What is it about?
This study introduces a new method, which we term "Blue Edge Emission Shift (BEEmS)," to examine the diversity of molecules in chemistry and biology. By analyzing changes in excitation spectra at the blue edge of emission, it is possible to identify different subpopulations of a heterogeneous system.
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Why is it important?
Current methods for detecting molecular-level heterogeneity are complex and require stringent data analysis. We propose Blue Edge Emission Shift (BEEmS) as a simpler alternative, easily implemented with a common fluorimeter. Unlike Red Edge Excitation Shift (REES), BEEmS is not limited by environmental rigidity. We demonstrated BEEmS' effectiveness across various systems, including molecular liquids, deep eutectic solvents, organic cavitands, micelles, and proteins. BEEmS is particularly useful where REES falls short, such as in detecting denatured proteins and SDS micelles. Additionally, BEEmS measures domain-specific heterogeneity in multi-domain proteins.
Perspectives
Molecular-level heterogeneity is a defining characteristic of modern chemistry and biology. The new method developed here offers a simple and promising perspective to measure and understand the complexity of chemistry and biology. The implications are vast, and the possibilities for innovation are endless.
Dr. Nilimesh Das
Harvard University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The shift of excitation spectra at blue edge of emission (BEEmS) as a new methodology to probe heterogeneity, Chemical Physics, January 2024, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphys.2023.112138.
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