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Intraoperative discrimination of thyroid and parathyroid tissues is fundamental in thyroid surgery. Recent fluorescence studies have shown stronger NIR emission in parathyroid tissue than in thyroid tissue, presenting a potential avenue for the development of a tool for surgical assistance. However, the fluorophore responsible for this emission has not yet been identified. In this work, spectroscopic analysis was performed to ascertain the origin of the emission peaks in parathyroid tissue. Ground-state diffuse reflectance (GSDR) absorption spectroscopy and laser-induced luminescence (LIL) emission spectroscopy were performed in parathyroid, thyroid, and fatty tissue samples and the resulting spectra were compared with the peaks of known fluorophores to identify the origin of each peak. The spectra of the different tissue types were also compared in order to evaluate the wavelength which presents the highest parathyroid emission relative to the emission of the surrounding tissues, representing the ideal wavelength for parathyroid detection. An emission peak in these conditions was observed for both thyroid and parathyroid tissue at 711 nm, with a higher intensity in parathyroid sample, making it suitable for detection applications. These results show a potential avenue for the development of a system allowing parathyroid detection in a surgical setting.

The use of porphyrinic compounds for photodynamic therapy (PDT) in cancer is well documented, but the aggregation tendency in physiologically-relevant media impedes on their medical use. The present study argues for the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) for the evaluation of the aggregation tendency in terms of topography, self-similarity (fractal behavior) and textural properties of some promising A3B-type porphyrinic compounds, previously described by our group. It was found that the samples are isotropic and rough enough to favor cell adhesion. Despite having different aggregation tendencies, the P and Zn(II)P compounds (5 µM) were similarly incorporated into tumour cells (HT-29 human colon carcinoma and U-87 MG human glioblastoma), as demonstrated by flow cytometry data. Results suggest that there might be an aggregation, “window” that does not impede on the interaction of the investigated porphyrins with tumor cells.

Diffuse reflectance and laser-induced techniques were used to study the inclusion of an aromatic ketone, benzophenone (BZP) and also of aryl alkyl ketones such as β-phenylpropiophenone (β-PP) and γ-phenylbutyrophenone (γ-PB) into a channel type solid powdered substrate, the aluminophosphate AlPO 4 -5. AlPO 4 -5 solid support exhibits a surprisingly hydrophilic character which was shown by a blue shift of the (n, π ∗ ) ground state absorption band of BZP and a red shift of the (π, π ∗ ) ground state absorption band of γ-PB, when compared with the inclusion within silicalite, a hydrophobic support. Furthermore, the phosphorescence emission of BZP within AlPO 4 -5 was broad and a non-structured emission band of hydrogen bonded BZP centred about 440 nm was observed in a nanosecond time scale. This emission shifts up to 470 nm and was assigned to protonated excited BZP, BZPH + * , suggesting the presence of Bronsted acid sites in the substrate. In the 7.3 A diameter aluminophosphate’s channels, β-PP shows no room temperature phosphorescence as consequence of intramolecular quenching, while the larger γ-PB exhibits a structured phosphorescence emission peaking at 452 nm. A lifetime distribution analysis for BZP/AlPO 4 -5 case shows a single wide band, peaking at 630 μs. The transient absorption spectra of argon purged samples revealed, superimposed on the triplet–triplet absorption of BZP, the hydroxyl–benzophenone radical (BZP OH) absorption as the main transient species in the millisecond time scale.

Spectroscopic and photophysical properties of a flavin analogue – 3-methyl-riboflavin tetraacetate – were studied in methanol, ethanol, water and acetonitrile. We compared experimental spectroscopic data with the results of theoretical predictions, obtained using the TD-DFT method. Based on these calculations, we assigned (π,π*) symmetry to both the lowest excited singlet and triplet states. We found the title compound to be a very efficient photosensitizer of singlet oxygen production (ϕΔ = 0.61). The triplet state quantum yield of 3-methyl-riboflavin tetraacetate was determined as 0.54 in methanolic solutions. Photodegradation quantum yield measurements demonstrate that the title compound may be used as a much more stable substitute of riboflavin, being two orders of magnitude more photostable (φR = 2 × 10−5). We also present exhaustive crystallographic characteristics of 3-methyl-riboflavin tetraacetate, along with time-resolved fluorescence spectra of its polycrystals.

