Objective
A major problem in biological sciences is the lack of correct evaluation of membrane surface potential which governs number of biological processes. The development of new fluorescent probes sensitive to biomembrane surface charge density and potential is suggested here on the basis of a new concept. Crown ether groups are located at the biomembrane surface and bind to metal cations, the activity of which is directly associated with the surface potential. Crown groups are coupled to a ketocyanine chromophore which respond to ion-binding to the crown by a shift in the fluorescence spectrum.
For this purpose six crowned ketocyanines will be synthesized and extensively studied. The method will be tested in model membranes, biomembranes and cells. Finally, the use of these probes in solid matrices and Langmuir-Blodget films for elabo- rating ion-sensing devices will also be investigated.
Topic(s)
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31062 Toulouse
France