Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
dipyrenylpropane, fluorescence probe, propane
College
Life Sciences
Department
Physiology and Developmental Biology
Abstract
1,3-di(1-pyrenyl)propane(hereinafter dipyrenylpropane) has proven very useful as a fluorescence probe in determining fluidity and monitoring phase transitions in biological membrane systems.1 By virtue of its structure, dipyrenylpropane may fluoresce light in an excimer or a monomer configuration. Each configuration fluoresces light at a different wavelength, thus allowing us to monitor the excimer-to-monomer intensity ratio. The excimer form occurs when, as the light is absorbed, the pyrene branches come within close proximity, transferring energy and fluorescing light back at a different wavelength.2 The monomer configuration is defined by the lack of energy transfer and a consistent fluorescence wavelength. Therefore, as membrane fluidity is increased it allows the pyrene branches to come in closer contact and increases the excimer-to-monomer ratio. Consequently, a low excimer-to-monomer ratio would correspond with low fluidity. Modeling dipyrenylpropane and simulating its behavior could prove valuable in future studies of membrane fluidity.3
Recommended Citation
Bray, Steven and Busath, David
(2013)
"Modeling Dipyrenylpropane,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 1386.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1386