Role of spacer chain length in dimeric micellar organization. Small angle neutron scattering and fluorescence studies

Micelles of different dimeric amphiphiles Br-, n-C(16)H(33)NMe(2)(+) -(CH)(m)-N(+)Me(2)-n-C16H33, Br- (where m = 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 12) adapt different morphologies and internal packing arrangements in aqueous media depending on their spacer chain length (m). Detailed measurements of small angle neutron scattering (SANS) cross sections from different bis-cationic, dimeric surfactant micelles in aqueous media (D2O) are reported. The data have been analyzed using the Hayter and Penfold model for macro ion solution to compute the interparticle structure factor S(Q) taking into account the screened Coulomb interactions between the dimeric micelles. The SANS analysis clearly indicated that the extent of aggregate growth and the variations of shapes of the dimeric micelles depend primarily on the spacer chain length. With spacer chain length, m less than or equal to 4, the propensity of micellar growth was particularly pronounced. The effects of the variation of the concentration of dimeric surfactants with m = 5 and 10 on the SANS spectra and the effects of the temperature variation for the micellar system with m = 10 were also examined. The critical micelle concentrations (cmc) and their microenvironmental feature, namely, the microviscosities that the dimeric micellar aggregates offer to a solubilized, extrinsic fluorescence probe, 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene, were also determined. The changes of cmcs and microviscosities as a function of spacer chain length have been explained in terms of conformational variations and progressive looping of the spacer in micellar core upon increasing m values.

Dynamics of bound dyes in a nonpolymeric aqueous gel derived from a tripodal bile salt

Rotational dynamics of polarity sensitive fluorescent dyes (ANS and DPH) in a nonpolymertic aqueous gel derived from tripodal cholamide I was studied using ultrafast time-resolved fluorescence technique. Results were compared with that of naturally occurring di- and trihydroxy bile salts. ANS in the gel showed two rotational correlation time (phi) components, 13.2 ns (bound to the hydrophobic region of the gel) and 1.0 ns (free aqueous ANS), whereas DPH showed only one component (4.8 ns). In the sol state, faster rotational motion was observed, both for ANS and DPH. Our data revealed that dyes get encapsulated more tightly in the gel network when compared to the micellar aggregates. ANS has more restrained rotation compared to DPH. This was attributed to the interaction of the sulfonate group of ANS with water molecules and hydrophilic parts of the gelator molecule. No restricted rotation was observed for DPH in the gel state unlike when it is in the gel phase of lipid bilayer.

The effect of host glass on optical absorption and fluorescence of Nd3+ in xNa(2)O-(30-x)K2O-70B(2)O(3) glasses

The effect of host glass composition on the optical absorption and fluorescence spectra of Nd3+ has been studied in mixed alkali borate glasses of the type xNa(2)O-(30-x)K2O-69.5B(2)O(3)-0.5Nd(2)O(3) (X = 5,10,15,20 and 25). Various spectroscopic parameters such as Racah (E-1, E-2 and E-3), spin-orbit (xi(4f)) and configuration interaction (alpha, beta) parameters have been calculated. The Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters (Omega(lambda)) have been calculated and the radiative transition probabilities (A(rad)), radiative lifetimes (tau(r)), branching ratios (beta) and integrated absorption cross sections (Sigma) have been obtained for certain excited states of the Nd3+, ion and are discussed with respect to x. From the fluorescence spectra, the effective fluorescence line widths (Deltalambda(eff)) and stimulated emission cross sections (sigma(p)) have been obtained for the three transitions F-4(3/2) --> I-4(9/2), F-4(3/2) --> I-4(11/2) and F-4(3/2) --> I-4(13/2) of Nd3+. The stimulated emission cross section (sigma(p)) values are found to be in the range (2.0-4.8) x 10(-2)0 cm(2) and they are large enough to indicate that the mixed alkali borate glasses could be potential laser host materials.

Enhancing fluorescence signals from aluminium thin films and foils using polyelectrolyte multilayers

In this paper we investigate the application of polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) coated metal slides in enhancing fluorescence signal. We observed around eight-fold enhancement in fluorescence for protein incubated on PEM coated on aluminium mirror surface with respect to that of functionalized bare glass slides. The fluorescence intensities were also compared with commercially available FAST (R) slides (Whatman) offering 3D immobilization of proteins and the results were found to be comparable. We also showed that PEM coated on low-cost and commonly available aluminium foils also results in comparable fluorescence enhancement as sputtered aluminium mirrors. Immunoassay was also performed, using model proteins, on aluminium mirror as well as on aluminium foil based devices to confirm the activity of proteins. This work demonstrated the potential of PEMs in the large-scale, roll-to-roll manufacturing of fluorescence enhancements substrates for developing disposable, low-cost devices for fluorescence based diagnostic methods.

