Fluorescent Chemosensors

This book will bring together world-leading experts, to describe the current state of play in the field and introduce the cutting-edge research and possible future directions into fluorescent chemosensors design.

Time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy is widely used as a research tool in bioch- istry and biophysics. These uses of fluorescence have resulted in extensive knowledge of the structure and dynamics of biological macromolecules. This information has been gained by studies of phenomena that affect the excited state, such as the local environment, quenching processes, and energy transfer. Topics in Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Volume 4: Probe Design and Chemical Sensing reflects a new trend, which is the use of time-resolved fluorescence in analytical and clinical chemistry. These emerging applications of time-resolved fluorescence are the result of continued advances in laser detector and computer technology. For instance, pho- multiplier tubes (PMT) were previously bulky devices. Miniature PMTs are now available, and the performance of simpler detectors is continually improving. There is also considerable effort to develop fluorophores that can be excited with the red/ne- infrared (NIR) output of laser diodes. Using such probes, one can readily imagine small time-resolved fluorometers, even hand-held devices, being used fordoctor’s office or home health care.

In the broad field of supramolecular chemistry, the design and hence the use of chemosensors for ion and molecule recognition have developed at an extroardinary rate. This imaginative and creative area which involves the interface of different disciplines, e.g. organic and inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, biology, medicine, environmental science, is not only fundamental in nature. It is also clear that progress is most rewarding for several new sensor applications deriving from the specific signal delivered by the analyte-probe interaction. Indeed, if calcium sensing in real time for biological purposes is actually possible, owing to the emergence of efficient fluorescent receptors, other elements can also be specifically detected, identified and finally titrated using tailored chemosensors. Pollutants such as heavy metals or radionuclides are among the main targets since their detection and removal could be envisioned at very low concentrations with, in addition, sensors displaying specific and strong complexing abilities. Besides, various species of biological interest (or others, the list is large) including sugars and other micellaneous molecules such as oxygen and carbon dioxide can be actually probed with optodes and similar devices. The present volume in which the key lectures of the workshop are collected gives a survey of the main developments in the field. The success of the workshop mainly came from the high quality of the lectures, the invited short talks, the two posters sessions and the many very lively discussions which without doubt will produce positive outcomes.

From an August 1992 symposium in Washington, D.C., 13 papers report on research into developing fluorescent chemosensors for devices to monitor several critical parameters of blood composition in real time. They aim at opening communication between the clinicians and researchers who want such devices and the scientists and engineers who could develop them. Among the topics are the synthesis and study of crown ethers with alkali- metal-enhanced fluorescence, the tunable florescence of some macrocyclic anthracenophanes, and fluorescent probes in studies of proteases. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This book covers a wide range of topics related to functional dyes, from synthesis and functionality to application. Making a survey of recent progress in functional dye chemistry, it provides an opportunity not only to understand the structure-property relationships of a variety of functional dyes but also to know how they are applied in practical use, from electronic devices to biochemical analyses. From classic dyes such as cyanines, squaraines, porphyrins, phthalocyanines, and others to the newest functional π-conjugation systems, various types of functional dyes are dealt with extensively in the book, focusing especially on the state of the art and the future. Readers will benefit greatly from the scientific context in which organic dyes and pigments are comprehensively explained on the basis of chemistry.

From an August 1992 symposium in Washington, D.C., 13 papers report on research into developing fluorescent chemosensors for devices to monitor several critical parameters of blood composition in real time. They aim at opening communication between the clinicians and researchers who want such devices and the scientists and engineers who could develop them. Among the topics are the synthesis and study of crown ethers with alkali- metal-enhanced fluorescence, the tunable florescence of some macrocyclic anthracenophanes, and fluorescent probes in studies of proteases. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR