Dissipation Of Excitation Energy Research Articles

Theoretical and experimental study of phase optimization of tapping mode atomic force microscope

Phase image in tapping-mode atomic force microscope (TM-AFM) results from various dissipations in a microcantilever system. The phases mainly reflect the tip-sample contact dissipations which allow the nanoscale characteristics to be distinguished from each other. In this work, two factors affecting the phase and phase contrast are analyzed. It is concluded from the theoretical and experimental results that the phases and phase contrasts in the TM-AFM are related to the excitation frequency and energy dissipation of the system. For a two-component blend, it is theoretically and experimentally proven that there exists an optimal excitation frequency for maximizing the phase contrast. Therefore, selecting the optimal excitation frequency can potentially improve the phase contrast results. In addition, only the key dissipation between the tip and sample is found to accurately reflect the sample properties. Meanwhile, the background dissipation can potentially reduce the contrasts of the phase images and even mask or distort the effective information in the phase images. In order to address the aforementioned issues, a self-excited method is adopted in this study in order to eliminate the effects of the background dissipation on the phases. Subsequently, the real phase information of the samples is successfully obtained. It is shown in this study that the eliminating of the background dissipation can effectively improve the phase contrast results and the real phase information of the samples is accurately reflected. These results are of great significance in optimizing the phases of two-component samples and multi-component samples in atomic force microscope.

The fast-growing field of photo-driven theranostics based on aggregation-induced emission.

Photo-driven theranostics, also known as phototheranostics, relying on the diverse excited-state energy conversions of theranostic agents upon photoexcitation represents a significant branch of theranostics, which ingeniously integrate diagnostic imaging and therapeutic interventions into a single formulation. The combined merits of photoexcitation and theranostics endow photo-driven theranostics with numerous superior features. The applications of aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens), a particular category of fluorophores, in the field of photo-driven theranostics have been intensively studied by virtue of their versatile advantageous merits of favorable biocompatibility, tuneable photophysical properties, unique aggregation-enhanced theranostic (AET) features, ideal AET-favored on-site activation ability and ready construction of one-for-all multimodal theranostics. This review summarised the significant achievements of photo-driven theranostics based on AIEgens, which were detailedly elaborated and classified by their diverse theranostic modalities into three groups: fluorescence imaging-guided photodynamic therapy, photoacoustic imaging-guided photothermal therapy, and multi-modality theranostics. Particularly, the tremendous advantages and individual design strategies of AIEgens in pursuit of high-performance photosensitizing output, high photothermal conversion and multimodal function capability by adjusting the excited-state energy dissipation pathways are emphasized in each section. In addition to highlighting AIEgens as promising templates for modulating energy dissipation in the application of photo-driven theranostics, current challenges and opportunities in this field are also discussed.

Exogenous paclobutrazol can relieve the low irradiance stress in Capsicum annuum seedlings

Irradiance is one of the main limiting factors affecting the production of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in facility production. It is therefore important to measure the growth of pepper seedlings under low irradiance and to understand how to relieve low radiation stress. In this study, pepper seedlings were cultivated under low irradiance and were treated with gibberellic acid (GA3) and paclobutrazol (PP333). Agronomic and physiological characteristics of the pepper seedlings were analyzed. Under low irradiance, the plant height, leaf area, and the chlorophyll (Chl) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content of pepper seedlings were higher than under normal irradiance, while the content of proline, and soluble protein and Chl a/b ratio of pepper seedlings were lower than those under normal irradiance; exogenous GA3 had a similar effect. When PP333 was applied to the seedlings, abnormal growth was mitigated. The effects of exogenous GA3 and PP333 on Chl fluorescence parameters were also analyzed. Under low irradiance, the maximum quantum yield reduction of photosystem (PS II) (Fv/Fm) increased significantly, and the reaction center initiated the corresponding defense mechanism for timely dissipation of excess excitation energy to reduce the damage to the plant. These results showed that spraying gibberellin under normal irradiance conditions had similar effects on pepper seedlings as under low irradiance conditions. Exogenous PP333 relieved the growth reduction by increasing the content of Chl and soluble protein and enhancing some photosynthetic parameters. These results suggest that exogenous PP333 can alleviate the abnormal growth of pepper under low radiation stress.

