Growth and spectral properties of Yb : FAP single crystal

In this paper, single crystal of ytterbium (Yb) doped Ca-5(PO4)(3)F (FAP) has been grown along the c-axis by using the Czochralski method. The segregation coefficients of Yb3+ in the Yb:FAP crystal has been determined by ICP-AES method. The absorption spectrum, fluorescence spectrum and fluorescence lifetime of the Yb:FAP crystal has been also measured at room temperature. In the absorption spectra, there are two absorption bands at 904 and 982 nm, respectively, which are suitable for InGaAs diode laser pumping. The absorption cross-section (sigma(abs)) is 5.117 x 10(-20) cm(2) with an FWHM of 4 nm at 982 nm. The emission cross-section is (sigma(em)) 3.678 x 10(-20) cm(2) at 1042 nm. Favorable values of the absorption cross-section at about 982 nm are promising candidates for laser diode (LD) pumping. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

光系统Ⅱ核心天线复合物CP43和CP47的分离纯化及其光谱学特性的研究

应用改进DEAE-Toyopearl 650S阴离子交换柱层析从高等植物菠菜(Spinacia oleracea)中分离纯化了核心天线复合物CP43和CP47。并对它们的纯度和完整性色素种类和含量，以及色素分子的结合状态进行了研究并对色素分子间的能量传递机制进行了讨论。结果如下： 1、HPLC检测结果表明：纯化的CP43和CP47均只含Chla和β-Car两种色素分子，并且，平均每分子CP43多肽含19-20分子Chla和4-5分子β-Car;而平均每分CP47则含20-21分子Chla和3-4分子β-Car。 2、以436nm和480nm激发光激发样品得到的CP43和CP47的低温荧光发射光谱的最大荧光发射峰分别位于683nm和693nm。进一步发现，CP43和CP47，在相同条件下分别以436nm和480nm激发光激发样品得到的低温荧光发射光谱经归一化后几乎完全重叠，而且400-500nm波长范围内的激发光扫描得到的三维低温荧光发射光谱沿激发轴具有较好的对应关系，表明纯化的CP43和CP47都具有较高的完整性。 3、纯化的CP43和CP47的吸收光谱的红区最大吸收峰分别位于671nm和674nm。该光区的导数光谱均分辨出偏蓝区和偏红区两个子峰，CP43的这两个子峰分别位于669nm和682nm;而CP47的两个子峰则分别位于669nm和680nm。进一步用包含这两个子峰的高斯解析参数对红区最大吸收峰进行拟合，结果证明，拟合的曲线与实测曲线几乎完全吻合，这表明，CP43和CP47均至少包含两种不同状态的Chla分子。 3．1应用不同的变性温度处理CP43，发现随变性温度的不断提高，其红区最大吸收峰的峰值逐渐减小，四阶导数光谱分辨出的两个子峰同时减小，但差光谱显示：随处理温度的不断提高，这两个组分峰值的变化并不同步进行，较低温度范围内(55℃以下)682nm吸收峰下降明显，而较高温度范围内(55℃以上)，669nm吸收峰下降明显。 同时，随处理温度不断提高CP43脱辅基蛋白的结构也在不断发生变化，其变化过程明显表现出两个跃变阶段。这两个跃变阶段分别出现在40～50℃范围内和55～60℃范围内，恰与吸收光谱两个组分峰变化的转变过程相一致。这证明，CP43中分别位于669nm和682nm的不同的色谱组分即代表两种不同结合态的Chla分子，分别简称为“CP43-669”和“CP43-682”。它们在色素蛋白复合物中所处的环境不同，因而对蛋白质结构的依赖性不同，前者更高地依赖于蛋白复合物的整体构象，而后者则主要依赖于蛋白质的二级结构。 3.2 经不同的变性温度处理的CP47，其红区最大吸收峰的峰位逐渐蓝移，而吸收峰值无明显的变化，只有当处理温度提高到65℃以后，蓝移后的吸收峰值(669nm)才开始明显减小;四阶导数光谱表现为680nm吸收峰的信号逐渐下降669nm的吸收信号逐渐明显;处理减对照差光谱只观察到680nm吸收值的逐渐减少，而几乎观察不到669nm吸收值的变化。同时，随变性温度的不断提高，CP47的脱辅基蛋白的结构也发生相应的变化与CP43不同，蛋白结构变化最大的温度范围为60℃～65℃之间，但同CP47的峰位蓝移、导数光谱中680nm信号的减小，以及差光谱中680nm吸收值的减小相一致。由此认为，同CP43一样，CP47的吸收光谱中分辨出的分别位于669nm和680nm处的两个不同光谱组分亦分别代表两种不同结合状态的Chla分子，分别简称为“CP47-669”和“CP47-680”，与CP43中的相应组分对应，它们处于不同的蛋白环境中，从而对蛋白质结构变化的依赖性不同。 