Long Wavelength Fluorescence Lifetime Standards for Front-Face Fluorometry

With the increased development and use of fluorescence lifetime-based sensors, fiber optic sensors, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), and plate and array readers, , calibration standards are essential to ensure the proper function of these devices and accurate results. For many devices that utilize a “front face excitation” geometry where the excitation is nearly coaxial with the direction of emission, scattering-based lifetime standards are problematic and fluorescent lifetime standards are necessary. As more long wavelength (red and near-infrared) fluorophores are used to avoid background autofluorescence, the lack of lifetime standards in this wavelength range has only become more apparent . We describe an approach to developing lifetime standards in any wavelength range, based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). These standards are bright, highly reproducible, have a broad decrease in observed lifetime, and an emission wavelength in the red to near infrared making them well suited for the laboratory and field applications as well. This basic approach can be extended to produce lifetime standards for other wavelength regimes.     

谷胱甘肽比率荧光探针分子的设计合成及其光谱性能

将喹啉和丹磺酰胺两种荧光基团同时引入配体L1,利用L1与锌离子自组装构筑三核锌有机-金属大环化合物H-1(比率荧光探针),实现了对生物分子谷胱甘肽(GSH)的有效识别。利用紫外光谱、荧光光谱、~1H NMR、ESI-MS等表征方法研究了H-1对生物分子谷胱甘肽(GSH)的光谱识别作用。紫外滴定光谱表明,当向H-1中加入谷胱甘肽分子后,425 nm处的吸收峰强度降低,320 nm处的吸收峰强度增大,等吸收点为355 nm。利用320 nm处的吸光度值模拟计算平衡常数,lg K为4.03±0.11,说明H-1与GSH形成了1∶1的包合物。荧光光谱分析表明,当向H-1中加入GSH后,以340 nm光激发,波长为513 nm处丹磺酰胺的荧光强度下降,并且发生红移,而396 nm处喹啉基团的荧光强度增大。利用喹啉基团与丹磺酰胺基团荧光发射峰强度变化的比值可以精准检测谷胱甘肽分子,检测限可达到2.5×10~(-6)mol·L~(-1)。     

Comparison of frequency-domain and time-domain fluorescence lifetime tomography

We compare frequency-and time-domain formulations of deep-tissue fluorescence imaging of turbid media. Simulations are used to show that time-domain fluorescence tomography, implemented via the asymptotic lifetime-based approach, offers a significantly better separability of multiple lifetime targets than a frequency-domain approach. We also demonstrate experimentally, using complex-shaped phantoms, the advantages of the asymptotic time-domain approach over a Fourier-based approach for analyzing time-domain fluorescence data.     

Long Wavelength Fluorescence Ratiometric Zinc Biosensor

A protein-based emission ratiometric fluorescence biosensor is described that exhibits sensitivity to free zinc ion in solution down to picomolar concentrations. Ratiometric measurements are widely used to assure accurate quantitation, and emission ratios are preferred for laser scanning microscopes such as confocal fluorescence microscopes. The relatively long emission wavelengths used are well suited to studies in tissues and other matrices which exhibit significant fluorescence background, and the apo-carbonic anhydrase moiety recognizes zinc ion with high and controllable specificity.     

Time-Resolved Fluorescent Imaging of Glucose

A method for the fluorescent imaging of glucose is described that is based on the detection of enzymatically produced hydrogen peroxide, using the europium(III) tetracycline complex as the fluorescent probe incorporated into a hydrophilic polymer layer. Coadsorption of glucose oxidase (GOx) makes these sensor layers respond to the hydrogen peroxide produced by the GOx-assisted oxidation of glucose. The hydrogel layers are integrated into a 96-microwell plate for a parallel and simultaneous detection of various samples. Glucose is visualized by means of time resolved luminescence lifetime imaging. Unlike in previous methods, the determination of H₂O₂ does not require the addition of peroxidase or a catalyst to form a fluorescent product. The lifetime-based images obtained are compared with conventional fluorescence intensity-based methods with respect to sensitivity and the dynamic range of the sensor layer. The main advantages provided by this sensing scheme for H₂O₂ include reversibility, applicability at neutral pH, and the straightforwardness of the transducer system and the imaging device.     