Fluorescent Supramolecular Organic Frameworks Constructed by Amidinium-Carboxylate Salt Bridges.

We report here a set of fluorescent supramolecular organic frameworks (SOFs) that incorporate aggregation-induced emission (AIE) units within their frameworks. The fluorescent SOFs of this study were constructed by linking the tetraphenylethylene (TPE)-based tetra(amidinium) cation TPE4+ and aromatic dicarboxylate anions through amidinium-carboxylate salt bridges. The resulting self-assembled structures are characterized by fluorescence quantum yields in the range of 4.6∼14 %. This emissive behavior is ascribed to a combination of electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds that operate in concert to impede motions that would otherwise lead to excited state energy dissipation. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that the length of the dicarboxylate anion bridges has a considerable impact on the structural features of the resulting frameworks. Nevertheless, all SOFs prepared in the context of the present study were found to display emissive features characteristic of TPE-based AIE luminogens with only a modest dependence on the structural specifics being seen. The SOFs reported here could be reversibly "broken up" and "reformed" in response to acid/base stimuli. This reversible structural behavior is consistent with their SOF nature.

Molecular and excited state properties of photostable anthraquinone red and violet dyes for hydrophobic fibers

The molecular, spectroscopic, and excited state properties of synthetic dyes for fiber-based outdoor materials continue to be of commercial interest. Early developments in this area were reported in the 1980s, when the need for dyes for polyester (PET)-based automobile interiors gave rise to commercially viable nitrodiphenylamine yellow, anthraquinone red and blue, and azo red dyes. To augment that initial knowledge base, the present study involved the use of experimental and theoretical methods to help establish the molecular structures and excited state properties of some more recent dyes for producing photostable colors on PET fibers. Having completed the characterization of present-day scarlet, blue, and yellow disperse dyes for PET-based fibers used outdoors, our attention turned to commercially available red and violet dyes. In this regard, HPLC analysis showed that the red product was a mixture containing four components, while the violet product contained only one component. Results from 1H NMR, HRMS, and single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses indicated that the principal components were dyes having a 1-amino-4-hydroxyanthraquinone base structure. The presence of an –OH group alpha to an anthraquinone C=O moiety provides for intramolecular H-bonding and a subsequent opportunity for intramolecular proton transfer in the excited state – as a photostabilizing mechanism. Further, for both dyes, results from the analysis of Frontier HOMO and LUMO isosurfaces indicated strong HOMO-LUMO overlap without molecular gaps and were consistent with strong excited state energy dissipation in a non-destructive way.

Ascorbic Acid-Induced Photosynthetic Adaptability of Processing Tomatoes to Salt Stress Probed by Fast OJIP Fluorescence Rise.

In this study, the protective role of exogenous ascorbic acid (AsA) on salt-induced inhibition of photosynthesis in the seedlings of processing tomatoes under salt stress has been investigated. Plants under salt stress (NaCl, 100 mmol/L) were foliar-sprayed with AsA (0.5 mmol/L), lycorine (LYC, 0.25 mmol/L, an inhibitor of key AsA synthesis enzyme l-galactono-γ-lactone dehydrogenase activity), or AsA plus LYC. The effects of AsA on fast OJIP fluorescence rise curve and JIP parameters were then examined. Our results demonstrated that applying exogenous AsA significantly changed the composition of O-J-I-P fluorescence transients in plants subjected to salt stress both with and without LYC. An increase in basal fluorescence (Fo) and a decrease in maximum fluorescence (Fm) were observed. Lower K- and L-bands and higher I-band were detected on the OJIP transient curves compared, respectively, with salt-stressed plants with and without LYC. AsA application also significantly increased the values of normalized total complementary area (Sm), relative variable fluorescence intensity at the I-step (VI), absorbed light energy (ABS/CSm), excitation energy (TRo/CSm), and reduction energy entering the electron transfer chain beyond QA (ETo/CSm) per reaction centre (RC) and electron transport flux per active RC (ETo/RC), while decreasing some others like the approximated initial slope of the fluorescence transient (Mo), relative variable fluorescence intensity at the K-step (VK), average absorption (ABS/RC), trapping (TRo/RC), heat dissipation (DIo/RC) per active RC, and heat dissipation per active RC (DIo/CSm) in the presence or absence of LYC. These results suggested that exogenous AsA counteracted salt-induced photoinhibition mainly by modulating the endogenous AsA level and redox state in the chloroplast to promote chlorophyll synthesis and alleviate the damage of oxidative stress to photosynthetic apparatus. AsA can also raise the efficiency of light utilization as well as excitation energy dissipation within the photosystem II (PSII) antennae, thus increasing the stability of PSII and promoting the movement of electrons among PS1 and PSII in tomato seedling leaves subjected to salt stress.