3.3 CP43和CP47的CD光谱表现出明显的正负双峰，表明色素分子间存在较强的激子相互作用。随变性温度的不断提高，正负CD双峰的信号逐渐减弱，变化过程与脱辅基蛋白结构的变化以及CP43-682的变化相一致，表明色素分子间的激子相互作用更高依赖于CP43-682和CP47-680。并认为CP43-682和CP47-680可能以二聚体或多聚体的形式存在，并且二聚体或多聚体的形成依赖于蛋白天然构象。而CP43-669和CP47-669则以单体的形式位于蛋白结构中相对伸展的区域。并提出：在CP43-682以CP47-680分子之间，激发能主要以激子偶合机制进行而在CP43-669，CP47-669分子间及CP43-669至CP43-682间，CP47-669至CP47-680之间激发能则主要以Foster机制进行。 4、以488nm激发光得到的CP43和CP47的共振拉曼光谱都具有全反式构型类胡萝卜素分子的四个典型特征峰由此认为CP43和CP47中的β-Car分子亦具有全反式构型;与溶于丙酮抽体物中的β-Car分子相比较，CP43和CP47中的β-Car分子的共振拉曼光谱中具有较强的960cm~(-1)的拉曼峰，表明，CP43和CP47中的β-Car分子具有扭曲的构象。 应用经归一化后的吸收光谱与荧光激发光谱相比较的办法发现CP43和CP47中存在β-Car分子和Chla分子间的能量传递其能量传递效率分别为29.8～29.9%和52.3～56.9%。这表明，在正常条件下，CP47中β-Car分子和Chla分子间的能量传递效率远大于CP43。此外，当选用蛋白结构变化最明显的热变性温度处理样品后，发现，不论CP43还是CP47中β-Car与Chla分子间的能量传递效率大大降低，表明，这两种色素分子间的能量传递严格依赖于蛋白复合物的天然构象，并认为，正常条件下，CP43和CP47内β-Car与Chla分子间的空间距离较近，可能不大于10A，CP43和CP47相比较，CP47内这两种色素分子间的距离更近。并进一步提出，在CP43和CP47中，β-Car到Chla分子间的能量传递最大可能以Dexter的电子交换机制进行。

Photodegradation of 2-naphthol in aqueous solutions in the presence of humic acid and ferric ions

In this work, the photodegradation of the carcinogenic pollutant 2-naphthol in aqueous solution containing Aldrich humic acid (HA) and ferric ions (Fe(III)) under 125 W and 250 W high pressure mercury lamp (HPML, lambda >= 365 nm) irradiation was investigated. The photooxidation efficiencies were dependent on the pH values, light intensities and Fe(III)/HA concentration in the water, with higher efficiency at pHs 3-4, and 50 mu mol l(-1) Fe(III) with 20 mg l(-1) HA under 250 W HPML. The initial rate of photooxidation increases with increasing, the initial concentration of 2-naphthol from 10 mu mol l(-1) to 100 mu mol l(-1), while do not change at 50 and 100 mu mol l(-1). However, higher removal efficiency of 2-naphthol is achieved at its lower initial concentration of 10 mu mol l(-1), and initial rate of photooxidation is 0.193 mu mol l(-1) min(-1). Dissolved oxygen (DO) plays an important role in the system containing Fe(III)-HA complexes in which Fenton and photo-Fenton reactions were enhanced in the environment. Hydroxyl radicals produced in HA solution with or without ferric ions were determined by using benzene as free radical scavenger and phenol as scavenging products proportional to hydroxyl radicals. By using UV-Vis and excited fluorescence spectrum techniques, the main photooxidation products, which have higher absorption in the region of 240-340 nm, were found, and the mechanisms for the oxidative degradation is proposed.

