in soymilk.     

Fluorescence and ESR studies on membrane oxidative damage by gamma radiation

Oxidative damage to cellular membranes critically controls the manifestation of cellular response to ionizing radiation. To gain further insight into the damaging mechanisms, we have investigated the effects of γ-radiation-generated free-radical-mediated peroxidative damage in egg yolk lecithin unilamellar liposomal membranes by employing 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH). Alterations in lipid bilayer fluidity and malondialdehyde (MDA) formation were measured in irradiated liposomal membranes as a function of radiation dose (0.1-1 kGy). A relationship seems to exist between the degree of radiation-induced peroxidative damage and the magnitude of DPH fluorescence decay in irradiated membranes. Radiation-induced membrane rigidization and MDA formation were significantly reduced when α-tocopherol, a natural membrane antioxidant, was present in the liposomes suggesting an involvement of lipid free radicals in the mechanism of the damage process. The results of the present study have been compared with those obtained by the electron spin resonance (ESR) technique on human erythrocyte ghost membranes with spin-labeled phospholipids having the unique capability to sensitively report on the dynamic state of the lipid environment inside the bilayer membrane. Iodoacetamide and N-ethylmaleimide spin labels were used to investigate alterations in membrane proteins. These results have contributed to our understanding of mechanisms involved in radiation membrane oxidative damage in terms of lipid peroxidation, fluidity changes and involvement of -SH groups of membrane proteins. Combined use of fluorescence and ESR spin-label techniques is of potential interest in probing the deeper molecular mechanisms of radiation injury in cellular membranes for developing strategies to modify the radiation damage to cells.     

荧光偏振法研究脉冲电场对酿酒酵母细胞膜流动性影响

以DPH(1,6-二苯基-1,3,5-己三烯)为荧光探剂,采用荧光偏振法探讨了脉冲电场(0～25 kV·cm-1,0～266 ms)对酿酒酵母细胞膜流动性影响。经5 kV·cm-1电场处理后,酿酒酵母细胞膜的流动性显著减小,并且随电场强度和处理时间的增加而减小;通过平板计数法和紫外分光光度计法分别检测了脉冲电场对酿酒酵母细胞存活对数及膜通透性影响。结果显示,5 kV·cm-1虽然只能使少量的酵母致死,却能使酵母细胞膜的通透性显著增加,膜流动性显著降低。并且细胞的存活率随电场强度增大而减小,细胞膜的通透性随电场强度增大而增大。这表明细胞膜的流动性降低与细胞膜的通透性升高成正相关,与细胞的存活率成负相关。由此推测脉冲电场在对酿酒酵母灭菌过程中,细胞膜是其作用的一个关键位点,膜流动性减小,细胞膜通透性增强,是细胞死亡的主要原因。     

Ultrasound treatment enhances cholesterol removal ability of lactobacilli

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ultrasound treatment on the cholesterol removing ability of lactobacilli. Viability of lactobacilli cells was significantly increased (P < 0.05) immediately after treatment, but higher intensity of 100 W and longer duration of 3 min was detrimental on cellular viability (P < 0.05). This was attributed to the disruption of membrane lipid bilayer, cell lysis and membrane lipid peroxidation upon ultrasound treatment at higher intensity and duration. Nevertheless, the effect of ultrasound on membrane properties was reversible, as the viability of ultrasound-treated lactobacilli was increased (P < 0.05) after fermentation at 37 °C for 20 h. The removal of cholesterol by ultrasound-treated lactobacilli via assimilation and incorporation of cholesterol into the cellular membrane also increased significantly (P < 0.05) upon treatment, as observed from the increased ratio of membrane C:P. Results from fluorescence anisotropies showed that most of the incorporated cholesterol was saturated in the regions of phospholipids tails, upper phospholipids, and polar heads of the membrane bilayer.     

In vitro activation of mitochondria-caspase signaling pathway in sonodynamic therapy-induced apoptosis in sarcoma 180 cells

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has been shown to mediate apoptosis in many experimental systems, but the detailed mechanism of this process is unclear. In this study, we aim to investigate the potential participation of the mitochondria-caspase signaling pathway in the SDT-induced apoptosis in isolated sarcoma 180 (S180) cells. The cell suspension was treated with 1.75 MHz continuous ultrasound (US) at an acoustic intensity (I_SATA) of 1.4 W for 3 min in the absence or presence of 20 μg/ml hematoporphyrin (Hp). At different times after the SDT-treatment, the apoptotic cells were identified under a scanning electron microscope, and the apoptosis index (AI) was determined by flow cytometry. In addition, the mitochondrial membrane potential, permeabilization of the inner mitochondrial membrane, and translocation of apoptosis-related proteins were assessed by confocal microscopy. Simultaneously, the activation of some special apoptosis-associated proteins [caspase-9, caspase-3, polypeptide poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and Bax] was evaluated by western blotting. Our results indicate that the ultrasonically activated Hp can cause obvious cell apoptosis (AI, 57.66%) at 3 h after treatment, and this effect can be significantly reduced by caspase-9 inhibitor (AI, 20.76%) and the oxygen scavenger NaN₃ (20.11%). However, the apoptosis induced by ultrasound alone was relatively lower (28.33%) and was not reduced by NaN₃. Further, SDT caused an 82.1% reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential and a 70.7% reduction in the permeabilization of the inner mitochondrial membrane immediately after treatment, and these two effects were obviously prevented by NaN₃. In comparison with the control cells, the SDT-treated cells showed obvious cytochrome-c and Bax translocations, caspase activation, Bax expression, and PARP cleavage at 1 h after SDT-treatment. However, in the cells treated with ultrasound alone, these phenomena partially and weakly occurred 3 h after exposure. These results primarily showed that the mitochondria-caspase signaling pathway in S180 cells was activated in the US- and SDT-induced apoptosis. Moreover, Hp significantly accelerates the process of apoptosis and enhances the cytotoxic effect of ultrasonic treatment. Singlet oxygen may be responsible for the mitochondrial damage and the activation of the apoptotic signaling pathway.     

Effects of ultrasound on growth, bioconversion of isoflavones and probiotic properties of parent and subsequent passages of Lactobacillus fermentum BT 8633 in biotin-supplemented soymilk

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ultrasound on Lactobacillus fermentum BT 8633 in parent and subsequent passages based on their growth and isoflavone bioconversion activities in biotin-supplemented soymilk. The treated cells were also assessed for impact of ultrasound on probiotic properties. The growth of ultrasonicated parent cells increased (P < 0.05) by 3.23-9.14% compared to that of the control during fermentation in biotin-soymilk. This was also associated with enhanced intracellular and extracellular (8.4-17.0% and 16.7-49.2%, respectively; P < 0.05) β-glucosidase specific activity, leading to increased bioconversion of isoflavones glucosides to aglycones during fermentation in biotin-soymilk compared to that of the control (P < 0.05). Such traits may be credited to the reversible permeabilized membrane of ultrasonicated parent cells that have facilitated the transport of molecules across the membrane. The growing characteristics of first, second and third passage of treated cells in biotin-soymilk were similar (P > 0.05) to that of the control, where their growth, enzyme and isoflavone bioconversion activities (P > 0.05) were comparable. This may be attributed to the temporary permeabilization in the membrane of treated cells. Ultrasound affected probiotic properties of parent L. fermentum, by reducing tolerance ability towards acid (pH 2) and bile; lowering inhibitory activities against selected pathogens and reducing adhesion ability compared to that of the control (P < 0.05). The first, second and third passage of treated cells did not exhibit such traits, with the exception of their bile tolerance ability which was inherited to the first passage (P < 0.05). Our results suggested that ultrasound could be used to increase bioactivity of biotin-soymilk via fermentation by probiotic L. fermentum FTDC 8633 for the development of functional food.     

Femtosecond time-resolved energy transfer from CdSe nanoparticles to phthalocyanines