贝诺酯与牛血清白蛋白位点选择性结合的分子光谱研究

采用荧光光谱、紫外可见光谱、同步荧光光谱及三维荧光光谱等分子光谱方法,研究了生理条件下贝诺酯(BEN)与牛血清白蛋白(BSA)的相互作用。结果表明,BEN对BSA的内源荧光有显著的猝灭作用,猝灭机理为动态猝灭,二者之间的作用力类型以疏水作用为主,BEN与BSA发生反应后,使BSA的疏水环境极性增强,疏水性减弱,荧光强度降低。测得的表观结合常数和结合位点数分别是1 050 L·mol^-1和0.88,同时测得了焓变(ΔH)、熵变(ΔS)和自由能变(ΔG)等热力学参数。同步荧光和三维荧光光谱的结果表明,BEN使BSA的构象发生改变。利用荧光特异性位点探针DA和DP,通过竞争结合实验,监测BEN与BSA的结合位点,测得了位点Ⅰ和位点Ⅱ的表观结合常数分别为4 300 L·mol^-1和21 200 L·mol^-1,表明BEN与BSA优先在位点Ⅱ结合。     

Using fluorescence measurement of zinc ions liberated from ZnS nanoparticle labels in bioassay for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Escherichia coli</Emphasis> O157:H7

In this study, an alternative approach using ZnS nanoparticle biolabels as fluorescence signal transducers is reported for the immunoassay of E. coli O157:H7 in tap water samples. Instead of measuring the fluorescence of ZnS nanoparticles in the assay, the fluorescence signal is generated through the binding of zinc ions released from nanoparticle labels with zinc-ion sensitive fluorescence indicator Fluozin-3. In the assay, ZnS nanoparticles around 50 nm in diameter were synthesized, bioconjugated, and applied for the detection of E. coli O157:H7. The assay shows a detection range over two orders of magnitude and a detection limit around 1000 colony-forming units (cfu) of E. coli O157:H7.     

Improved Routine Bio-Medical and Bio-Analytical Online Fluorescence Measurements Using Fluorescence Lifetime Resolution

Fluorescence techniques are widely used as sensitive detection methods in bio-analytics. The use of the bio-physical parameter fluorescence lifetime additional to the spectral characteristics of fluorescence has the potential to improve fluorescence-related detection methods in terms of selectivity in signal recognition, robustness against disturbing influences, and the accessibility of novel bio-chemical process parameters. This article describes the technical set up of a time-resolving instrument with either a fixed time-gated detection principle for improved evaluation of tissue metabolism by an online monitoring of the tissue autofluorescence or a direct fluorescence lifetime detection principle for lifetime-based fluorescent assays.     

Validation of TPEN as a Zinc Chelator in Fluorescence Probing of Calcium in Cells with the Indicator Fura-2

Fura-2 is widely used as a fluorescent probe to monitor dynamic changes in cytosolic free calcium in cells, where Ca²⁺ can enter through several types of voltage-operated or ligand-gated channels. However, Fura-2 is also sensitive to other metal ions, such as zinc, which may be involved in ionic channels and receptors. There is interest, in particular, in studying the synapses between mossy fibers and CA3 pyramidal cells which contain both calcium and high quantities of free or loosely bound zinc. We have found, through fluorescence probing, that endogenous zinc inhibits mossy fiber calcium transients. However, since these results might be explained by an effect of the zinc chelator N,N,N’,N’-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) on the spectral properties of Fura-2, we have carried out a validation of the method through fluorescence excitation spectra of the complex Fura-2/calcium, and show that TPEN does not affect these spectra. This supports the idea that the observed calcium enhancement is related to a zinc inhibition of presynaptic calcium mechanisms, and confirms the use of the chelator TPEN as a general procedure for the biophysical study of Ca(II) in the presence of Zn(II) using Fura-2.     

A Supramolecular Off-On Fluorescent Switch and IMPLICATION Logic Gate for Detection of Cationic Surfactant

A supramolecular system was used to detect cationic surfactant CTAB in aqueous solution through the fluorescence indicator displacement mechanism. The dynamic detection range and the detection limit of cationic surfactants can be adjusted by altering the initial concentration of receptor. Furthermore, a three-input IMPLICATION gate was achieved with SDS, CTAB and temperature as inputs.     

