Fluorescence Spectroscopic Techniques Research Articles

A coumarin-salicylidene based fluorescent chemodosimeter for sub-ppb level detection of aluminium ion via metal ion induced hydrolytic cleavage of aldimine bond

In this report, we have synthesized a coumarin-functionalized salicylidene receptor, DTC and evaluated its metal ion recognition characteristics by using UV–visible, fluorescence spectroscopy and ESI-MS techniques. It is observed that the receptor acts as a chemodosimeter to detect Al3+ ion selectively amongst various interfering cations. It shows a detection limit of 0.94 ppb (parts per billion) which is superior over the salicylidene-based receptors reported earlier and is far below the detection limit of aluminium ions in drinking water as recommended by WHO. The receptor (DTC) undergoes the hydrolytic cleavage only upon interaction with Al3+ ions even in the presence of other competitive ions and elicits a distinct visual colour change from yellow to colourless accompanied by the quenching of green fluorescent signal at 520 nm in the receptor solution. The mechanism of interaction of Al3+ with DTC has been evaluated from UV–visible and fluorescence studies along with ESI-MS analysis and further corroborated by quantum mechanical calculations.

Multi-spectroscopic and molecular simulation methods of analysis to explore the mode of binding of Mebendazole drug with calf-thymus DNA

UV–vis, fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD) and 1H NMR spectroscopic techniques have been employed to explore the mode of binding of Mebendazole (MBZ) drug with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA). UV–vis and fluorescence spectral studies suggested a complex formation between the drug and nucleic acid. The fluorescence of MBZ was found to enhance upon binding with CT-DNA through a ground state complex formation with Kb in the order of 104 M−1. The thermodynamic aspects indicated that the complex formation is a spontaneous process and an entropy-driven one. ΔH0 > 0 and ΔS0 > 0 revealed that hydrophobic interaction plays a dominant role in the stabilization of the complex. Competitive dye displacement assays with ethidium bromide (EB) and Hoechst 33258 dyes and viscosity measurements pointed out that MBZ binds with CT-DNA via intercalation mode, which is confirmed by CD and 1H NMR spectral studies as well as denaturation studies. Molecular docking analysis could not match well with the experimental results. However, molecular simulation studies and the resultant free energy surface (FES) analysis clearly showed that the benzimidazole ring of MBZ intercalated between the base pairs of the nucleic acid, which is in excellent agreement with the results of the various biophysical experiments.

X-ray fluorescence spectrometry: An alternative technique for analysis of waste

This study aims to develop reliable analytical methodology that is, cost-effective, and requires minimal sample quantity to quantify uranium content in nuclear waste and others. The Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (EDXRF) technique was used, and a rigorous comparison was made between the fundamental parameters (FP) method and the empirical (EMP) method. Statistical evaluation of results demonstrated that the FP method showed a satisfactory level of confidence for precision and limit of quantification.

Selenate removal via continuous fixed-bed column with nanoscale zero-valent iron supported on bentonite-zeolite pellets

Excessive levels of selenium in water are caused by discharging from fossil fuels combustion, coal-fired power plant activity, and mining operations. Selenium contamination poses considerable hazards to human health. Selenate (Se6+) is the most oxidized and common form of selenium in contaminated water. Zeolite-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (Z-NZVI) coated onto bentonite-zeolite pellets (BZ-NZVI) was prepared for the removal of Se6+. The BZ pellets were coated with Z-NZVI powder at a ratio of 1:5. The BZ-NZVI was characterized using X-ray diffraction, point of zero charge analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry techniques. The BZ-NZVI samples were tested in the batch reactor for kinetics and adsorption isotherm studies and subsequently in a continuous fixed-bed column. The kinetic models and adsorption isotherms were best described by the pseudo-first-order kinetics and Langmuir adsorption isotherm, respectively. Both boundary layer diffusion and intraparticle diffusion appeared to affect the intraparticle diffusion process. The efficiency of Se6+ removal in fixed-bed column of BZ-NZVI fitted well with Yoon-Nelson model. The adsorption rate decreased according to the Se6+ breakthrough proportion. The maximum Se6+ adsorption breakthrough capacity was 0.034 mg/g under the test run of 0.5 mg/L-Se6+ solution, pH 7, the flow rate of 5 mL/min, and the temperature of 303 K. Breakthrough times increased with decreasing flow rate and Se6+ initial concentration but decreased as the mass of BZ-NZVI increased. Se6+ contaminated in wastewater was removed by reduction and adsorption mechanisms over BZ-NZVI, which is a promising new area of research.

