Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Fluorometry”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Application of multi-wavelength fluorometry for on-line monitoring of an anaerobic digestion process.

This work examined the use of multi-wavelength fluorometry for on-line monitoring of an anaerobic digestion process. Experiments were carried out in a laboratory-scale anaerobic digestor fed with either synthetic or agricultural (cheese factory) wastewater. An in-line fiber optic probe installed in the external recirculation loop of the reactor was used to acquire fluorescence spectra with an interval of 5-10 min. The spectra were compared with analytical measurements taken at the same time to develop regression models, which were then used to predict concentrations of chemical oxygen demand, volatile fatty acids, and other key process parameters. A comparison of partial least squares (PLS), nonlinear principal components regression, and step-wise regression models on an independent set of data showed that the PLS model gave the best prediction accuracy.

Bacteria, Anaerobic↗

Three-stepped rotation of subunits gamma and epsilon in single molecules of F-ATPase as revealed by polarized, confocal fluorometry.

The proton translocating ATP synthase is conceived as a rotatory molecular engine. ATP hydrolysis by its headpiece, CF1, drives the rotation of subunit gamma relative to the hexagonally arranged large subunits, (alphabeta)3. We investigated transition states of the rotatory drive by polarized confocal fluorometry (POCOF) as applied to single molecules of engineered, immobilized and load-free spinach-CF1. We found that the hydrolysis of ATP caused the stepped and sequential progression of subunit gamma through three discrete angular positions, with the transition states of gamma being too shortlived for detection. We also observed the stepped motion of epsilon, whereas delta was immobile as (alphabeta)3.

Fluorometry↗

Detection of HLA-B27 alleles by group-specific amplification and time-resolved fluorometry.

This newly developed HLA-B27 assay combines a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from blood spot samples with solution hybridisation in microtitration plate and with time-resolved fluorometry (TRF) as the detection system. In a multiplex amplification reaction, the 144 base pair region of HLA-B27 alleles is amplified with allele-specific primers simultaneously with the region of beta-actin gene as an internal control. Amplified products are collected onto streptavidin (SA)-coated microtitration wells, denatured and hybridised with a europium (Eu)-labelled HLA-B27 specific probe and a samarium (Sm)-labelled beta-actin specific probe. Finally, Eu and Sm fluorescence is enhanced and detected in a time-resolved fluorometer. The typing results obtained with 110 blood spot samples showed an exact match with serological class I HLA-typing. When this technique was further evaluated, 348 blood spot samples were clearly categorised into two populations, HLA-B27 positives and negatives. This new PCR-TRF method permits the automation of HLA-B27 assays and saves time and labour in routine diagnostics.

Alleles↗

Immunoassay for human serum albumin using capillary electrophoresis-semiconductor laser-induced fluorometry.

Capillary electrophoresis combined with semiconductor laser-induced fluorometry was applied to an immunoassay of human serum albumin. Human serum albumin was labeled with a fluorescent molecule (Cy5), which has an absorption maximum at 649 nm. The labeled albumin was purified by ultrafiltration in order to reduce signals, which are unreacted labeling reagent, product, and fragment products derived there from. After the purification, no signal for unreacted labeling reagent and fragment products was detectable in the electropherogram of the labeled albumin. The labeled albumin was then reacted with anti-albumin to form an immunocomplex, which was separated from the excess free albumin. The competitive immunoassay was used in the determination of human serum albumin in a controlled serum sample, using the labeled albumin. The obtained value was found to be 0.21 +/- 0.02 mg/ml, which is in good agreement with other known values.

Electrophoresis, Capillary↗

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction using a recombinant DNA internal standard and time-resolved fluorometry.

Using a 308 bp DNA fragment (target DNA) as a template, we have synthesized an internal standard (IS) that is of the same size and uses the same primers as the target but differs by a 26 bp centrally located sequence. We then designed quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays in which the target DNA is coamplified with a constant amount of IS (20,000 molecules). The presence of IS compensates for the reaction-to reaction variability of the amplification efficiency. The PCR products are assayed by two distinct hybridization protocols. The first approach (QPCR-1) requires that specific probes be immobilized onto microtiter wells, followed by hybridization with digoxigenin-labeled PCR product. In the second protocol (QPCR-2), PCR product is captured onto the wells and hybridized with digoxigenin-tailed specific probes. In both assays, the hybrids are detected using an antidigoxigenin-alkaline phosphatase conjugate and 5'-fluorosalicylphosphate as substrate. The hydrolysis product forms a highly fluorescent complex with Tb(3+)-EDTA, as measured by time-resolved fluorometry. The ratio of the fluorescence values obtained for the amplified target DNA and IS is linearly related to the number of target DNA molecules present in the sample prior to amplification. The linear ranges are 1000-200,000 molecules for QPCR-1 and 2000-200,000 molecules for QPCR-2. The CVs ranged from 3.4 to 9.7%.

