Absorption and Luminescence Probes

Abstract

Absorption and luminescent probes are compounds with an extensive variety of molecular structures. Despite their diversity and variations in their properties, they possess many similar general features. In solution they can form specific complexes with targets, leading to corresponding measurable changes in photophysical properties. Depending on the particular research need, there is a large choice of available probes absorbing and emitting light in ultraviolet (UV), visible, or near infrared (NIR) spectral ranges. They have been commonly used, for example, for pH measurements, the detection of gases, cations or anions, in the screening of metabolites, in monitoring macromolecular transformations, as well as in numerous other related chemical and biochemical processes.

Plasmonic Nanomaterials for Micro- and Nanoplastics Detection

“…Plasmon-enhanced fluorescence (PEF) is a well-established technique that grants huge enhancement factors and the possibility to detect analytes even at the single molecule level. The effect of PEF was observed in the early 1980s in concurrence with the observation of the SERS effect [54]. This effect greatly enhances the emission of organic molecules in the proximity of plasmonic nanostructures, allowing for the detection of weakly emitting species that are not detectable otherwise [55].…”