The photochemistry of 4-chloroanisole was studied in cyclohexane, with and without molecular oxygen. The triplet state is the main transient in argon purged solutions. In air equilibrated conditions the triplet state was not detected and a new broad absorption band was observed above 450 nm. This absorption was assigned to the 4-methoxyphenylperoxyl radical. The formation of phenylperoxyl radicals after direct photolysis of the parent chlorinated compound in the presence of oxygen is reported here for the first time. Anisole is one of the main photoproducts in both conditions. Bicyclohexane was detected only in argon purged conditions while cyclohexyl ether is only formed in the presence of molecular oxygen. The formation of phenylperoxyl radicals after direct photolysis of chloroaromatics can be used to detect the homolytic cleavage of the C–Cl bond.

The properties of 5-deaza-riboflavin were characterized in solutions and in the solid state. Spectroscopic and photophysical data for the singlet state of the title compound in methanol are presented. Comparison of the emission spectrum in the solid state with the respective spectrum obtained in solution reflects the solvent influence. Theoretical studies concerning singlet–singlet and triplet–triplet excitation energies were carried out using TD-DFT calculations. All the observable singlet–singlet transitions were characterized as π,π* type. The title compound was shown to be an efficient sensitizer of the production of singlet oxygen ( ϕ Δ =0.33). We also present 1 H and 13 C NMR spectra.

Molecular structure, spectroscopic and photophysical data for the singlet state of 3-benzyl-lumiflavin in different solvents are presented. Theoretical studies concerning singlet-singlet and triplet-triplet excitation energies were carried out using time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations. These predictions are in good agreement with the experimental results, which reflect the solvent interactions. All the observable singlet-singlet transitions have pi-pi* character. The title compound appears to be an efficient sensitizer of the production of singlet oxygen (phi(Delta)= 0.53). The crystal structure of 3-benzyl-lumiflavin is also presented, along with its solid-state photophysical data.

The photophysical behavior of eosin Y adsorbed onto microcrystalline cellulose was evaluated by reflectance spectroscopy, steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy and laser induced time-resolved luminescence. On increasing the concentration of the dye, small changes in absorption spectra, fluorescence redshifts and fluorescence quenching are observed. Changes in absorption spectra point to the occurrence of weak exciton interactions among close-lying dye molecules, whereas fluorescence is affected by reabsorption and excitation energy trapping. Phosphorescence decays are concentration independent as a result of the negligible exciton interaction of dye pairs in the triplet state. Lifetime distribution and bilinear regression analyses of time-resolved phosphorescence and delayed fluorescence spectra reveal the existence of two different environments: long-lived, more energetic triplet states arise from dyes tightly entrapped within the cellulose chains, while short-lived, less-energetic states result from dyes in more flexible environments. Stronger hydrogen bond interactions between the dye and cellulose hydroxyl groups lead in the latter case to a lower triplet energy and faster radiationless decay. These effects, observed also at low temperatures, are similar to those encountered in several amorphous systems, but rather than being originated in changes in the environment during the triplet lifetime, they are ascribed in this case to spatial heterogeneity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Fil: Rodriguez, Hernan Bernardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Analítica y Química Física; Argentina Fil: San Roman, Enrique Arnoldo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Analítica y Química Física; Argentina Fil: Duarte, Paulo. Universidade Tecnica de Lisboa; Portugal Fil: MacHado, Isabel Ferreira. Universidade Tecnica de Lisboa; Portugal Fil: Vieira Ferreira, Luis F.. Universidade Tecnica de Lisboa; Portugal