Base Sequence↗

Tryptophan fluorescence of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase: resolution of individual excited-state lifetimes by site-directed mutagenesis and multifrequency phase fluorometry.

Multifrequency phase fluorometry, in conjunction with site-directed mutagenesis, has allowed the determination of the fluorescence lifetimes of each of the three tryptophan residues of the type III variant of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CATIII). The mutant proteins retaining a single tryptophan yield lifetimes of 1.36, 2.00, and 1.17 ns for Trp-16, -86, and -152, respectively. Binding of chloramphenicol shortens the fluorescence lifetimes of all three tryptophans to some extent, in particular those of Trp-86 and Trp-152 (decreases of 51% and 39%, respectively). The mechanism of fluorescence quenching is believed to be radiationless energy transfer. Estimates of Trp-chloramphenicol distances by energy-transfer calculations are in good agreement with those determined from the crystal structure of CATIII. Despite binding at the same site in wild-type CATIII, CoA and ethyl-S-CoA produce different responses in global lifetime measurements--increases of 8% and 31%, respectively. Examination of each of the one-Trp CATIII variants, generated by site-directed mutagenesis, yields a variety of responses. Trp-152, located within the CoA binding site, responds to both CoA and its thioalkyl derivative with a 27-30% increase in fluorescence lifetime. Trp-16, distant from the CoA site, does not differentiate between the two ligands (7% increase in lifetime). However, Trp-86 shows a striking difference in binding responses, only a 4% decrease with CoA but a 14% reduction with ethyl-S-CoA. Each of the two-Trp CAT variants shows little change in global fluorescence lifetime on association with CoA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Chloramphenicol O-Acetyltransferase↗

A fluorescence lifetime study of virginiamycin S using multifrequency phase fluorometry.

Using multifrequency phase fluorometry, fluorescence lifetimes have been assigned to the different protolytic forms of the antibiotic virginiamycin S. These lifetimes are 0.476 +/- 0.005 ns for the uncharged form, 1.28 +/- 0.2 and 7.4 +/- 0.2 ns for the zwitterionic form, 1.19 +/- 0.01 ns for the negatively charged form, and 1.9 +/- 0.1 ns for the double negatively charged form. The assignments are based on lifetime measurements as a function of pH, volume percent ethanol, and excitation wavelength. Excited-state proton transfer is taken into account. It is complete at pH values lower than 1, and no fluorescence of the fully protonated charged form is observed. At pH 8, an excited-state pK* increase is calculated, but proton association is too slow to cause excited-state proton transfer. The addition of divalent cations, at pH 9.4, increases the lifetime of the negatively charged form to a value dependent upon the specific nature of the cation (7.58 +/- 0.06 ns for Mg2+, 6.54 +/- 0.02 ns for Ca2+, and 3.74 +/- 0.05 ns for Ba2+). Monovalent cations do not influence the lifetimes, indicating that their binding to the macrocycle does not influence the fluorescent moiety. The model compound 3-hydroxypicolinamide shows an analogous behavior, but the retrieved lifetime can differ significantly.

Cations↗

Distance distributions in proteins recovered by using frequency-domain fluorometry. Applications to troponin I and its complex with troponin C.

We used resonance energy transfer to examine the distribution of distances between two sites on troponin I (TnI). The donor (D) was the single tryptophan residue at site 158 (Trp 158), and the acceptor (A) was cysteine 133 (Cys 133) which was labeled with N-(iodoacetyl)-N'-(1-sulfo-5-naphthyl)ethylenediamine (IE). A distribution of D-A distances results in a distribution of donor decay times, which were resolved by using frequency-domain fluorometry. In the native state we recovered a relatively narrow distribution of D-A distances. The widths of the distance distributions were found to increase progressively and dramatically with increasing concentrations of guanidine hydrochloride. Binding of calcium-free troponin C (TnC) to troponin I did not alter the distance distribution. Addition of Ca2+ to the TnI.TnC complex resulted in a sharper distance distribution and protected against the guanidine hydrochloride induced increase in the width of the distance distribution. Additionally, the same distance distributions were recovered for native and denatured TnI when the Forster distance for energy transfer was decreased by acrylamide quenching. These results demonstrate that distance distributions can be recovered with good accuracy, to the extent of revealing modest changes due to binding of other components. This technique should have widespread applications in studies of protein folding.