Multispectral Bayesian reconstruction technique for real-time two color fluorescence microscopy

We have developed a real-time imaging method for two-color wide-field fluorescence microscopy using a combined approach that integrates multi-spectral imaging and Bayesian image reconstruction technique. To enable simultaneous observation of two dyes (primary and secondary), we exploit their spectral properties that allow parallel recording in both the channels. The key advantage of this technique is the use of a single wavelength of light to excite both the primary dye and the secondary dye. The primary and secondary dyes respectively give rise to fluorescence and bleed-through signal, which after normalization were merged to obtain two-color 3D images. To realize real-time imaging, we employed maximum likelihood (ML) and maximum a posteriori (MAP) techniques on a high-performance computing platform (GPU). The results show two-fold improvement in contrast while the signal-to-background ratio (SBR) is improved by a factor of 4. We report a speed boost of 52 and 350 for 2D and 3D images respectively. Using this system, we have studied the real-time protein aggregation in yeast cells and HeLa cells that exhibits dot-like protein distribution. The proposed technique has the ability to temporally resolve rapidly occurring biological events.

Curvature and wrinkling of premixed flame Kernels comparison between planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) and 3D direct numerical simulations (DNS)

A direct comparison between time resolved PLIF measurements of OH and two dimensional slices from a full three dimensional DNS data set of turbulent premixed flame kernels in lean methane/air mixture was presented. The local flame structure and the degree of flame wrinkling were examined in response to differing turbulence intensities and turbulent Reynolds numbers. Simulations were performed using the SEGA DNS code, which is based on the solution of the compressible Navier Stokes, species, and energy equations for a lean hydrocarbon mixture. For the OH PLIF measurements, a cluster of four Nd:YAG laser was fired sequentially at high repetition rates and used to pump a dye laser. The frequency doubled laser beam was formed into a sheet of 40 mm height using a cylindrical telescope. The combination of PLIF and DNS has been demonstrated as a powerful tool for flame analysis. This research will form the basis for the development of sub-grid-scale (SGS) models for LES of lean-premixed combustion systems such as gas turbines. This is an abstract of a paper presented at the 30th International Symposium on Combustion (Chicago, IL 7/25-30/2004).

Dual Confocal Laser-Induced Fluorescence/Moveable Contactless Conductivity Detector For Capillary Electrophoresis Microchip

A new dual simultaneous detector was developed for capillary electrophoresis microchip. Confocal laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and moveable contactless conductivity detection (MCCD) were combined together for the first time. The two detection systems shared a common detection cell and could respond simultaneously. They were mutually independent and advantageous in analyses of mixtures containing organic and inorganic ions. The confocal LIF had high sensitivity and the MCCD could move along the separation channel and detect in different positions of the channel. The detection conditions of the dual detector were optimized. Rhodamine B was used to evaluate the performance of the dual detector. The limit of detection of the confocal LIF was < 5 nM, and that of the MCCD was 0.1 mu M. The dual detector had highly sensitivity and could offer response easily, rapidly and simultaneously. 

Dual confocal laser-induced fluorescence/moveable contactless

A new dual simultaneous detector was developed for capillary electrophoresis microchip. Confocal laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and moveable contactless conductivity detection (MCCD) were combined together for the first time. The two detection systems shared a common detection cell and could respond simultaneously. They were mutually independent and advantageous in analyses of mixtures containing organic and inorganic ions. The confocal LIF had high sensitivity and the MCCD could move along the separation channel and detect in different positions of the channel. The detection conditions of the dual detector were optimized. Rhodamine B was used to evaluate the performance of the dual detector. The limit of detection of the confocal LIF was <5 nM, and that of the MCCD was 0.1 μM. The dual detector had highly sensitivity and could offer response easily, rapidly and simultaneously.

Three-photon absorption-induced fluorescence and optical limiting effects in a fluorene derivative

This paper reports on the steady-state fluorescence, three- photon absorption-induced fluorescence emission and subsequently induced optical limiting behaviour of a fluorene derivative with D-pi-D structural motifs. The lifetime of the steady-state fluorescence is 0.903 ns. Large optical limiting behaviour induced by 3PA has also been demonstrated, and the nonlinear absorption coefficient gamma derived from 3PA fitting curves is 5.92 x 10(-20) cm(3)/W-2 and the corresponding molecular 3PA cross-section sigma(3)' is 1.14 x 10(-76) cm(6) s(2).