Melatonin-mediated photosynthetic performance of tomato seedlings under high-temperature stress

Photosynthesis is a fundamental biosynthetic process in plants that can enhance carbon absorption and increase crop productivity. Heat stress severely inhibits photosynthetic efficiency. Melatonin is a bio-stimulator capable of regulating diverse abiotic stress tolerances. However, the underlying mechanisms of melatonin-mediated photosynthesis in plants exposed to heat stress largely remain elucidated. Our results revealed that melatonin treatment (100 μM) in tomato seedlings increased the endogenous melatonin levels and photosynthetic pigment content along with upregulated of their biosynthesis gene expression under high-temperature stress (42 °C for 24 h), whereas heat stress significantly decreased the values of gas exchange parameters. Under heat stress, melatonin boosted CO2 assimilation, i.e., Vc,max (maximum rate of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase, Rubisco), and Jmax (electron transport of Rubisco generation) and also enhanced the Rubisco and FBPase activities, which resulted in upregulated photosynthetic related gene expression. In addition, heat stress greatly reduced the photochemical chemistry of photosystem II (PSII) and photosystem I (PSI), particularly the maximum quantum efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) and PSI (Pm). Conversely, melatonin supplementation increased the chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters led to amplifying the electron transport efficiency. Moreover, heat stress decreased the actual PSII efficiency (ΦPSII), electron transport rate (ETR) and photochemical quenching coefficient (qP), while increasing nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ); however, melatonin reversed these values, which helps to fostering the dissipation of excess excitation energy. Taken together, our results provide a concrete insight into the efficacy of melatonin-mediated photosynthesis performance in a high-temperature regime.

Inhibitory effects of Prorocentrum donghaiense allelochemicals on Sargassum fusiformis zygotes probed by JIP-test based on fast chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics

The macro- and microalgae have been found to inhibit the growth and photosynthesis of one another due to allelopathic interactions between them. Sargassum fusiformis is a common and commercially cultivated seaweed in coastal waters of the East China Sea (ECS) and usually encounters dense harmful algal blooms (HABs) formed by dinoflagellates during their sexual reproduction period. In the present study, the effects of Prorocentrum donghaiense lipophilic extracted allelochemicals on the growth and photosynthesis of S. fusiformis zygotes were probed by fast chlorophyll fluorescence rise kinetics and chlorophyll a transient analysis (JIP-test). It was found that exposure to the allelochemicals led to decreased chlorophyll a content and photosynthetic rates of the zygotes in comparison to the ones in the control. In addition, using the JIP-test, it was found that the inhibitory effects of allelochemicals on photosynthesis of the zygotes were mainly exerted on the electron transport within PSII. The decrease of photosynthetic parameters such as VJ, Mo, ϕPo, ϕo, ϕEo, PI, PTR, PET in the zygotes exposed to the allelochemicals all revealed that the obstruction of electron transport, and the dominant decrease in PET, both implied that inhibition on the dark reaction contributed to the highest photosynthetic reduction. In addition, some reaction centers (RCs) in the zygotes exposed to the allelocamicals were inactivated, which led to higher dissipation of excitation energy, as demonstrated by the significant enhancement of the photosynthetic parameter DIo/RC. All the results indicated that the lipophilic extracts contained the allelochemicals of P. donghaiense which could inhibit the growth and photosynthesis of S. fusiformis zygotes by damaging the electron acceptors and inactivating RCs, and finally block the electron transport.