Fluorometry↗

Sandwich-type deoxyribonucleic acid hybridization assays based on enzyme amplified time-resolved fluorometry.

We report microtiter well-based sandwich-type DNA hybridization assays using enzyme amplified time-resolved fluorometry of Tb3+ chelates. The target DNA was hybridized with two adjacent and non-overlapping oligonucleotide probes, one oligonucleotide serving as the capture probe and the other as the detection probe. Two ligand-specific binding protein pairs were used alternately for capture of the hybrids to the solid phase and detection; the biotin-streptavidin and the digoxigenin-anti-digoxigenin interaction. In both cases, alkaline phosphatase was used as a reporter molecule and diflunisal phosphate as a substrate. The catalytic hydrolysis of the substrate produces diflunisal which forms ternary fluorescent complex with Tb(3+)-EDTA. Furthermore, we studied the effect of the probe labeling method and the position of the label on the sensitivity of the assays. The data suggest that capture of the hybrids through biotin-streptavidin and detection via digoxigenin-anti-digoxigenin offer 2-3 times higher sensitivity than the reverse configuration. The highest sensitivity was achieved with enzymatic labeling of capture and detection probes at the 3' end. A signal-to-background ratio of 4 was achieved for 0.2 fmol of target DNA. The RSD were better than 4%.

Cell Line↗

Confocal pH imaging of microscopic specimens using fluorescence lifetimes and phase fluorometry: influence of parameter choice on system performance.

We investigate the performance of confocal pH imaging when using phase fluorometry and fluorophores with pH-dependent lifetimes. In these experiments, the specimen is illuminated by a laser beam, whose intensity is sinusoidally modulated. The lifetime-dependent phase shift in the fluorescent signal is detected by a lock-in amplifier, and converted into a pH value through a calibration procedure. A theoretical investigation is made of how the different system parameters will influence the results concerning sensitivity and noise. Experiments carried out with the fluorophore SNAFL-2 support these theoretical predictions. It is found that, under realistic experimental conditions, we can expect a pH change of 0.1 units to be easily detected in an 8-bit digital image. However, the pixel-to-pixel root mean square noise is often of the order of one pH unit. This comparatively high level of noise has its origin in photon quantum noise. pH measurements on living cells show a systematic deviation from expected values. This discrepancy appears to be the result of fluorophore interaction with various cell constituents, and is the subject of further investigation.

Animals↗

Conformational dynamics of the Na+/K+-ATPase probed by voltage clamp fluorometry.

The method of voltage clamp fluorometry combined with site-directed fluorescence labeling was used to detect local protein motions of the fully active Na(+)K(+)-ATPase in real time under physiological conditions. Because helix M5 extends from the cytoplasmic site of ATP hydrolysis into the cation binding region, we chose the extracellular M5-M6 loop of the sheep alpha(1)-subunit for the insertion of cysteine residues to identify reporter positions for conformational rearrangements during the catalytic cycle. After expression of the single cysteine mutants in Xenopus oocytes and covalent attachment of tetramethylrhodamine-6-maleimide, only mutant N790C reported molecular rearrangements of the M5-M6 loop by showing large, ouabain-sensitive fluorescence changes ( approximately 5%) on addition of extracellular K(+). When the enzyme was subjected to voltage jumps under Na(+)Na(+)-exchange conditions, we observed fluorescence changes that directly correlated to transient charge movements originating from the E(1)P-E(2)P transition of the transport cycle. The voltage jump-induced fluorescence changes and transient currents were abolished after replacement of Na(+) by tetraethylammonium or on addition of ouabain, showing that conformational flexibility is impaired under these conditions. Voltage-dependent fluorescence changes could also be observed in the presence of subsaturating K(+) concentrations. This allowed to monitor the time course of voltage-dependent relaxations into a new stationary distribution of states under turnover conditions, showing the acceleration of relaxation kinetics with increasing K(+) concentrations. As a result, the stationary distribution between E(1) and E(2) states and voltage-dependent relaxation times can be determined at any time and membrane potential under Na(+)Na(+) exchange as well as Na(+)K(+) turnover conditions.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Voltage-dependent conformational changes in human Ca(2+)- and voltage-activated K(+) channel, revealed by voltage-clamp fluorometry.