The photophysical behaviour of phloxine B adsorbed onto microcrystalline cellulose was evaluated by reflectance spectroscopy and laser induced time-resolved luminescence in the picosecond-nanosecond and microsecond- millisecond ranges. Analysis of the absorption spectral changes with concentration points to a small tendency of the dye to aggregate in the range of concentrations under study. Prompt fluorescence, phosphorescence and delayed fluorescence spectral decays were measured at room temperature and 77 K, without the need of sample degassing because cellulose protects triplet states from oxygen quenching. In all cases, spectral changes with time and lifetime distribution analysis were consistent with the dye coexisting in two different environments: dyes tightly entrapped between polymer chains in crystalline regions of cellulose showed longer fluorescence and phosphorescence lifetimes and more energetic triplet states, while dyes adsorbed in more amorphous regions of the support showed shorter lifetimes and less energetic triplet states. This behaviour is discussed in terms of the different dye-support interactions in both kinds of adsorption sites. Fil: Duarte, Paulo. Centro de Química-Física Molecular; Portugal Fil: Ferreira, Diana P.. Centro de Química-Física Molecular; Portugal Fil: Machado, Isabel Ferreira. Universidade Técnica de Lisboa; Portugal Fil: Ferreira, Luís Filipe Vieira. Centro de Química-física Molecular; Portugal Fil: Rodriguez, Hernan Bernardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía; Argentina Fil: San Roman, Enrique Arnoldo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía; Argentina

The surface photochemistry of pesticides containing 4-chlorophenoxyl chromophore was accessed on the model surfaces cellulose and silica, using diffuse reflectance and chromatographic techniques. 4-Chloroanisole was chosen as the model compound and its phototransformation was followed under lamp (254 nm) and sunlight irradiation. The photodegradation rates are faster on cellulose than on silica. The main photodegradation products on cellulose are anisole and dimerization compounds while on silica the formation of 4-hydroxyanisole and dimerization are the main reaction pathways. Transient absorption studies showed the formation of the 4-methoxyphenylperoxyl radical only on cellulose and in the presence of oxygen. The homolytic cleavage of the C-Cl bond, and consequent formation of a triplet radical pair, is the main primary reaction step on both surfaces. The radical pair then diffuses apart or undergoes electron transfer to form phenyl radicals and phenyl cations, respectively. These two reaction intermediates account for reduction, addition, and formation of bonded residues, the main reactions observed on the studied surfaces and also expected to prevail under natural conditions. (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A detailed study of the luminescence decay curves of pyrene included within p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene cavities and benzophenone into silicalite channels is reported. A new methodology for a lifetime distribution analysis of the decay curve of probes onto heterogeneous surfaces is presented, which allows for asymmetric distributions and uses Voigt profiles (Gaussian and Lorentzian mixture) instead of pure Gaussian or Lorentzian distributions. Our approach uses a very simple and widely available tool for fitting, the Microsoft Excel Solver. In the case of the pyrene/tert-butylcalix[4]arene sample, the room temperature luminescence detected in the microsecond time scale was not only the phosphorescence of pyrene but also monomer delayed fluorescence, crystal phosphorescence, and excimer delayed fluorescence. In the benzophenone/silicalite case, three emissive forms of benzophenone could be assigned, one of benzophenone included into the silicalite circular zigzag channels, another for emplacement into the elliptical straight channels and finally when benzophenone is placed at the crossing points of those silicalite channels, where smaller spatial restrictions for benzophenone exist.

