Solvent-dependent photophysics of nonsymmetric polymethine dyes as fluorescence probes: dual emission and inhomogeneous broadening

Zoya N. Volovik; Alexander P. Demchenko; Serge I. Skursky

doi:10.1117/12.182770

17 August 1994 Solvent-dependent photophysics of nonsymmetric polymethine dyes as fluorescence probes: dual emission and inhomogeneous broadening

Zoya N. Volovik, Alexander P. Demchenko, Serge I. Skursky

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 2137, Time-Resolved Laser Spectroscopy in Biochemistry IV; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.182770
Event: OE/LASE '94, 1994, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

Nonsymmetric cationic polymethine dyes (tricarbocyanines) demonstrate dual emission which depends upon the dynamical properties of the solvent. In this study the symmetric and nonsymmetric polymethine dyes were investigated comparatively by light-absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. In liquid solvents the narrow emission band at 758 to 762 nm is observed only, while in solid media the major emission component is at 720 to 740 nm, which depends strongly upon the solvent and the excitation wavelength. Both components are observed in the intermediate case of highly viscous media. These features become more significant with the increase of electronic asymmetry of the dye. The mechanism involving cis-trans isomerization in the exited dye molecule and reorganization of its solvate shell is proposed for the explanation of this phenomenon. The viscosity- dependent dual emission and convenient spectral range, which does not interfere with the spectra of cellular pigments, makes these dyes very promising in the studies of microscopic viscosity of biomembranes and the whole cells.

Citation Download Citation

Zoya N. Volovik, Alexander P. Demchenko, and Serge I. Skursky "Solvent-dependent photophysics of nonsymmetric polymethine dyes as fluorescence probes: dual emission and inhomogeneous broadening", Proc. SPIE 2137, Time-Resolved Laser Spectroscopy in Biochemistry IV, (17 August 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.182770

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available