Immobilization inside Langmuir−Blodgett Films of a Fluorescent Artificial Receptor for Zn(II) Recognition

• Published in: Langmuir 1997-10, Vol.13 (21), p.5711-5717
• Main Authors: Dumaine-Bouaziz, M, Cordier, D, Morelis, R. M, Coulet, P. R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analytical, structural and metabolic biochemistry; Biological and medical sciences; Biological materials; Deposition; Emission spectroscopy; Enzyme immobilization; Fluorescence; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Inorganic compounds; Interfaces (materials); Molecular dynamics; Optical microscopy; Other biological molecules; Zirconium
• ISSN: 0743-7463; 1520-5827
• DOI: 10.1021/la9703609

This work is focused on the study of the immobilization of a synthetic fluorescent macrocycloureide in a nanostructure obtained through Langmuir−Blodgett (LB) technique. Its interfacial behavior shows that it can take various orientations at the air/water interface. Mixed with behenic acid it is successfully transferred in Y-type onto hydrophobic substrates. The related LB films were controlled through Fourier transform IR spectroscopy and Nomarski microscopy. Fluorescence emission spectra were recorded in air, water, and phosphate buffer at pH 12. Three signals were emitted, corresponding to three different forms of the immobilized macrocycloureide:  monomer, dimer, and molecule stacks. Micromolar concentrations of zinc could be detected through signal fluorescence enhancement of the dimer emission, giving evidence that the immobilized macrocycloureide keeps its fluorescence properties and its ability for molecular recognition of Zn(II) ions.