LUMINESCENT DETERMINATION OF FAVIPIRAVIR USING THE EUROPIUM (III) COMPLEX

Of particular interest in recent years is the possibility of analytical application not only of the effects of sensitizing the luminescence of lanthanide ions, but also its quenching or increase for the indirect determination of a number of drugs. Favipiravir (FAV) - 6-fluoro-3-hydroxypyrazine-2-carboxamide - is an oral antiviral drug approved for the treatment of influenza in Japan. This drug is an analogue of purine nucleosides, which acts as a competitive inhibitor of RNA polymerase required for virus replication.
 Favipiravir is capable of forming a complex compound with Eu(III) ions, in which due to intramolecular transfer of excitation energy from the organic ligand to the Eu(III) ion there is a very slight sensitized luminescence of the latter due to dissipation of excitation energy from the triplet level (24390 cm-1), which cannot be used for analytical purposes.
 The influence of some surfactants and donor-active substances on the Ilum of the Eu(III) –FAV complex is considered. It was found that only batophenanthroline (BPh) significantly increases the luminescence intensity (Ilum) of the Eu(III)–FAV complex, approximately 10 times, due to more efficient intramolecular energy transfer from batophenanthroline (18100 cm-1) to the level of europium ions (17300 cm-1). A synergistic effect has been established, which is manifested in the combined action of two complexes (Eu(III)–BPh and Eu(III)–FAV) and exceeds the sum of the Ilum of each of them separately. The synergism is caused by formation of a multiligand complex. It was established that a mixed ligand complex Eu(III)–BPh–FAV (1:1:1) is formed.
 The possibility of using the complex compound Eu(III)-BPh as a new luminescent probe for the determination of favipivir has been shown. The luminescence intensity is maximum at pH 7.5 (urotropin buffer). The excitation band λexc = 315 nm was chosen for analytical purposes. It was found that the introduction of different amounts of favipiravir into aqueous solutions of the Eu(III)-BPh complex causes an increase in 4f-luminescence of europium (III) (transition 5D0 → 7F2, λemis = 615 nm) and the lifetime of its excited state.
 Calibration curve was linear over the concentration range of favipivir 0.5-10.0 μg/ml. The developed method is validated by the following parameters: specificity, linearity, accuracy, limit of quantitative determination. The proposed method is characterized by satisfactory metrological characteristics and ease of implementation and can be recommended for the determination of FAV in tablets.

Mechanisms shaping the synergism of zeaxanthin and PsbS in photoprotective energy dissipation in the photosynthetic apparatus of plants.

Safe operation of photosynthesis is vital to plants and is ensured by the activity of processes protecting chloroplasts against photo-damage. The harmless dissipation of excess excitation energy is considered to be the primary photoprotective mechanism and is most effective in the combined presence of PsbS protein and zeaxanthin, a xanthophyll accumulated in strong light as a result of the xanthophyll cycle. Here we address the problem of specific molecular mechanisms underlying the synergistic effect of zeaxanthin and PsbS. The experiments were conducted with Arabidopsis thaliana, using wild-type plants, mutants lacking PsbS (npq4), and mutants affected in the xanthophyll cycle (npq1), with the application of molecular spectroscopy and imaging techniques. The results lead to the conclusion that PsbS interferes with the formation of densely packed aggregates of thylakoid membrane proteins, thus allowing easy exchange and incorporation of xanthophyll cycle pigments into such structures. It was found that xanthophylls trapped within supramolecular structures, most likely in the interfacial protein region, determine their photophysical properties. The structures formed in the presence of violaxanthin are characterized by minimized dissipation of excitation energy. In contrast, the structures formed in the presence of zeaxanthin show enhanced excitation quenching, thus protecting the system against photo-damage.