Large conductance voltage- and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channels regulate important physiological processes such as neurotransmitter release and vascular tone. BK(Ca) channels possess a voltage sensor mainly represented by the S4 transmembrane domain. Changes in membrane potential displace the voltage sensor, producing a conformational change that leads to channel opening. By site-directed fluorescent labeling of residues in the S3-S4 region and by using voltage clamp fluorometry, we have resolved the conformational changes the channel undergoes during activation. The voltage dependence of these conformational changes (detected as changes in fluorescence emission, fluorescence vs. voltage curves) always preceded the channel activation curves, as expected for protein rearrangements associated to the movement of the voltage sensor. Extremely slow conformational changes were revealed by fluorescent labeling of position 202, elicited by a mutual interaction of the fluorophore with the adjacent tryptophan 203.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Early transmembrane events in alloimmune cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activation as revealed by stopped-flow fluorometry.

We have studied early transmembrane events in mouse alloimmune cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (LC7, H-2b) activation by specific target cells (mouse mastocytoma P815, H-2d) and a mitogenic lectin, Con A, by using stopped-flow fluorometry with three different fluorescent probes. After binding to target cells (P815), cytotoxic T lymphocytes (LC7) first increased their membrane fluidity and, then, calcium was released from intracellular stores. After that, there was a calcium influx from the external medium into the T lymphocytes. This calcium influx was blocked by calcium antagonists (verapamil or diltiazem). The same sequence of events was also observed in the activation of T lymphocytes (LC7) by Con A and in the response of specific target cells (P815) after cytotoxic T lymphocytes (LC7) binding. Nonspecific (syngeneic) target cells (mouse lymphoma EL-4, H-2b) did not cause any early transmembrane events in cytotoxic T lymphocytes (LC7, H-2b).

Animals↗

Analytical performance of time-resolved fluorometry-based Innotrac Aio! cardiac marker immunoassays.

The results of an evaluation of the Innotrac Aio! cardiac markers are presented. This system is based on dry-chemistry, time-resolved fluorometry. All assay-specific reagents are dry-coated into assay-specific cups, and only the generic assay buffer is required. The levels of precision attained with pooled serum samples and control materials were acceptable for cTnI and CK-MB. Myoglobin assay showed higher CV, 5.6-9.5%. The linearity studies were performed in concentration ranges of 0.1-76 microg/L for cTnI, 0.7-450 microg/L for CK-MB and 0.6-1500 microg/L for myoglobin. The markers were found to be linear within the ranges tested. The correlation coefficient between the Aio! and AxSYM cTnI assays was 0.960, and the slope was 0.07. The correlation coefficients between the Aio! and AxSYM CK-MB and myoglobin assays were 0.995 and 0.971, respectively. They involved some differences in the measured concentrations (Aio! CK-MB was about 9% higher than AxSYM CK-MB, and Aio! myoglobin was 19% higher than AxSYM). Comparative studies with all the markers, using EDTA whole blood and lithium heparin plasma specimens and lithium heparin whole blood and plasma, yielded the following results: the slopes were close to 1.0 for all correlations, with the exception of that between CK-MB EDTA whole blood and lithium heparin (0.83). High correlation coefficients were obtained (> or = 0.97). The carryover results for all the cardiac markers were good, 0.0%, 0.0%, and 0.3% for cTnI, CK-MB, and myoglobin, respectively. The analytical detection limits were 0.01 microg/L for cTnI, 0.8 microg/L for CK-MB and 0.5 microg/L for myoglobin. The stability of the analytes in the lithium heparin samples at room temperature was also studied and was found to be decreased by from 10% (myoglobin and CK-MB) to 17% (cTnI) in 8 h. Innotrac Aio! provides a rapid and easy quantitative measurement of cardiac TnI, CK-MB, and myoglobin within < 18 min. This system is therefore suitable for use in emergency departments, coronary care units or central laboratory settings.

Biomarkers↗

An improved assay method for serum vitamins A and E using fluorometry.

A micromethod for assay of serum vitamins A and E with the use of fluorometry is described. The procedure is a modification of previously described methods eliminating two potentially hazardous reagents, hexane and lithium aluminum hydride, as major components. Comparison with previous methods using n-hexane shows good agreement, as well as satisfactory precision.

Fluorometry↗

Simultaneous detection of several oligonucleotides by time-resolved fluorometry: the use of a mixture of categorized microparticles in a sandwich type mixed-phase hybridization assay.