Chemical and Biological Strategies for Profiling Protein-Protein Interactions in Living Cells.

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play critical roles in almost all cellular signal transduction events. Characterization of PPIs without interfering with the functions of intact cells is very important for basic biology study and drug developments. However, the ability to profile PPIs especially those weak/transient interactions in their native states remains quite challenging. To this end, many endeavors are being made in developing new methods with high efficiency and strong operability. By coupling with advanced fluorescent microscopy and mass spectroscopy techniques, these strategies not only allow us to visualize the subcellular locations and monitor the functions of protein of interest (POI) in real time, but also enable the profiling and identification of potential unknown interacting partners in high-throughput manner, which greatly facilitates the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying numerous pathophysiological processes. In this review, we will summarize the typical methods for PPIs identification in living cells and their principles, advantages and limitations will also be discussed in detail.

The interaction of cholinium-based ionic liquids with different biological origin anions with albumins

The intermolecular interactions of cholinium-based ionic liquids (ILs) with biological origin anions (amino and dicarboxylic acids) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human serum albumin (HSA) have been studied by spectral and computational methods. The choline malonate ([Ch][Mal]), choline succinate ([Ch][Suc]) and choline valinate ([Ch][Val]) were synthesized. The changes to the state of the BSA and HSA with ILs at different concentration were observed using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. At higher concentrations the ILs lead to a partial loss of ternary structure of albumins. The effect of ILs on the thermal stability of proteins was monitored by the temperature CD spectra scans. The increase of denaturation temperature of albumins with ionic liquids was observed. The interaction of ionic liquids with serum albumins was estimated by fluorescence spectroscopy technique, while the probable binding modes were identified using molecular docking. The leading cause of the increased thermal stability of albumins was found to be the formation of aggregates of proteins with ionic liquids. Cytotoxicity of ionic liquids on cancer and normal cell lines was established.

A hydrophilic polymer based on alkoxyl chain modified fluorene: the novel fluorescence colorimetric sensor for Fe3+, Fe2+, and Cu2+ in aqueous media

Novel hydrophilic polymers consisting of fluorene modified by alkoxyl chain were designed and synthesized via radical polymerization from acrylic acid (PAAF) or acrylamide (PAMF) in the presence of azobisisobutyronitrile. All of these polymers were good water-soluble. The photophysical behaviors of the polymers and the selectivity and sensitivity to detection metal ions were studied by UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy technique, and some color changes were visible to the naked eye appeared. The PAMF fluorescent probe showed good selectivity and sensitivity to detection Fe3+ (2.4 × 10−7 mol/L) and PAAF exhibited good selectivity and sensitivity to detection Fe2+ (1.5 × 10−6 mol/L) and Cu2+ (5 × 10−7 mol/L) in water.

Pyrene or dansyl fluorophore functionalized polycarbazoles assembled through a “Click” approach: Synthesis, spectral, electrochemical, and optoelectronic properties

In the present study, new multifunctional carbazole derivatives consisting of pyrene (PrCz) or dansyl (DnCz) moieties were synthesized using a click chemistry approach and characterized via FT-IR, 1H NMR, UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques. After electropolymerization of the monomers on the ITO glass surface using the cyclic voltammetry technique, optical and electrochemical characteristics of the conducting polymers P(PrCz) and P(DnCz) were investigated. Spectroelectrochemical measurements were carried out to determine the colors, switching time, and optical contrast of P(PrCz) and P(DnCz) polymer films. Both polymer films exhibited transparent to green electrochromic behavior, with similar optical band gaps. However, P(DnCz) film has higher optical contrast value and faster response time compared with the P(PrCz). When surface morphologies of the polymers were investigated by SEM analysis, it was observed that surface of the P(DnCz) film consists of many spherical clusters on a rough structure.

Source, distribution, and transformation of dissolved and particulate organic matters in Qinzhou Bay, Northern Beibu Gulf

Both dissolved and particulate organic matters (DOM and POM) provide a reduced carbon pool of considerable size in coastal ecosystems, and the two are closely linked. Currently, however, the integrated study of DOM and POM remains limited, precluding a more in-depth understanding of their interaction in coastal regions. In April 2021, 13 surface water samples were collected from Qinzhou Bay, in the northern Beibu Gulf. The DOM samples were characterized using dissolved organic carbon (DOC) analysis and UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques. We determined the POM for the particulate organic carbon and nitrogen (POC and PN) and also isotopic composition (δ13C and δ15N). The weak to negligible relationships found between the DOC, colored and fluorescent DOM, salinity, and chlorophyll a together suggested that DOM’s distribution in Qinzhou Bay is concurrently shaped by various processes, namely, hydrological and in situ biological processes. A high C/N ratio of ~17, high POC/chlorophyll a ratio (253 ± 112), and depleted δ13C (−25.7 ± 1.6‰) confirmed that POM is highly degraded and originates mainly from allochthonous input, to which the terrigenous organic matter and freshwater phytoplankton each contributes 35%. The total organic carbon (TOC = DOC + POC) was positively correlated with the humic-like peak M, revealing the transformation of labile DOM and POM into recalcitrant DOM components. The in situ production efficiency of peak M in surface waters of Qinzhou Bay is one order of magnitude greater than that in inland waters or open oceans, indicating that not only temperature but also the activity of substrate is a key factor controlling the in situ production of recalcitrant DOM in Qinzhou Bay. High levels of TOC and humic-like fluorescent DOM suggest the mass coexistence of organic matter differing in its reactivity, highlighting the large potential for photochemical as well as microbial degradation in the future.

Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soil around Metal Scrap Recycling Areas during Wet and Dry Seasons in Ogijo, Ogun State, SW Nigeria

Aim: The aim of the study is to investigate the levels and risks associated with heavy metals in the soil samples collected during the dry and wet seasons around metal scrap recycling areas in Ogijo, Ogun State.
 Study Design: The soil samples were collected randomly within the industries and communities in the vicinity of the scrap metal recycling industries (SMRI) and analyzed with XRF.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Ogijo in Sagamu Local Government Area, Ogun State, located within Southwestern Nigeria. The soil samples were collected in dry and wet seasons (5th to 7th March and 24th to 25th September 2020 respectively.
 Methodology: Soil samples within the industries and communities in the vicinity of the SMR were collected randomly, dried, and then sieved through a 2mm mesh stainless sieve. The sieved sample was analyzed for heavy metal concentration by using S2 Ranger, and Bruker UKX-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy techniques (XRF).
 Results: The results of the analyzed soil showed that the range of concentrations of heavy metals in the soil samples collected during dry season were: Fe (40100 - 87300 mg/kg); Mn (400 - 3500 mg/kg); Zn (600 -1300 mg/kg); Pb (400 - 1000 mg/kg) and during wet season: Fe (26100 -82700); Mn (500- 4200) mg/kg. Zn (600 – 1300) mg/kg; and Pb were only detected in S3 sample (600mg/kg). The results of the heavy metals were found to exceed the WHO permissible limits of heavy metals. Contamination index, degree of contamination, and pollution load indices indicated slight contamination to excessive pollution, very high risk of the degree of contamination, and extremely polluted soils respectively. The geo-accumulation index was uncontaminated to moderate contamination (0<Igeo≤1) with different metals at different locations that were not detected and with all the detected Zn concentrations (except at S1) to extreme contamination (Igeo≥5).Heavy metal enrichment during both dry and wet seasons ranged from background rank (EF ≤ 1) to moderate enrichment. Eri values ranged from low (Eri) <40) to moderate ecological risk (Eri > 80) with all the risk indices of the locations low (RI <150). The cumulative non-carcinogenic, health index (HI) for ingestion and dermal for soil during the dry season were all above 1 indicating non - carcinogenic health concerns for the residents of the study areas as they recorded higher values. The CRI was far above the acceptable limit indicating that residents in S3 during the wet season and S2 and S9 during the dry season have the probability of contracting cancer through ingestion within the life time of 70 years.
 Conclusion: The results of pollution indices show that the quality of soil in the study entirely deteriorated with respect to the DPR background. This indicates that the soil could not be used for any agricultural or domestic purposes.

Chemical characteristics of bottom ash from biomedical waste incinerators in Ghana.

Biomedical waste (BMW) incineration is the most used alternative disposal method in developing countries, such as Ghana. The improper disposal of incinerator-generated bottom ash (BA) is a significant concern due to the hazardous nature of waste. A study was conducted at Tema Hospital (TGH) and Asuogyaman Hospital (VRAH) incinerator sites. The BA samples were sent to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Institute of Industrial Research, Ghana. The BA samples were weighed with fisher analytical balance, ground, and sieved with standard grade meshes of 120, 100, and 80 to determine the BA particle size distribution. The chemical composition and heavy metals were analysed using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) techniques. The results indicated the chemical composition of the analysed BA samples was CaCO3 (49.90%), CaO (27.96%) and MgCO3 (6.02%) for TGH and CaCO3 (48.30%), CaO (27.07%), and SiO2 (6.10%) for VRAH, respectively. The mean concentration (M) (kg m-3) and standard deviation (SD) for TGH in the BA were 7.082 ± 0.478 (Ti), 4.657 ± 0.127 (Zn) and 4.271 ± 1.263 (Fe), while that of VRAH consisted of 10.469 ± 1.588 (Ti), 7.896 ± 2.154 (Fe) and 4.389 ± 0.371 (Zn). Therefore, the heavy metals' mean concentration at the BA is above the WHO permissible limits of soil, i.e., 0.056kgm-3 (Ti), 0.085kgm-3 (Pb), 0.100kgm-3 (Cr) and 0.036kgm-3 (Cu). Furthermore, the heavy metal mean concentrations of TGH and VRAH present in the BA analysed samples were ranked in descending order: Ti > Zn > Fe and Ti > Fe > Zn, respectively. It is therefore recommended that BA must be properly disposed of because of the hazardous nature of heavy metals present in the analysed samples, which are able to cause environmental and public health issues.

Chamotte Clay: A Natural Adsorbent for Separation and Preconcentration of Aluminium

The adsorption behavior of aluminium ions on chamotte clay has been studied in this study. Chamotte clay has been used for the first time for determination of trace levels of aluminium in aqueous solutions. Quantitative adsorption and recovery of aluminium were both rapid and reached an equilibrium in 30 minutes. Aluminium was detected based on the formation of the highly fluorescent Al(III)-morin complex. Two linear calibration graphs were obtained in the range of 0.5-10 µg L-1 and 10-100 µg L-1 with the detection limits of 0.12 µg L-1 and 1.12 µg L-1, respectively. Chamotte clay was characterized by scanning electron microscope coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. Different isotherm models were evaluated and the results showed that the adsorption study was fitted to Freundlich isotherm and a favorable and multilayer adsorption of aluminium was occurred on the heterogeneous surface of the chamotte clay. Thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of aluminium adsorption were also investigated. Various experimental parameters were optimized and the method has been applied to tap and bottled drinking water samples and quantitative recoveries were obtained. The results demonstrated that the chamotte clay, as a natural clay, was expected to be a promising adsorbent for the determination and preconcentration of the trace levels of analyte in real samples.

Synthesis, Solvatochromism and Fluorescence Quenching Studies of Naphthalene Diimide Dye by Nano graphene oxide.

A naphthalene diimide dye with two side amine arm was prepared. Uv-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopic techniques are used for their photophysical and solvatochromic characteristics in different solvents. The Lippert-Mataga plot for naphthalene diimide demonstrated a negative linear dependence by increasing polarity. Results showed naphthalene diimide is more polar in the ground than in the excited state. A quenching study was conducted for interacting the naphthalene diimide as a fluorophore and graphene oxide as a quencher. Fluorescence quenching-based platforms in nanoscale have been used in sensing systems. Raman, FTIR, Uv-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopic techniques were used to study the quenching mechanism. The results indicated that graphene plays an effective quencher against the naphthalene diimide, with a quenching efficiency 91%. The Stern-Volmer analysis results show a mix of static and dynamic quenching mechanisms. The binding constant of the quencher-fluorophore and the number of binding sites have been reported. Thermodynamic parameters of their interaction were evaluated. The negative values of the Gibbs free energy confirm that the complexation process is spontaneous. Meanwhile, the positive entropy value confirms that the favorable pathway process.