Effect of lhcsr gene dosage on oxidative stress and light use efficiency by Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cultures

Unicellular green algae, a promising source for renewable biofuels, produce lipid-rich biomass from light and CO2. Productivity in photo-bioreactors is affected by inhomogeneous light distribution from high cell pigment causing heat dissipation of light energy absorbed in excess and shading of the deep layers. Contrasting reports have been published on the relation between photoprotective energy dissipation and productivity. Here, we have re-investigated the relation between energy quenching (qE) activity, photodamage and light use efficiency by comparing WT and two Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strains differing for their complement in LHCSR proteins, which catalyse dissipation of excitation energy in excess (qE). Strains were analysed for ROS production, protein composition, rate of photodamage and productivity assessed under wide light and CO2 conditions.The strain lacking LHCSR1 and knocked down in LHCSR3, thus depleted in qE, produced O2 at significantly higher rate under high light, accompanied by enhanced singlet oxygen release and PSII photodamage. However, biomass productivity of WT was delayed in respect for mutant strains under intermittent light conditions only, implying that PSII activity was not the limiting factor under excess light. Contrary to previous proposals, domestication of Chlamydomonas for carbon assimilation rate in photo-bioreactors by down-regulation of photoprotective energy dissipation was ineffective in increasing algal biomass productivity.

Urea-doped carbon dots as fluorescent switches for the selective detection of iodide ions and their mechanistic study.

A facile and green strategy for the fabrication of fluorescent urea-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) has been explored. Significantly, the fluorescent N-CDs could recognize iodide ions (I−) with high selectivity, and their photoluminescence could be efficiently quenched by the addition of I−. The sensitivity analysis for I− indicated a linear relationship in the range from 12.5 to 587 μM with the detection limit as low as 0.47 μM. Furthermore, the I− induced fluorescence (FL) quenching mechanism was investigated employing a combination of techniques, including UV-vis/fluorescence spectroscopy, Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculation, TEM and time-resolved fluorescence decay measurements. The DFT calculation results demonstrated that the amino- and amide groups of N-CDs play a significant role in iodide recognition through the formation of multiple N–H⋯I−, C–H⋯I− and C( Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019 ]]> O)N–H⋯I− interactions with I−. The TEM experiment confirmed the aggregation process when I− was added to the N-CDs solution. Moreover, the radiative decay rate of N-CDs, which was first measured and reported the kinetic behaviors of the FL-quenching process, decreased from 3.30 × 107 s−1 to 1.95 × 107 s−1 after the coordination with I− ions. The reduced lifetime demonstrated that the excited energy dissipation led to a dynamic quenching process. Therefore, such carbon materials can function as effective fluorescent switches for the selective detection of I− ions.

Zeaxanthin, a Molecule for Photoprotection in Many Different Environments.

Conversion of sunlight into photochemistry depends on photoprotective processes that allow safe use of sunlight over a broad range of environmental conditions. This review focuses on the ubiquity of photoprotection associated with a group of interconvertible leaf carotenoids, the xanthophyll cycle. We survey the striking plasticity of this process observed in nature with respect to (1) xanthophyll cycle pool size, (2) degree and speed of interconversion of its components, and (3) flexibility in the association between xanthophyll cycle conversion state and photoprotective dissipation of excess excitation energy. It is concluded that the components of this system can be independently tuned with a high degree of flexibility to produce a fit for different environments with various combinations of light, temperature, and other factors. In addition, the role of genetic variation is apparent from variation in the response of different species growing side-by-side in the same environment. These findings illustrate how field studies can generate insight into the adjustable levers that allow xanthophyll cycle-associated photoprotection to support plant photosynthetic productivity and survival in environments with unique combinations of environmental factors.

