Time Resolved Fluorescence Spectroscopy In Biochemistry And Biology

At the time that the editors conceived the idea of trying to organize the meeting on which the contents of this volume are based and which became, in March 1980, a NATO Advanced Study Institute, the techniques of time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, in both the nanosecond and sub-nanosecond time-domains, might reasonably have been said to be coming of age, both in their execution and in the analysis and interpretation of the results obtained. These techniques, then as now, comprised mainly a number of pulse methods using laser, flash-lamp or, most recently, synchrotron radiation. In addition, significant developments in the more classical phase approach had also rendered that method popular, utilizing either modulation of an otherwise continuous source or, again recently, the ultra-rapid pulse rate attainable with a synchrotron source. In general terms, time-resolved fluorescence studies are capable, under appropriate conditions, of supplying direct kinetic information on both photophysics and various aspects of molecular, macromolecular and supramolecular structure and dynamics. The nanosecond and sub-nanosecond time-scales directly probed render these techniques particularly appropriate in studying relaxation and fluctuation processes in macromolecules, particularly biopolymers (e. g. proteins, nucleic acids), in supramolecular assemblies such as cell membranes, and in a variety of relatively simpler model systems.

Volume 3 of this new series focuses on brandnew research and applications in biology, biophysics and other fields of life sciences. Many frontline researcher have contributed to this highly attractive and interdisciplinary volume which spans the entire field of present fluorescence spectroscopy including nanotechnology, membrane and DNA studies and fluorescence imaging in cancer research.

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.

The third edition of this established classic text reference builds upon the strengths of its very popular predecessors. Organized as a broadly useful textbook Principles of Fluorescence Spectroscopy, 3rd edition maintains its emphasis on basics, while updating the examples to include recent results from the scientific literature. The third edition includes new chapters on single molecule detection, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, novel probes and radiative decay engineering. Includes a link to Springer Extras to download files reproducing all book artwork, for easy use in lecture slides. This is an essential volume for students, researchers, and industry professionals in biophysics, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, biology and medicine.

This interdisciplinary book gives a comprehensive survey of the state-of-the-art: from applications and trends in fluorescence techniques in science to medicine and engineering. Written for practitioners and researchers in industry and academia, it covers fields like environmental and materials science, biology, medicine, physics and chemistry. Moreover, it reports on such new and breathtaking methods as ultra-fast time-resolved or single molecule spectroscopy, gives examples of applications in the fields of electroluminescent polymers, visualization of membrane potentials in neurons and fluorescence imaging of the brain.

Reflecting the expanding field’s need for reliable protocols, Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Microscopy: Methods and Protocols offers techniques from a worldwide team of experts on this versatile and vital subject. The topics covered fall into four broad categories: steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy, time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, fluorescent probe development, and the various sub-categories of fluorescence microscopy, such as fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), live cell FRET imaging (FRETim), fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy (FFS), and single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy (smFS). Written as a part of the popular Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include the kind of unambiguous detail and key implementation advice that proves essential for successful results. Comprehensive and practical, Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Microscopy: Methods and Protocols aims to guide both ‘novice’ and established scientists toward furthering their research with these invaluable techniques.

Fluorescence spectroscopy and its applications to the physical and life sciences have evolved rapidly during the past decade. The increased interest in fluorescence appears to be due to advances in time resolution, methods of data analysis and improved instrumentation. With these advances, it is now practical to perform time-resolved measurements with enough resolution to compare the results with the structural and dynamic features of mac- molecules, to probe the structures of proteins, membranes, and nucleic acids, and to acquire two-dimensional microscopic images of chemical or protein distributions in cell cultures. Advances in laser and detector technology have also resulted in renewed interest in fluorescence for clinical and analytical chemistry. Because of these numerous developments and the rapid appearance of new methods, it has become difficult to remain current on the science of fluorescence and its many applications. Consequently, I have asked the experts in particular areas of fluorescence to summarize their knowledge and the current state of the art. This has resulted in the initial three volumes of Topics in Fluorescence Spectroscopy, which is intended to be an ongoing series which summarizes, in one location, the vast literature on fluorescence spectroscopy. These first three volumes are designed to serve as an advanced text. These volumes describe the more recent techniques and technologies (Volume 1), the principles governing fluorescence and the experimental observables (Volume 2), and applications in biochemistry and biophysics (Volume 3).