The first real-time observation of the early events during energy transfer from a photoexcited CdSe nanoparticle to an attached phthalocyanine molecule are presented in terms of a femtosecond spectroscopic pump–probe study of the energy transfer in conjugates of CdSe nanoparticles (NPs) and silicon phthalocyanines (Pcs) with 120 fs time resolution. Four different silicon phthalocyanines have been conjugated to CdSe NPs. All of these have proven potential for photodynamic therapy (PDT). In such NP-Pc conjugates efficient energy transfer (ET) from CdSe NPs to Pcs occurs upon selective photoexcitation of the NP moiety. Spectral analysis as well as time-resolved fluorescence up-conversion measurements revealed the structure and dynamics of the investigated conjugates. Femtosecond transient differential absorption (TDA) spectroscopy was used for the investigation of the non-radiative carrier and ET dynamics. The formation of excitons, trapped carriers states, as well as stimulated emission was monitored in the TDA spectra and the corresponding lifetimes of these states were recorded. The time component for energy transfer was found to be between 15 and 35 ps. The ET efficiencies are found to be 20-70% for the four Pc conjugates, according to fluorescence quenching experiments. Moreover, as a result of the conjugation between NP and the Pcs the photoluminescence efficiency of the Pc moieties in the conjugates do not strictly follow the quantum yields of the bare phthalocyanines. PACS 73.63.Bd     

A reevaluation of the assignment of the vibrational fundamentals and the rotational analysis of bands in the high-resolution infrared spectra of trans- and cis-1,3,5-hexatriene

Assignments of the vibrational fundamentals of cis- and trans-1,3,5-hexatriene are reevaluated with new infrared and Raman spectra and with quantum chemical predictions of intensities and anharmonic frequencies. The rotational structure is analyzed in the high-resolution (0.0013-0.0018 cm⁻¹) infrared spectra of three C-type bands of the trans isomer and two C-type bands of the cis isomer. The bands for the trans isomer are at 1010.96 cm⁻¹ (ν₁₄), 900.908 cm⁻¹ (ν₁₆), and 683.46 cm⁻¹ (ν₁₇). Ground state (GS) rotational constants have been fitted to the combined ground state combination differences (GSCDs) for the three bands of the trans isomer. The bands for the cis isomer are at 907.70 cm⁻¹ (ν₃₃) and 587.89 cm⁻¹ (ν₃₅). GS rotational constants have been fitted to the combined GSCDs for the two bands of the cis isomer and compared with those obtained from microwave spectroscopy. Small inertial defects in the GSs confirm that both molecules are planar. Upper state rotational constants were fitted for all five bands.     

Pressure-induced hemolysis of in vivo aged human erythrocytes is enhanced by inhibition of water transport via aquaporin-1

Human erythrocytes are fractionated into young, intermediate, and old cells according to their densities. Pressure-induced hemolysis reflects sensitively membrane perturbations. Therefore, the hemolysis of erythrocytes at 200 MPa was examined using fractionated cells. Pressure-induced hemolysis of old (or in vivo aged) erythrocytes was enhanced, compared with those of young and intermediate cells which showed the same hemolytic values. Flow cytometric analysis showed less fragmentation of old erythrocytes under pressure. Moreover, the water transport through the membrane was suppressed in old erythrocytes than intermediate ones. The low permeability of water in old erythrocytes was confirmed by osmotic hemolysis using a hypotonic buffer. These results suggest that water transport via aquaporin-1 (AQP1) is inhibited in old erythrocytes. As the number of AQP1 molecules remained constant in old erythrocytes, the function of AQP1 may be reduced.     

Study of plasma membrane heterogeneity using a phosphatidylcholine derivative of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene [2-(3-(diphenylhexatriene)propanoyl)-3-palmitoyl-l-α-phosphatidylcholine]

The fluorescent probe 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) and DPH derivatives have been used to characterize structural and physicochemical properties of specific membrane domains. Steady-state and fluorescence decay measurements of three probes, DPH (1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene), TMA-DPH [1-(4-trimethyl-ammonium-phenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene], and a phosphatidylcholine derivative of DPH, DPH-pPC [2-(3-(diphenylhexatriene)propanoyl)-3-pamitoyl-L--phosphatidyl choline], have been performed in erythrocyte membranes and in lymphocyte plasma membranes. The steady-state fluorescence polarization of the three probes showed a similar trend in both membranes. In fact either in erythrocyte or in lymphocyte plasma membranes the fluorescence polarization values of DPH-pPC and TMA-DPH were similar, but significantly higher with respect to DPH. A better characterization of erythrocyte and lymphocyte plasma membranes was possible by using fluorescence decay measurements. The data suggest the possible use of different DPH derivatives to characterize specific domains in biological membranes.     