FLUORESCENT PROPERTIES OF DOXYCYCLINE IN PRESENCE OF SILVER NANOCLUSTERS

The paper shows that in the presence of silver nanoparticles the efficiency of intramolecular energy transfer in the complex of europium with doxycycline increases. It is proved that sensitivity of determination increases and limit of detection of doxycycline decreases by the method of sensitized fluorescence. The justification of the observed effects is given. The amplification of the signal of sensitized fluorescence in the presence of silver nanoparticles (energy donor) is the result of resonant transfer of excitation energy between the nanoparticle and the antibiotic ion, which is implemented under conditions of overlapping of the local surface plasmon resonance spectrum and excitation of the doxycycline ligand located near the surface of the nanoparticle. As a result of exposure to the antibiotic external radiation source and the local field of the surface plasmon increases the efficiency of tetracycline excitation, which contributes to the effectiveness of intramolecular energy transfer in europium chelate with doxycycline, doubling the intensity and lifetime. Modification of the surface of silver nanoparticles by europium ions allows to reduce the distance between the surface of a nanoparticle and an antibiotic, to increase the intensity of the signal of sensitized fluorescence by more than 100 times. The role of the stabilizer of a non-chromophore-containing ligand, − citrateion, in the formation of the analytical signal lies in its participation in the formation of a multi-ligand Eu3+ complex on the surface of a nanoobject, which reduces the distance between the donor and the acceptor, as well as the additional removal of water molecules from the immediate environment of the complexing agent ion, suppressing the process of excitation energy dissipation. On the basis of the conducted researches the fluorimetric technique of definition of doxycycline in medicines is offered. It differs in a low limit of detection (6.0·10-9 M) and a wide range of the defined concentrations from 1.0·10-8 to 1.0·10-5 M.

Melatonin Supports Photochemical Activity of Assimilation Apparatus and Delays Senescence of Leaves of Monocotyledonous Plants.

Melatonin supports the photochemical activity of photosystem II (PS II) and slows down the degradation of the main photosynthetic pigments during aging of leaves of monocotyledonous plants. The protective effect of melatonin is manifested in an increase in the maximum (Fv/Fm) and effective (Y(II)) quantum yield of PS II, in an increase of regulated (Y(NPQ)) and a decrease in unregulated dissipation of excitation energy (Y(NO)). These effects are based on the ability of melatonin to reduce the intensity of oxidative stress by maintaining a high level of carotenoids, which exhibit pronounced antioxidant properties, during aging.

The relationship between anthocyanin accumulation and photoprotection in young leaves of two dominant tree species in subtropical forests in different seasons.

Increasing amounts of experimental evidence show that anthocyanins provide physiological protection to plants under stress. However, the difference in photoprotection mediated by anthocyanins and other photoprotective substances in different seasons is still uncertain. To determine the relationship between anthocyanin accumulation and the photoprotective effects in different seasons, Castanopsis chinensis and Acmena acuminatissima, whose anthocyanin accumulation patterns differ in different seasons, were used as materials to explain how plants adapt to different seasons; as such, their physiological and biochemical responses were analyzed. Young leaves of C. chinensis and A. acuminatissima presented different colors in the different seasons. In summer, the young leaves of C. chinensis were purplish red, while those of A. acuminatissima were light green. In winter, the young leaves of C. chinensis were light green, while those of A. acuminatissima were red. Compared with the young red leaves, the young light green leaves that did not accumulate anthocyanins had higher flavonoid and phenolics contents, total antioxidant capacity, non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), and relative membrane leakage, and a slower recovery rate in the maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) after high-light treatment. In addition, the net photosynthesis rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (gs), and the effective quantum yield of PSII (ΦPSII) of the young leaves in winter were significantly lower than those in summer, while the activities of catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6), peroxidase (POD, EC 1.11.1.7), and superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) were significantly higher than those in summer. These data indicate that to adapt to seasonal changes anthocyanins, other antioxidative substances and antioxidative enzymes, as well as components involved in the safe dissipation of excitation energy as heat need to cooperate with one another.