Zn2+-胆红素络合物的超快激发态动力学研究

胆红素(Bilirubin, BR)是脊椎动物分解代谢血红素的最终产物之一,具有抗氧化和消炎等作用。体内保持正常含量的胆红素对人类的健康起着非常重要的作用,被认为有利于预防癌症、中风、糖尿病和心血管等疾病的发生[1-2]。然而胆红素过量则被认为是肝功能障碍的征兆,同时也是引起新生儿严重脑损伤的原因[3]。因此,对人体中胆红素含量的快速精准检测具有十分重要的应用价值。目前为止,用于检测血清样品中胆红素含量的方法主要有重氮法、过氧化物酶法、光纤传感检测法和荧光光谱法等[4]。其中,荧光光谱法具有检测迅速和操作简便的优势[5],吸引了越来越多研究人员的关注。但是,由于胆红素自身的荧光量子产率通常低至10-4量级[6],直接荧光测量难度很大,因此通常采用间接方式解决胆红素含量测量的难题。例如, Wabaidur等[7]通过胆红素猝灭Ru(bopy)2+₃荧光的方式来测量胆红素的含量;Aparna等[8]通过胆红素猝灭铜纳米团簇荧光的方式来测量胆红素的含量;Iwatani等[9]通过UnaG蛋白结合胆红素增强荧光的方式来测量胆红素的含量。UnaG与胆红素具有极高的亲和力,且自身几乎不发射荧光,其与胆红素结合后,会将胆红素的荧光提高三个数量级[10],可以用作人体内的荧光传感器[11]。然而,由于蛋白的制备和保存的成本十分高昂,人们更希望使用有机小分子或无机分子对胆红素的荧光进行增强。例如,Yang等[12]发现Zn2+有助于显著增强胆红素的荧光,Kotal等[13]提出了将Zn2+用于胆红素代谢物（尿胆素原）含量测量的方法。为了研究Zn2+增强胆红素荧光的机理并用于胆红素含量的测量,研究首先使用了稳态荧光光谱和紫外-可见吸收光谱表征了不同Zn2+浓度下胆红素的光学特性,并采用相对法测量了其量子产率。通过分析Zn2+-胆红素络合物在不同探测波长下的激发谱,提出了该络合物具有两个发光基团的设想。为了进一步验证关于发光基团的设想,使用了飞秒瞬态吸收光谱的手段研究分析了Zn2+-胆红素络合物的超快光动力学过程,分析结果与之前发表的对胆红素和Zn2+配位方式的结论有很好的吻合。根据瞬态吸收光谱和稳态荧光光谱的数据以及所提出的模型,得到了在有无Zn2+条件下胆红素的平均激发态寿命,进一步计算出了其辐射跃迁速率和非辐射跃迁速率的理论值。通过数据对比,得出了络合物相对单纯胆红素有更大的消光系数而具有更高的辐射跃迁速率的结论,同时发现胆红素与Zn2+的配位方式增加了胆红素以锥型交叉退激发态的效率。     

Photochemical Properties of a Novel Cyanobacteriochrome from Anabaena sp. PCC7120

Cyanobacteriochromes are phytochrome homologues in cyanobacteria that act as photoreceptor sensors. We report the photochemistry of All4261 GAF2, a novel cyanobacteriochrome from the heterocyst-forming cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. All4261 contains four tandemly arranged GAF domains. The respective chromophore domains were co-expressed in Escherichia coli with the genes for phycocyanobilin biosynthesis enzymes, HO1, and PcyA. The resulting proteins were analyzed by zinc-induced fluorescence, UV-Vis absorption and emission fluorescence spectra. Only All4261 GAF2 binded chromophore covalently, having zinc-induced fluorescence band in SDS-PAGE gel with the zinc acetate solution existed. Absorption spectra analysis showed that All4261 GAF2 had absorption peaks at 340 nm and 590 nm, failing to show photoreversibility. Fluorescence spectra revealed that All4261 GAF2 had a fluorescence emission peak at 645 nm, with high fluorescence quantum yield and molar extinction coefficient.     