Sonodynamic action of pyropheophorbide-a methyl ester induces mitochondrial damage in liver cancer cells

Sonodynamic therapy with pyropheophorbide-a methyl ester (MPPa) presents a promising aspect in treating liver cancer. The present study aims to investigate the mitochondrial damage of liver cancer cells induced by MPPa-mediated sonodynamic action. Mouse hepatoma cell line H₂₂ cells were incubated with MPPa (2 μM) for 20 h and then exposed to ultrasound with an intensity of 0.97 W/cm² for 8 s. Cytotoxicity was investigated 24 h after sonodynamic action using MTT assay and light microscopy. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was analyzed using flow cytometry with rhodamine 123 staining and ultrastructural changes were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).The cytotoxicity of MPPa-mediated SDT on H₂₂ cell line was 73.00 ± 3.42%, greater than ultrasound treatment alone (28.12 ± 5.19%) significantly while MPPa treatment alone had no significant effect on H₂₂ cells. Moreover, after MPPa-mediated SDT cancer cells showed swollen mitochondria under TEM and a significant collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential. Our findings demonstrated that MPPa-mediated SDT could remarkably induce cell death of H₂₂ cells, and highlighted that mitochondrial damage might be an important cause of cell death induced by MPPa-mediated SDT.     

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) air-filled nanocapsules as a contrast agent for ultrasound imaging

The aim of this study was to prepare air-filled nanocapsules intended ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) with a biodegradable polymeric shell composed of poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA). Because of their size, current commercial UCAs are not capable of penetrating the irregular vasculature that feeds growing tumors. The new generation of UCAs should be designed on the nanoscale to enhance tumor detection, in addition, the polymeric shell in contrast with monomolecular stabilized UCAs improves the mechanical properties against ultrasound pressure and lack of stability. The preparation method of air-filled nanocapsules was based on a modification of the double-emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Air-filled nanocapsules with a mean diameter of 370 ± 96 nm were obtained. Electronic microscopies revealed spherical-shaped particles with smooth surfaces and a capsular morphology, with a shell thickness of ∼50 nm. Air-filled nanocapsules showed echogenic power in vitro, providing an enhancement of up to 15 dB at a concentration of 0.045 mg/mL at a frequency of 10 MHz. Loss of signal for air-filled nanocapsules was 2 dB after 30 min, suggesting high stability. The prepared contrast agent in this work has the potential to be used in ultrasound imaging.     

Ultrasound induces cellular destruction of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells in the presence of curcumin

Objectives

Curcumin, a natural pigment from the traditional Chinese herb, has shown promise as an efficient enhancer of ultrasound. The present study aims to investigate ultrasound-induced cellular destruction of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells in the presence of curcumin in vitro.

Methods

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE2 cells were incubated by 10 μm curcumin and then were treated by ultrasound for 8 s at the intensity of 0.46 W/cm². Cytotoxicity was evaluated using MTT assay and light microscopy. Mitochondrial damage was analyzed using a confocal laser scanning microcopy with Rhodamine 123 and ultrastructural changes were observed using a transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Results

MTT assay showed that cytotoxicity induced by ultrasound treatment alone and curcumin treatment alone was 18.16 ± 2.37% and 24.93 ± 8.30%, respectively. The cytotoxicity induced by the combined treatment of ultrasound and curcumin significantly increased up to 86.67 ± 7.78%. TEM showed that microvillin disappearance, membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, swollen mitochondria, and mitochondrial myelin-like body were observed in the cells treated by ultrasound and curcumin together. The significant collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was markedly observed in the CNE2 cells after the combined treatment of curcumin and ultrasound.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that ultrasound sonication in the presence of curcumin significantly killed the CNE2 cells and induced ultrastructural damage and the dysfunction of mitochondria, suggesting that ultrasound treatment remarkably induced cellular destruction of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells in the presence of curcumin.     

