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Problems associated with the measurement of photoluminescence are briefly reviewed, including relevant instrument parameters affecting these measurements. Procedures for the characterization of relevant instruments are discussed, focusing on spectrofluorometers, and fit-for-purpose methods including suitable standards are recommended. The aim here is to increase the awareness of the importance of reliable instrument characterization and to improve the comparability of measurements of photoluminescence.
The aim of this article is to illustrate the need for an improved quality assurance in fluorescence microscopy. From the instrument-side, this can be achieved by a better understanding, consideration, and regular control of the instrument-specific parameters and quantities affecting measured fluorescence signals. Particularly, the need for requirements on physical- and chemical-type instrument standards for the characterization and performance validation of spectral fluorescence microscopes (SFMs) is discussed and suitable systems are presented. Special emphasis is given to spectral fluorescence standards and to day-to-day intensity standards for SFMs. Fluorescence standards and well-characterized fluorescence microscopes are the first and essential steps towards the comparability and the understanding of the variability in fluorescence microscopy data in medical and life sciences. In addition, standards enable the distinction between instrument-specific variations and fluorescent label- or probe-related uncertainties as well as generally sample-related effects.
The need for standardization in fluorescence measurements to improve quality assurance and to meet regulatory demands is addressed from the viewpoint of National Metrology Institutes (NMIs). Classes of fluorescence standards are defined, including instrument calibration standards for the determination and correction of instrument bias, application-specific standards based on commonly used fluorescent labels, and instrument validation standards for periodic checks of instrument performance. The need for each class of standard is addressed and on-going efforts by NMIs and others are described. Several certified reference materials (CRMs) that have recently been developed by NMIs are highlighted. These include spectral correction standards, developed independently by both NIST and BAM (Germany), and fluorescence intensity standards for flow cytometry, developed by NIST. In addition, future activities at both institutes are addressed such as the development of day-to-day intensity standards.
At the core of photoluminescence techniques are suitable fluorescent labels and reporters, the spectroscopic properties of which control the limit of detection, the dynamic range, and the potential for multiplexing. Many applications including recent developments in intracellular labeling rely on well established molecular chromophores such as small organic dyes or fluorescent proteins. However, one of the most exciting – but also controversial – advances in reporter technology, the emerging development and application of luminescent nanoparticles with unique optical properties, yet complicated surface chemistry paves new roads for fluorescence imaging and sensing as well as for in vitro and in vivo labeling. Here, we compare and evaluate the differences in physico-chemical properties of common fluorophores, focusing on traditional organic dyes and luminescent nanocrystals with size-dependent features. The ultimate goal is to provide a better understanding of the advantages and limitations of both classes of chromophores, facilitate fluorophore choice for users of fluorescence techniques, and address future challenges in the rational design and manipulation of nanoparticulate labels and probes.
Steady-state and time-resolved fluorometry of fluorescent pollutants and heavy metal complexes
(1997)
Time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy is one of the most sensitive optical methods which is well suited for on-line in situ analysis. Here, three examples for the steady- state and time-resolved fluorescence analysis of environmentally important analytes, the fluorescent monoaromatic hydrocarbons benzene, toluene, and xylene as well as non fluorescent heavy metal ions forming a fluorescent complex with a cation coordinating fluorescence probe, are presented and the potential of both methods is discussed. For BTX, various mixtures of the spectrally similar compounds B, T, and X showing different fluorescence lifetimes were studied with both methods. As an example for fluorometric metal ion analysis, the fluorescence probe BP(OH)2 (2,2'-bipyridyl- 3,3'-diol) was employed for the determination of d10 metal ions in water and the newly developed fluorescence probe APTA for the detection of Cu(II). Cation complexation of BP(OH2 yields spectrally very similar complexes which differ in their fluorescence lifetimes. Complexation of APTA to Cu(II) leads to small spectral changes and a strong increase in fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime. For the analytes studied, a comparison of the detection limits, standard deviations, and linear dynamic range of both methods clearly demonstrates the analytical potential of time-resolved fluorometry.
The potential of spectrofluorometry and fluorescence microscopy for the characterization and quantification of different functionalities like OH and NH2 groups at plasma-chemically modified polymer surfaces is assessed using traditional reactive dyes such as dansyl derivatives and a sophisticated VIS-excitable chromogenic and fluorogenic pyrylium label showing binding-induced spectral and intensity changes in absorption and emission. Aiming at an improved fluorometric surface analysis, based upon these measurements, several sources of uncertainty inherent to fluorescence measurements are illustrated ranging from environment-dependent dye absorption and emission features over spectral correction and nonspecific adsorption to the critical influence of label choice on the measured background. Solutions to these drawbacks are given thereby underlining the potential of fluorometry for surface analysis.