Comparison of FÖrster-Resonance-Energy-Transfer Acceptors for Tryptophan and Tyrosine Residues in Native Proteins as Donors

Homogenous bioaffinity analysis with tryptophan/tyrosine residues in native proteins as FÖrster-resonance-energy-transfer (FRET) donors is feasible when suitable fluorophors can act as FRET acceptors in ligands (FRET probes) and FRET efficiency in complexes of proteins and FRET probes is high enough. In complexes of proteins and FRET probes, suitable acceptors should have excitation peaks around 335 nm and high rotation freedom, are preferred to have sufficient quantum yields and excitation valleys around 280 nm. In protein binding sites mimicked with mixtures of neutral phosphate buffer and organic solvents, quantum yields of candidate acceptors are altered inconsistently but their excitation peaks show tiny changes. Fluorophores as acceptors in such FRET probes are buried inside glutathione-S-transferase and have low rotation freedom, but are localized on streptavidin surface and display high rotation freedom; FRET efficiency in complexes of streptavidin and its FRET probes is much stronger than that in complexes of glutathione-S-transferase and its FRET probes. Specially, the quantum yield is about 0.70 for free 1-naphthylamine probe in neutral phosphate buffer, about 0.50 for 1-naphthylamine probe bound by streptavidin, and about 0.15 for that bound by glutathione-S-transferase. The quantum yield is about 0.06 for free dansylamide probe, about 0.11 for dansylamide probe bound by streptavidin and about 0.27 for that bound by glutathione-S-transferase. Therefore, 1-naphthylamine and dansylamide are effective acceptors when they localize on surfaces of complexes of proteins and FRET probes.     

Phase sensitive SPR sensor for wide dynamic range detection

Phase detection has been utilized to enhance the sensitivity of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors for a long time. However, an inherent drawback for phase sensitive SPR sensors are their limited dynamic range, which has greatly hindered wide applications of such sensors. In this Letter, a design combining phase detection and angular interrogation has been proposed to provide an SPR sensor with both high sensitivity and wide dynamic range. As a result, a resolution of 2.2×10^-7?RIU with a dynamic range of over 0.06?RIU has been achieved simultaneously. An added advantage of this design is the flexibility for sensitivity and dynamic range adjustment.     

Optical,nanostructural, and biophysical properties of Zn-induced changes in human erythrocyte membranes

We studied changes in the surface of erythrocyte membranes exposed to the action of zinc sulfate in the concentration range of 0.1–2.0 mM/l using methods of light scattering, spectrofluorimetry, and atomic force microscopy. Using the spectrofluorimetry method, we revealed a dose-dependent increase in the fluorescence intensity of a fluorescamine probe incorporated into erythrocyte membranes modified by zinc ions, which is indicative of an increase in the level of NH₂ groups on the cell surface. Using atomic force microscopy, we revealed changes in the surface topography of erythrocyte membranes exposed to the action of zinc sulfate in the concentration range of 0.1–2.0 mM/l. By performing a correlation analysis, we revealed that the correlation length of the autocorrelation function of the erythrocyte surface irregularity profile directly related to the fluorescence intensity of fluorescamine incorporated into erythrocyte membranes (r = 0.9, p < 0.05) modified by zinc ions. We showed that, in the zinc sulfate concentration range of 0.1–2.0 mM/l, zinc oxides form in erythrocyte membranes, which is confirmed by the appearance of an absorption band at 330–340 nm and by an increase in the light scattering. At more considerable concentrations, we identified absorption bands characteristic of zinc protein complexes in erythrocyte membranes. A considerable decrease in the elongation of the scattering indicatrix of erythrocyte membranes caused by luminescence correlates with the content of zinc proteins. Polarization measurements confirm the enhancement of the aggregation of protein complexes observed by the atomic force microscopy method. The proposed complex approach can be used in studies on the action of various abiotic factors on biological cells.     