Improving photosynthesis of microalgae by changing the ratio of light-harvesting pigments

Changing the ratio of light-harvesting pigments was regarded as an efficient way to improve the photosynthesis rate in microalgae, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. In the present study, a mutant of Anabeana simensis (called SP) was selected from retrieved satellite cultures. Several parameters related with photosynthesis, such as the growth, photosynthesis rate, the content of photosynthetic pigment, low temperature fluorescence spectrum (77K) and electron transport rate, were compared with those of the wild type. It was found that the change in the ratio of light-harvesting pigments in the mutant led to more efficient light energy transfer and usage in mutant than in the wild type. This may be the reason why the mutant had higher photosynthesis and growth rates.

Photostimulated luminescence of AgI clusters in zeolite-Y

AgI clusters in zeolite-Y (AgI/Y) were prepared by Ag+ exchange followed by reaction with NaI in solution. The formation of the clusters was determined by transmission electron microscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy. The clusters were uniform and even in size, 1.0-2.0 nm. The fluorescence spectrum of the clusters consists of two emission bands, which are attributed to AgI and Ag clusters, respectively. Photostimulated luminescence (PSL) is observed by stimulation at 675 or at 840 nm. The PSL spectrum of AgI/Y is consistent with the emission spectrum of Ag clusters and thus the PSL is considered to be caused by the charge transfer or carrier migration from the zeolite framework or from the AgI clusters to the Ag clusters. The appearance of PSL indicates that these materials may find application as a medium for erasable optical memory. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-8979(98)02407-4].

Preparation of KMgF3 and Eu-doped KMgF3 nanocrystals in water-in-oil microemulsions

In this study, KMgF3:Eu2+ luminescent nanocrystals (NCs) were prepared in water/cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)/2-octanol microemulsions. The KMgF3:Eu2+ NCs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), fluorescence spectrum, infrared spectroscopy (IR) and elementary analysis. The results showed that the size of the KMgF3:Eu2+ NCs was hardly affected by water content and surfactant (CTAB) concentration. The emission spectrum showed that the position of the 362 nm peak is due to the K+ sites substituted Eu2+. Two emission peaks located at 589 and 612 nm can be attributed to Eu3+, which exist at two different types of Eu3+ centers: one is Eu3+ at a K+ site, the other is clustering of Eu3+ ions in the interstices of KMgF3 host lattice.

Encapsulation of fluorescein into MCM-41 mesoporous molecular sieve by a sol-gel method

MCM-41-hosted fluorescein mesophase was prepared by addition of the dye into the sol-gel mixture for the synthesis of MCM-41 mesoporous molecular sieve under microwave radiation. The as-synthesized organo-silica-surfactant material possessed hexagonal mesostructure with short-range symmetry and a uniform nanosize of about 30 nm. Furthermore, fluorescence spectrum, increase in lifetime and lack of aggregation at high concentration were discussed in terms of the effect of the host-guest interaction on these properties. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.

Studies on the interaction of rare earth ions with BSA

Studies on the bounding character of rare earth ions with borine serum albumin(BSA) are significant for understanding the state of rare earth ions in body and their effects on the structure and function of protein. The fluorescence spectrum and pH potentiometry showed consistent results of apparent complexion constant of Tb-2 . BSA. The equilibrium dialysis showed that there are two specific binding sites and more than six non-specific binding sites of RE ions onto BSA molecule with the conditional stable constants lg K-1 = 5. 157 and lgK(2) = 3. 435. Na-23 NMR studies revealed that the BSA peptide chain bound to RE ions was expanded and the mobility of its molecular backbone was increased.

