<title>Specific recognition of flavin in a sol-gel matrix</title>

Abstract

A wide variety of biomolecules have been incorporated into sol-gel matrices, retaining their ability to function once immobilized. The interactions required for their activity occur within the macromolecular structure of these dopants. As a result, there is relatively little known about impact of the silicate matrix on fundamental recognition events. To investigate thai effects of the silicate matrix upon the specific hydrogen bond recognition between an immobilized species and a substrate at the molecular level, we have incorporated the biological cofactor flavin mononucleotide (FMN) into a silicate matrix. Molecular recognition of the flavin isoalloxazine unit immobilized within the gel cybotactic regions has been investigated via co-doping with a synthetic diaminopyridine receptor. The presence and specificity of the host-guest interaction was established via quenching of the flavin fluorophore by the receptor, and complete absence of quenching by a non-hydrogen bonding control. The degree of recognition achieved was quantified via fluorescence titration, demonstrating significantly enhanced binding relative to methanolic solution. Investigations into this recognition proces are discussed.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.