Porous, uniformly sized (50 micrometer) glycidyl methacrylate/ethylene dimethacrylate particles (SINTEF) were used as a solid phase to construct a sandwich type hybridization assay that allowed simultaneous detection of up to six oligonucleotides from a single sample. The assay was based on categorization of the particles by two organic prompt fluorophores, viz. fluorescein and dansyl, and quantification of the oligonucleotide hybridization by time-resolved fluorometry. Accordingly, allele-specific oligodeoxyribonucleotide probes were assembled on the particles by conventional phosphoramidite strategy using a non-cleavable linker, and the category defining fluorescein and/or dansyl tagged building blocks were inserted in the 3'-terminal sequence. An oligonucleotide bearing a photoluminescent europium(III) chelate was hybridized to the complementary 3'-terminal sequence of the target oligonucleotide, and the resulting duplex was further hybridized to the particle-bound allele-specific probes via the 5'-terminal sequence of the target. After hybridization each individual particle was subjected to three different fluorescence intensity measurements. The intensity of the prompt fluorescence signals of fluorescein and dansyl defined the particle category, while the europium(III) chelate emission quantified the hybridization. The length of the complementary region between the target oligonucleotide and the particle-bound probe was optimized to achieve maximal selectivity. Furthermore, the kinetics of hybridization and the effect of the concentration of the target oligomer on the efficiency of hybridization were evaluated. By this approach the possible presence of a three base deletion (DeltaF508), point mutation (G542X) and point deletion (1078delT) related to cystic fibrosis could unequivocally be detected from a single sample.

Fluorometry↗

Effects of volatile anesthetics on myocardial oxidation-reduction status assessed by NADH fluorometry.

In experiments on isolated rat heart perfused by the Langendorff method, the effect of halothane, isoflurane, enflurane, and diethyl ether on myocardial oxidation-reduction status was evaluated with reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) fluorometry. All inhaled anesthetics studied caused a dose-dependent increase in NADH fluorescence. Concentrations of anesthetics necessary to produce 10% of the maximal increase in NADH fluorescence caused by anoxia were 1.1% for halothane, 1.6% for isoflurane, 2.6% for enflurane, and 6.8% for diethyl ether (all concentrations are different from each other at P less than 0.05 level, n = 24). These findings indicate that the order of potency with regard to the effect of the agent on NADH paralleled their potencies as general anesthetics. The deterioration in myocardial oxidation-reduction status probably is related to the ability of the anesthetic agents to inhibit the electron transport chain in mitochondria.

Anesthetics↗

Contribution of cytosolic ionic and energetic milieu change to ischemia- and reperfusion-induced injury in guinea pig heart: fluorometry and nuclear magnetic resonance studies.

The contribution of cytosolic ion and energy milieu changes to ischemia/reperfusion injury was investigated in isolated guinea-pig hearts and mitochondria, with fluorometry and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The fura-2 Ca2+ signal during ischemia in the guinea-pig Langendorff heart changed triphasically (phases I, II, and III) and rapidly returned to the control level after the reperfusion. These triphasic changes during ischemia were affected by various agents that affect the cytosolic ion milieu: the combination of asebotoxin-III and dihydroouabain (which increase intracellular Na+) caused an increase in Ca2+ levels in the final stage (phase III) with a manifestation of contracture after the reperfusion of the heart. Inhibitors of the H+-Na+ exchange such as 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)-amiloride (EIPA) produced a significant restorative effect on the contractility of the reperfused heart with increased proton and decreased Na+ and Ca2+ in the cytosol. The mitochondrial matrix Ca2+ ([Ca2+]m) preloaded with abnormally high Ca2+ levels was markedly increased by perfusion with either a physiologic concentration of Ca2+ or an acidified perfusate. These [Ca2+]m increases were reduced by the H+-Na+ and H+-K+ exchange inhibitor (EIPA; omeprazole), respectively. These findings will help to explain the Ca paradox at the mitochondria level (i.e., mitochondria for Ca2+ pumping play an essential role in the cellular homeostasis of Ca2+ for the maintenance of cell functions of the heart, acting like a Ca2+ scavenger in the cytosol). Factors that induce Ca2+ overload on mitochondria via sarcolemmal Ca2+ influx and any exchange mechanisms with Na+, K+, Ca2+, and H+ will lead to a loss of contractility, associated with the extremely reduced level of free energy change predicted from the reduced ATP x PCr/Pi ratio by 31P NMR.

Amiloride↗