Hand-held spectroscopic device for in vivo and intraoperative tumor detection: contrast enhancement, detection sensitivity, and tissue penetration.

Surgery is one of the most effective and widely used procedures in treating human cancers, but a major problem is that the surgeon often fails to remove the entire tumor, leaving behind tumor-positive margins, metastatic lymph nodes, and/or satellite tumor nodules. Here we report the use of a hand-held spectroscopic pen device (termed SpectroPen) and near-infrared contrast agents for intraoperative detection of malignant tumors, based on wavelength-resolved measurements of fluorescence and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signals. The SpectroPen utilizes a near-infrared diode laser (emitting at 785 nm) coupled to a compact head unit for light excitation and collection. This pen-shaped device effectively removes silica Raman peaks from the fiber optics and attenuates the reflected excitation light, allowing sensitive analysis of both fluorescence and Raman signals. Its overall performance has been evaluated by using a fluorescent contrast agent (indocyanine green, or ICG) as well as a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) contrast agent (pegylated colloidal gold). Under in vitro conditions, the detection limits are approximately 2-5 × 10(-11) M for the indocyanine dye and 0.5-1 × 10(-13) M for the SERS contrast agent. Ex vivo tissue penetration data show attenuated but resolvable fluorescence and Raman signals when the contrast agents are buried 5-10 mm deep in fresh animal tissues. In vivo studies using mice bearing bioluminescent 4T1 breast tumors further demonstrate that the tumor borders can be precisely detected preoperatively and intraoperatively, and that the contrast signals are strongly correlated with tumor bioluminescence. After surgery, the SpectroPen device permits further evaluation of both positive and negative tumor margins around the surgical cavity, raising new possibilities for real-time tumor detection and image-guided surgery.

Optical properties of phthalocyanine molecules in cyano acrylate polymer matrix

Optical absorption and emission spectral studies of various phthalocyanine molecules, viz., LaPc, NdPc, SmPc, EuPc, CuPc and ZnPc in a polymer matrix of cyano acrylate are reported for the first time. All the absorption spectra show an intense B band (Soret) in the UV region followed by a weaker Q band in the visible region. The positions of the Q and B bands are found to have dependence on the metallic substitution. Values of the important spectral parameters, viz., molar extinction coefficient (ϵ), oscillator strength (f), radiative transition rate and decay time of the excited singlet state are also presented and compared with other solid matrices. The recorded fluorescence spectrum shows two broad emission bands in the case of NdPc, whereas for ZnPc only a very weak band is observed. The absence of emission bands for the other metallated phthalocyanines is attributed to increased spin orbit interaction and intersystem crossing.

Screen printed nanosized ZnO thick film

Nanosized ZnO was prepared by polyol synthesis. Fluorescence spectrum of the ZnO colloid at varying pump intensities was studied. The powder was extracted and characterized by XRD and BET. The extracted powder was screen printed on glass substrates using ethyl cellulose as binder and turpinol as solvent. Coherent back scattering studies were performed on the screen printed sample which showed evidence of weak localization. The screen printed pattern showed strong UV emission.

Analysis of the combined effect of lasers of different wavelengths for PDT outcome using 600, 630, and 660 nm

We investigated the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) outcome when combining three laser systems that produce light in three different wavelengths (600, 630, and 660 nm). Cooperative as well as independent effects can be observed. We compared the results of the combined wavelengths of light with the effect of single laser for the excitation of the photosensitizer. In the current experiment, the used photosensitizer was Photogem (R) (1.5 mg/kg). Combining two wavelengths for PDT, their cumulative dose and different penetrability may change the overall effect of the fluence of light, which can be effective for increasing the depth of necrosis. This evaluation was performed by comparing the depth and specific aspect of necrosis obtained by using single and dual wavelengths for irradiation of healthy liver of male Wistar rats. We used 15 animals and divided them in five groups of three animals. First, Photogem (R) was administered; follow by measurement of the fluorescence spectrum of the liver before PDT to confirm the level of accumulation of photosensitizer in the tissue. After that, an area of 1 cm(2) of the liver was illuminated using different laser combinations. Qualitative analysis of the necrosis was carried out through histological and morphological study. [GRAPHICS] (a) - microscopic images of rat liver cells, (b) - superficial necrosis caused by PDT using dual-wavelength illumination, (c) - neutrophilic infiltration around the vessel inside the necrosis, and (d) - neutrophilic infiltration around the vessel between necrosis and live tissue (C) 2011 by Astro Ltd. Published exclusively by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA

Autofluorescence spectroscopy in liver transplantation: Preliminary results from a pilot clinical study

The evaluation of graft function at various stages after transplantation is relevant, particularly at the moment of organ harvest, when a decision must be made whether to use the organ. Autofluorescence spectroscopy is noninvasive technique to monitor the metabolic condition of a liver graft throughout its course, from an initial evaluation in the donor, through cold ischemia transportation, to reperfusion and reoxygenation in the recipient. Preliminary results are presented in six liver transplantations spanning the periods from liver harvest to implant. The laser-induced fluorescence spectrum at 532-mn excitation was investigated before cold perfusion (autofluorescence), during cold ischemia, at the back table procedure, as well as 5 and 60 minutes after reperfusion. The results showed that the fluorescence analysis was sensitive to changes during the transplantation procedure. Fluorescence spectroscopy potentially provides a real-time, noninvasive technique to monitor liver graft function. The information could potentially be valuable for surgical decisions and transplant success.

Photostability of different chlorine photosensitizers

In this paper, we report the photodegradation of three different chlorine photosensitizers (Photoditazine (R), Radachlorin (R), and Foscan (R)). The photosensitizer degradation was analyzed by changes in the fluorescence spectrum during illumination. The rate of fluorescence variation was normalized to the solution absorption and the photon energy resulting in the determination of the necessary number of photons to be absorbed to induce photosensitizer photodegradation. The parameter for rate of the molecules decay, the photon fluence rate and optical properties of the solution allow us to determine the photosensitizer stability in solution during illumination. The results show that the order of susceptibility for photodegradation rate is: Radachlorin (R) < Photoditazine (R) < Foscan (R). This difference in the photodegradation rate for Foscan can be explained by the high proportion of aggregates in solution that inhibit the photo-oxidative process that impede the singlet oxygen formation. We hypothesize that there is a correlation between photodegradation rate and photodynamic efficacy witch is governed by the singlet oxygen formation responsible for the most relevant reaction of the cell death photodynamic induction. Then its is important to know the photostability of different types of drugs since the photodegradation rate, the photodegradation as well as the photodynamic efficacy are strong correlated to the oxygen concentration in the tissue.

Tryptophan oxidation by singlet molecular oxygen [O-2 ((1)Delta(g))]: Mechanistic studies using O-18-labeled hydroperoxides, mass spectrometry, and light emission measurements

Proteins have been considered important targets for reactive oxygen species. Indeed, tryptophan (W) has been shown to be a highly susceptible amino acid to many oxidizing agents, including singlet molecular oxygen [O-2 ((1)Delta(g))]. In this study, two cis- and trans-tryptophan hydroperoxide (WOOH) isomers were completely characterized by HPLC/mass spectrometry and NMR analyses as the major W-oxidation photoproducts. These photoproducts underwent thermal decay into the corresponding alcohols. Additionally, WOOHs were shown to decompose under heating or basification, leading to the formation of N-formylkynurenine (FMK). Using O-18-labeled hydroperoxides ((WOOH)-O-18-O-18), it was possible to confirm the formation of two oxygen-labeled FMK molecules derived from (WOOH)-O-18-O-18 decomposition. This result demonstrates that both oxygen atoms in FMK are derived from the hydroperoxide group. In addition, these reactions are chemiluminescent (CL), indicating a dioxetane cleavage pathway. This mechanism was confirmed since the CL spectrum of the WOOH decomposition matched the FMK fluorescence spectrum, unequivocally identifying FMK as the emitting species.