Effect of oxygen substitution by halide ions on structure, thermal stability and upconversion fluorescence in Er3(+)/Yb3(+)-codoped germanium-bismuth glasses

For the first time. effect of halide ions (F-, Cl-, Br-, and I-) introduction on structure, thermal stability, and upconversion fluorescence in Er3+/Yb3+-codoped oxide-halide germanium-bismuth glasses has been systematically investigated. The results show that halide ions modified germanium-bismuth glasses have lower maximum phonon energy and phonon density, worse thermal stability. longer measured lifetimes of I-4(l1/2) level, and stronger upconversion emission than germanium-bismuth glass. All these results indicate that halide ions play an important role in the formation of glass network, and have an important influence on the upconversion luminescence. The possible upconversion mechanisms of Er3+ ion are also evaluated. &COPY; 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Infrared to visible upconversion fluorescence in Yb,Tm : YAG single crystal

Absorption spectrum from 400 to 2000 run and upconversion fluorescence spectra under 940 nm pumping of YAG single crystal codoped with 5 at.% Yb3+ and 4 at.% Tm3+ were studied at room temperature. The blue upconversion emission centered at 483 nm corresponds to the transition (1)G(4) -> H-3(6), the emission band around 646 nm corresponds to the transition (1)G(4) -> F-3(4) of Tm3+. Energy transfer from Yb3+ to Tm3+ is mainly nonradiative and the transfer efficiency was experimentally assessed. The line strengths, transition probabilities and radiative lifetimes of (1)G(4) level were calculated by using Judd-Ofelt theory. Gain coefficient calculated from spectra shows that the upconversion corresponding with transitions (1)G(4) -> H-3(6) in YAG doped with Yb3+ and Tm3+ is potentially useful for blue light Output. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preparation of pH-sensitive polymer by thermal initiation polymerization and its application in fluorescence immunoassay

A fluorescence immunoassay for human IgG (Ag) was developed using a pH-sensitive polymer prepared by thermal initiation or redox initiation polymerization as a carrier. In the competitive immunoassay, appropriate quantity of Ag was immobilized on the polymer and the standard Ag (or sample) solution, and a constant amount of fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled goat anti-human IgG antibody (Ab-FITC) was added. Immobilized Ag and the standard (or sample) Ag competed for binding to the Ab-FITC in 37 C in homogeneous format. After changing the pH to separate the polymer-immune complex precipitate, it was re-dissolved and determined by fluorescence method. The results showed that the immobilization efficiency, immunological reaction activities of immobilized Au and phase transition pH range were improved as Ag was immobilized by thermal initiation instead of redox initiation polymerization. Under optimum conditions, the calibration graphs for the Ag in both methods, thermal initiation and redox initiation, were linear over the concentration range of 0.0-1000 ng mL(-1), with detection limits 8 (thermal initiation) and 12 ng mL(1) (redox initiation), respectively. Moreover, some pH-sensitive polymer prepared only in organic solvent or under high temperature could also be used as an immunoreaction carrier by thermal initiation polymerization. Thermal initiation polymerization was a better immobilization mode. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fluorescence pH probe based on microstructured polymer optical fiber

A kind of optical pH sensor was demonstrated that is based on a pH-sensitive fluorescence dye-doped (eosin) cellulose acetate (CA) thin-film modified microstructured polymer optical fiber (MPOF). It was obtained by directly inhaling an eosin-CA-acetic acid mixed solution into array holes in a MPOF and then removing the solvent (acetic acid). The sensing film showed different fluorescence intensities to different pH solutions in a pH range of 2.5-4.5. Furthermore, the pH response range could be tailored through doping a surfactant, hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), in the sensing film. (c) 2007 Optical Society of America.

A multifunctional iridium carbazolyl orange phosphor for high performance two-element WOLED exploiting exciton-managed fluorescence/phosphorescence

By attaching a bulky, inductively electron-with drawing trifluoromethyl (CF3) group on the pyridyl ring of the rigid 2-[3(N-phenylcarbazolyl)]pyridine cyclometalated ligand, we successfully synthesized a new heteroleptic orange-emitting phosphorescent iridium(III) complex [Ir(L-1)(2)(acac)] 1 (HL1=5-trifluoromethyl-2-[3-(N-phenylcarbazolyl)]pyridine, Hacac = acetylacetone) in good yield.

The LB films of dansyl chloride labeled octadecylamine and its fluorescence lifetime

Octadecylamine was derivatized with dansyl chloride (5-dimethylaminonaphthalene-1-sulfonyl chloride) In order to simplify and understand the LB films of fluorescent probe labeling proteins. its monolayer and multilayers in the absence and presence of stearic acid were deposited by LB technique. Fluorescence spectra and lifetimes of the fluorescent products were studied to elucidate the microenvironment of molecules in the LB films.