Diffuse reflectance and laser-induced techniques were used to study photochemical and photophysical processes of benzil adsorbed on two solid powdered supports, microcrystalline cellulose and [small beta]-cyclodextrin. In both substrates, a distribution of ground-state benzil conformers exists, largely dominated by skew conformations where the carbonyl groups are twisted one to the other. Room temperature phosphorescence was observed in air-equilibrated samples in both cases. The decay times vary greatly and the largest lifetime was obtained for benzil/[small beta]-cyclodextrin, showing that this host's cavity accommodates benzil well, enhancing its room temperature phosphorescence. Triplet-triplet absorption of benzil entrapped in cellulose was detected and benzil ketyl radical formation also occurred. With benzil included into [small beta]-cyclodextrin, and following laser excitation, benzoyl radicals were detected on the millisecond timescale. Product analysis and identification of laser-irradiated benzil samples in the two hosts clearly showed that the main degradation photoproducts were benzoic acid and benzaldehyde. The main differences were a larger benzoic acid/benzaldehyde ratio in the case of cellulose and the formation of benzyl alcohol in this support.

Laser-induced room temperature luminescence of air-equilibrated benzophenone/O-propylated p-tert-butylcalix[ 4] arene solid powdered samples revealed the existence of a novel emission, in contrast with benzophenone/p-tertbutylcalix[ 4] arene complexes, where only benzophenone emits. This novel emission was identified as phosphorescence of 1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione, which is formed as the result of an hydrogen atom abstraction reaction of the triplet excited benzophenone from the propoxy substituents of the calixarene. Room temperature phosphorescence was obtained in air-equilibrated samples in all propylated hosts. The decay times of the benzophenone emission vary greatly with the degree of propylation, the shortest lifetimes being obtained in the tri- and tetrapropylated calixarenes. Triplet - triplet absorption of benzophenone was detected in all cases, and is the predominant absorption in the p-tert-butylcalix[ 4] arene case, where an endo-calix complex is formed. Benzophenone ketyl radical formation occurs with the O-propylated p-tert-butylcalix[ 4] arenes hosts, suggesting a different type of host/guest molecular arrangement. Diffuse reflectance laser. ash photolysis and gas chromatography - mass spectrometry techniques provided complementary information, the former about transient species and the latter regarding the final products formed after light absorption. Product analysis and identification clearly show that the two main degradation photoproducts following laser excitation in the propylated substrates are 1-phenyl-1,2- propanedione and 2- hydroxybenzophenone, although several other minor photodegradation products were identified. A detailed mechanistic analysis is proposed. While the solution photochemistry of benzophenone is dominated by the hydrogen abstraction reaction from suitable hydrogen donors, in these solid powdered samples, the alpha-cleavage reaction also plays an important role. This finding occurs even with one single laser pulse which lasts only a few nanoseconds, and is apparently related to the fact that scattered radiation exists, due to multiple internal reflections possibly trapping light within non-absorbing microcrystals in the sample, and is detected until at least 20 mus after the laser pulse. This could explain how photoproducts thus formed could also be excited with only one laser pulse.

The photophysical and photochemical behavior of Norharmane (Norh), Harmane (Hara) and Harmine (Hari) and their cations have been examined as a function of the nature of the solvent. Time-resolved emission in nonprotic polar solvents showed fluorescence for all and also phosphorescence for Hari. All emissions were assigned as those of the neutral molecules. Norh and Hari showed fluorescence of both the neutral and the cation in methanol as well as phosphorescence of the neutral while Hari also had fluorescence of the zwitter ion. In ethanol, Norh and Hari displayed fluorescence and phosphorescence of the neutral. The ground-state cations of Norh and Hari exhibited fluorescences of the cation and Hari also had a phosphorescence (cation). The flash transient spectra in nonprotic solvents of all three carbolines had long-lived triplet transients only of the neutral. Triplet and singlet oxygen yields were quite high, 0.31-0.40. Direct excitation of any of the cations gave only the cation triplet. The triplet yields of the cations appear to be low (0.01-0.10 range). Theoretical calculations were done relative to location of triplet states. Some new information will be reported on other naturally occurring differently substituted marine-based beta-carbolines. The impact of all of the foregoing observations on the photosensitizing potential of all compounds is discussed.