Fluorescence enhancement of N2O2-type dipyrrin ligand in two step responding to zinc(II) ion

Fluorescence imaging is well-suited for the live imaging of biological Zn(II), which has no facile spectroscopic or magnetic signature. The successful application of this methodology requires the development of robust Zn(II) imaging agents that display high sensitivity, selectivity and temporal fidelity. In this study, a N₂O₂-type dipyrrin based bimolecular zinc(II) complex was produced and shown to have sharper, blue-shifted and more enhanced fluorescence emission. An approximate three-fold fluorescence enhancement was achieved within the micromolar concentration range, which is an important parameter for Zn(II) detection in vivo. The increase in emission intensity was due to the dominant role of aryl-ring rotation in governing the excited state dynamics and fluorescence properties of the dipyrrin dye. Fluorescence titration showed that the ligand complex exhibited very strong zinc(II) binding affinity when compared to that in the binuclear chloro complex. The fluorescence emission changes in the dipyrrin dye to zinc(II) ion could be observed not only using instruments but also by the naked-eye (violet→sky blue).     

Emerging biomedical and advanced applications of time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy

Time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy is presently regarded as a research tool in biochemistry, biophysics, and chemical physics. Advances in laser technology, the development of long-wavelength probes, and the use of lifetime-based methods, are resulting in the rapid migration of timeresolved fluorescence to the clinical chemistry lab, the patient's bedside, and even to the doctor's office and home health care. Additionally, time-resolved imaging is now a reality in fluorescence microscopy and will provide chemical imaging of a variety of intracellular analytes and/or cellular phenomena. Future horizons of state-of-the-art spectroscopy are also described. Two photon-induced fluorescence provides an increased information content to time-resolved data. Two photoninduced fluorescence, combined with fluorescence microscopy and time-resolved imaging, promises to provide detailed three-dimensional chemical imaging of cells. Additionally, it has recently been demonstrated that the pulses from modern picosecond lasers can be used to quench and/or modify the excited-state population by stimulated emission since the stimulated photons are directed along the quenching beam and are not observed. The phenomenon of light quenching should allow a new class of multipulse time-resolved fluorescence experiments, in which the excited-state population is modified by additional pulses to provide highly oriented systems.     

Standoff Laser-Induced Fluorescence Sensors for Biological Warfare Agents

We report comparison studies of two different sensors, the gated intensified charge-coupled device and the multianode photo multiplier tube detector for standoff detection of bio-aerosol. The ultraviolet laser-induced fluorescence technique is considered. Ultraviolet laser-induced fluorescence signals are evaluated under different bacteria aerosol concentrations, ranges, atmospheric conditions, and solar backgrounds. The signal-to-noise ratio is calculated for both the detectors for daylight and twilight solar conditions. The detectable concentration and range for both of the detectors is evaluated. Standoff ultraviolet laser-induced light detection and ranging is applicable in homeland security for early warning of biological warfare agents.     

Conformers and Electronic Spectra of Dansylamide: Experimental and Theoretical Studies

Particular features of the geometrical and electronic structure of six possible conformers of dansylamide ((CH₃)₂N–C₁₀H₆–SO₂NH₂) are considered. The electronic absorption spectra of the conformers of dansylamide in the free state and taking into account the influence of an aqueous solvent (in terms of the PCM model) are calculated by the TDDFT method. It is shown that, as a result of taking into account solvation, the electronic absorption spectra of the conformers exhibit a bathochromic shift, and the difference in the values of λ of the conformers reaches 16 nm. The calculated electronic absorption spectra in an aqueous medium agree qualitatively with the obtained experimental spectra. An analysis of molecular orbitals involved in the first three electronic transitions of the conformers is carried out. It is suggested that the broadening of the band with λ_max = 326 nm in the experimental spectrum may be caused by the presence of dansylamide conformers in the aqueous solution. It is shown that the calculated values of λ in the electronic absorption spectra of dansylamide in the aqueous solvent depend substantially on the DFT functional type.     

PVDF压电传感器及敏感单元设计关键技术

研究了聚偏二氟乙烯(PVDF)柔性压电传感器敏感单元设计关键技术和工艺。通过传感器敏感单元设计、电极制作、极化和封装研究实现功能,结合动态冲击压缩实验,对自主研制的PVDF传感器在不同压力段进行标定和A类不确定度评价,实验数据的A类不确定度优于10%,说明所研制的PVDF压电传感器精度高、重复性好,能够满足0.3~10.0 GPa动态冲击压力测量应用需求。目前产品设计水平已达到6级,后续将进一步开展更高压段有效性的应用设计、温度补偿效应研究和工程化产品设计。