The Functional State of the Photosynthetic Apparatus of Potato Plants upon Destruction of the Tubulin Cytoskeleton

We have investigated the effect of colchicine, a disrupting agent of the tubulin cytoskeleton, on chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, the Hill reaction, noncyclic photophosphorylation, and the lipid peroxidation reaction in Solanum tuberosum grown in soil in a greenhouse environment. The destruction of microtubules caused an increase in the content of lipid fatty acid hydroperoxides, the primary product of lipid peroxidation, and led to changes in fluorescence parameters: F0 increased, Fm and the maximum quantum efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) decreased, and the dissipation of electronic excitation energy as heat increased. Simultaneously, it was found that the Hill reaction rate and the intensity of the process of noncyclic photophosphorylation decreased. The results obtained in this work are discussed in view of the destruction of the integrity of the chloroplast membrane and changes in chlorophyll fluorescence parameters due to colchicine application, as well as in light of our previously obtained data on the change in the content of phytohormones and their concentration ratios in potato leaves when microtubules are destroyed.

A Protein Environment-Modulated Energy Dissipation Channel in LHCII Antenna Complex.

SummaryThe major light-harvesting complex of photosystem II (LHCII) is the main contributor to sunlight energy harvesting in plants. The flexible design of LHCII underlies a photoprotective mechanism whereby this complex switches to a dissipative state in response to high light stress, allowing the rapid dissipation of excess excitation energy (non-photochemical quenching, NPQ). In this work, we locked single LHCII trimers in a quenched conformation after immobilization of the complexes in polyacrylamide gels to impede protein interactions. A comparison of their pigment excited-state dynamics with quenched LHCII aggregates in buffer revealed the presence of a new spectral band at 515 nm arising after chlorophyll excitation. This is suggested to be the signature of a carotenoid excited state, linked to the quenching of chlorophyll singlet excited states. Our data highlight the marked sensitivity of pigment excited-state dynamics in LHCII to structural changes induced by the environment.

A STUDY OF LUMINESCENCE EXCITATION OF POLYMERIC EUROPIUM(III) METHACRYLATE: CASSCF/XMCQDPT2

The lowest singlet and triplet levels of europium(III) methacrylate Eu(Macr)3, including geometry optimization in different excited states, are calculated with the CASSCF/XMCQDPT2 ab initio method. The experimental and calculated data are used to build energy diagrams of Eu(Macr)3 energy levels, describe the luminescence mechanism in the complex, and to reveal the main channels for the dissipation of the electronic excitation energy. Due to the position of its lower triplet levels, europium methacrylate can be used to prepare novel materials with improved optical properties.

Changes in Photo-Protective Energy Dissipation of Photosystem II in Response to Beneficial Bacteria Consortium in Durum Wheat under Drought and Salinity Stresses

The present research aimed at evaluating the harmless dissipation of excess excitation energy by durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) leaves in response to the application of a bacterial consortium consisting of four plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB). Three pot experiments were carried out under non-stress, drought (at 40% field capacity), and salinity (150 mM NaCl) conditions. The results showed that drought and salinity affected photo-protective energy dissipation of photosystem II (PSII) increasing the rate of non-photochemical chlorophyll fluorescence quenching (NPQ (non-photochemical quenching) and qCN (complete non-photochemical quenching)), as well as decreasing the total quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence (qTQ), total quenching of variable chlorophyll fluorescence (qTV) and the ratio of the quantum yield of actual PSII photochemistry, in light-adapted state to the quantum yield of the constitutive non-regulatory NPQ (PQ rate). Our results also indicated that the PGPB inoculants can mitigate the adverse impacts of stresses on leaves, especially the saline one, in comparison with the non-fertilized (control) treatment, by increasing the fraction of light absorbed by the PSII antenna, PQ ratio, qTQ, and qTV. In the light of findings, our beneficial bacterial strains showed the potential in reducing reliance on traditional chemical fertilizers, in particular in saline soil, by improving the grain yield and regulating the amount of excitation energy.