Whether you’re a professional microscopist or once did an imaging rotation in graduate school – and then resolved never again – our ability to see what’s really happening inside cells is improving at...
By their friends, you shall know them, the saying goes. The same is true of proteins. The majority of cellular proteins are cogs in large macromolecular machines comprising anywhere from two to dozens of...
Among the possible fluorescence
biosensors for medical and biochemical
monitoring and imaging are the
flavonoids, compounds that occur in
many plants and their products, such as
tea, chocolate, and red wine. Flavonoids
recently have intrigued biologists, for
they act as antioxidants in cancer and
other diseases related to free radicals.
Flavonoids bind to nucleic acids and
proteins. Many flavonoids, like proteins,
are fluorescent, thus setting the stage
for experiments involving Förster resonance
energy-transfer (FRET) between
the two types of compounds
when they bind together.
The Fluorolog Tau-3 was purchased in our department in order to carry out time-resolved fluorescence studies. This fluorometer can measure both steady state and lifetime fluorescence. It uses a 450 W Xenon short-arc lamp that acts as...
Fluorescence immunoassay is applied to the detection of theophylline, a drug used for myocardial stimulation. Interference from other sample components is limited by use of polarization measurements, which discriminate between bound and unbound fluorophores. The detection system includes a T-format sampling module mounting two emission spectrometers and programmable polarizers. A calibration curve is generated and the technique demonstrated by running test samples in serum.
Kinetic fluorescence as an analytical technique to quantify non-fluorescent species is described, and the technique is applied to the determination of thiamine (vitamin B1) in solution. Fluorescence intensity is monitored as thiamine converts to fluorescent thiochrome, and a relationship is established between the rate of increase of intensity and the concentration of thiamine. The technique is shown to have good sensitivity and selectivity.
Timely and accurate analysis of hazardous materials is fundamental to environmental protection. In addition to the obvious necessity of identifying a suspected contaminant, a detailed analytical profile can help trace the source of a dangerous material and contribute to selecting the best containment and cleanup strategy.
Automobile-parts production can be paralyzed by a defective electron-galvanizing (EV) bath line. Because a sensitive and accurate analysis of EV solutions is fundamental to productivity, quality, and identification of errors, a detailed analytical profile can help trace the source of error and contribute to selecting the best solution. Both downtime and material cost therefore can be minimized.
One of the fastest-growing segments of the semiconductor industry is concerned with a new generation of graphic displays for communications and high-definition television sets. For phosphors that might be used as the active medium in such displays, the critical characteristics are the lifetimes and wavelengths of their emissions.
The results of UV exposure of human hair can be quantified with fluorescence spectroscopy. This is of significant interest to cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies that manufacture hair creams, coloring, shampoos, and conditioners.
Quick and quantitative analytical evaluation of tooth decay is required in any study of the environmental factors promoting such decay. This information is essential to any study of which dental products are most effective in slowing or arresting the decay.
Simultaneously monitoring the levels of relevant metabolites and cell parameters is necessary to properly assess the effectiveness of drugs on living cells. The FLUOROMAX® spectrofluorometer allows the user to monitor up to eight wavelength-pairs of emission and excitation wavelengths. Coupling this capability with the proper probes can produce a real-time analysis of unfolding biological processes.
Protein-containing plants are staples in the diets of all countries. The ability to produce enough crops is essential to the well-being of all citizens, for people have to have enough to eat before they can advance to higher endeavors.
The brightly-colored coral reefs that make scuba-diving and snorkeling so enjoyable when vacationers stay in the Caribbean or South Pacific are essential to the survival of many species of fish and underwater life. Not only do the reefs offer a haven for smaller fish to hide from the larger predators, but also some fish actually survive by eating the reefs themselves. Reefs offer protection to plants and animals from the ravages of waves and ocean currents. Thus, when the reefs die, so do many other living creatures.
Be sure that sensitivity calculations are identical for a valid comparison. SPEX® conservatively quotes a minimum signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of 2500:1 for the FluoroMax®. In 2001, the average FluoroMax® S/N was closer to 5000:1, and no instrument was shipped with a S/N below 3000:1. Compare this to other manufacturers who quote 500:1.