Ultrasound enhanced growth and cholesterol removal of Lactobacillus fermentum FTDC 1311 in the parent cells but not the subsequent passages

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ultrasound on the intestinal adherence ability, cell growth, and cholesterol removal ability of parent cells and subsequent passages of Lactobacillus fermentum FTDC 1311. Ultrasound significantly decreased the intestinal adherence ability of treated parent cells compared to that of the control by 11.32% (P < 0.05), which may be due to the protein denaturation upon local heating. Growth of treated parent cells also decreased by 4.45% (P < 0.05) immediately upon ultrasound (0-4 h) and showed an increase (P < 0.05) in the viability by 2.18-2.34% during the later stage of fermentation (12-20 h) compared to that of the control. In addition, an increase (P < 0.05) in assimilation of cholesterol (>9.74%) was also observed for treated parent cells compared to that of the control, accompanied by increased (P < 0.05) incorporation of cholesterol into the cellular membrane. This was supported by the increased ratio of membrane cholesterol:phospholipids (C:P), saturation of cholesterol in the apolar regions, upper phospholipids regions, and polar regions of membrane phospholipids of parent cells compared to that of the control (P < 0.05). However, such traits were not inherited by the subsequent passages of treated cells (first, second, and third passages). Our data suggested that ultrasound treatment could be used to improve cholesterol removal ability of parent cells without inducing permanent damage/defects on treated cells of subsequent passages.     

Investigation of erythrocyte membrane damage under the action of γ radiation in a wide dose range using electroporation

Human erythrocyte membrane damage under the impact of γ radiation on blood suspension is studied in a wide dose range (2–1000 Gy, irradiation dose rate 2.75 Gy/min). It is shown that the irradiation in the absorbed dose range from 600 Gy and higher results in hemolysis of erythrocytes immediately (or within several hours) after irradiation, and the value of the hemolysis rate constant increases with increasing absorbed dose. For finding hidden membrane damage occurring several hours after irradiation with smaller doses, the suspension was affected by a high voltage pulsed electric field (PEF). It is shown that, for an absorbed dose range from 2 to ～350 Gy, no noticeable increase in the erythrocyte hemolysis rate was observed after the action of PEF on the suspension, as compared to the nonirradiated suspension. This testifies that, in this dose range, the degree of membrane damage is small and practically independent of absorbed dose value. For doses from 400 to ～550 Gy, a noticeable increase in the hemolysis rate after the action of PEF growing with increasing absorbed dose was observed.     

Thin films of asymmetrically substituted “ABAB-Type” indium phthalocyanine chloride: Preparation, structural characterization and optical properties

A synthetic route to the asymmetric octasubstituted metal-free phthalocyanines H₂Pcs (3-8) has been developed. They contain a combination of 2(3),16(17)-Tetra(2-ethyl-1-hexyl) and 9(10),23(24)-tetra(n-hexyl) as substituent groups in the peripheral positions. Thin films of the target asymmetric substituted “ABAB-Type” indium phthalocyanine chloride complex InPcCl 9, have been also fabricated for the first time, with different thickness (105-350 nm) using thermal evaporation technique. The structural and optical properties of the films have been investigated. The material in powder form showed a polycrystalline nature with triclinic structure. Miller indices, hkl, values for each diffraction line in X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum were calculated. The as-deposited films exhibited also a crystalline nature with a preferred orientation of growth. The scanning electron microscope showed the nano-structure property of the deposited films. The optical properties of the films are studied by the spectrophotometric measurements of the transmittance, T and the reflectance, R determined at the normal incident of the light in the spectral range 200-2500 nm. The refractive and absorption indices of the films are calculated and are found to be independent of film thickness of 105-350 nm. Different dispersion and absorption parameters are determined for the films.     

Charge-transfer at silver/phthalocyanines interfaces

Valence band photoemission spectroscopy (VB-PES) and inverse photoemission spectroscopy (IPES) were employed to determine the occupied and unoccupied density of states upon silver deposition onto layers of two phthalocyanines (H₂Pc and CuPc). The two different Pc molecules give rise to very distinct behaviour already during the initial stage of silver deposition. While in the CuPc case no shift occurs in the energy levels, the H₂Pc highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) are shifting simultaneously by 0.3 eV, i.e., the HOMO shifts away from the Fermi level while LUMO shifts towards the Fermi level. As the silver quantity increases the HOMO levels of both Pcs are shifting towards the Fermi level. When the Fermi level is resolved in the VB spectra, the characteristic features of H₂Pc and CuPc are smeared out to some extent. Shifts in HOMO and LUMO energy positions as well as changes in line shapes are discussed in terms of charge-transfer and chemical reactions at the interfaces.