Study on the preparation and luminescence properties of SrGe4 O9 :Mn4+ red phosphors for plant illumination.

In this study, SrGe4 O9 :Mn4+ red phosphors for plant illumination were prepared using a high-temperature solid-phase method. The samples were characterized and analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), fluorescence spectroscopy, and other techniques. The phase structure, apparent morphology, and luminescence properties of the SrGe4 O9 :Mn4+ red phosphors were investigated. The results indicated that the dopant Mn4+ was incorporated into the matrix structure by substituting some Ge4+ ions without any changes in the crystal structure of the SrGe4 O9 matrix. The samples comprised micron-scale particles and exhibited high purity and uniform distribution of elements. The SrGe4 O9 :Mn4+ phosphors exhibited relatively strong red light emission at 660 nm under the excitation of a 430-nm blue light, and the luminescence intensity was the highest when the Mn4+ doping amount was 1%. Proper doping of Ti4+ or Sn4+ could effectively improve the luminescence intensity of the SrGe4 O9 :Mn4+ phosphors. The light-emitting diode (LED) device packaging showed that the SrGe4 O9 :Mn4+ red phosphors could be used for plant growth illumination.

Characterization of the Interactions between Minocycline Hydrochloride and Trypsin with Spectroscopic and Molecular Docking Technology

In the current study, the interaction of minocycline hydrochloride (MC) and trypsin (TRP) was studied using fluorescence spectroscopy, synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy, three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and molecular docking simulation techniques. The results show that the fluorescence quenching of trypsin at different degrees can be caused by minocycline hydrochloride at different temperatures. According to the Stern-Volmer equation, the fluorescence quenching type was static quenching. By calculating critical distance, we concluded that there is a possibility of non-radiative energy transfer between minocycline hydrochloride and trypsin. The effect of minocycline hydrochloride on the secondary structure of trypsin was demonstrated using ultraviolet spectroscopy. Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy showed that minocycline hydrochloride could bind to tryptophan residues in trypsin, resulting in corresponding changes in the secondary structure of trypsin. Three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy showed that minocycline hydrochloride had a particular effect on the microenvironment of trypsin that led to changes in the secondary structure of trypsin. The molecular docking technique demonstrated that the binding of minocycline hydrochloride and trypsin was stable. Circular dichroism showed that the secondary structure of trypsin could be changed by minocycline hydrochloride.

Influence on the Incorporation of Carbonate Minerals as Stabilizers in Clay and Sawdust-Based Blocks for Thermal Insulation

This research is focused on the influence of carbonate minerals on the properties of ceramic blocks as a replacement for commercial stabilizers, using three types of clays and sawdust as raw materials extracted from Chiapas, Mexico, for their application in thermal insulation on lightweight construction systems of local buildings. The effective thermal conductivity of each sample was tested by the guarded hot plate method in a permanent state, and their physical and chemical properties were determined by water absorption, X-ray powder diffraction, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy techniques. The results directed attention toward the knowledge of the role of the parameters in improving the thermal insulation properties, highlighting calcite as a favorable stabilizer in the manufacture of such blocks. Furthermore, the parameter affecting the thermal conductivity of the samples is the mass percentage of magnesium oxide (MgO) in a positive linear trend. Finally, the volumetric proportions of the sawdust as a pore-forming aggregate influence the decrease in the bulk density in the ceramic blocks and, thus, the reduction in the thermal conductivity.

Biosensing Technologies: A Focus Review on Recent Advancements in Surface Plasmon Coupled Emission.

In the past decade, novel nano-engineering protocols have been actively synergized with fluorescence spectroscopic techniques to yield higher intensity from radiating dipoles, through the process termed plasmon-enhanced fluorescence (PEF). Consequently, the limit of detection of analytes of interest has been dramatically improvised on account of higher sensitivity rendered by augmented fluorescence signals. Recently, metallic thin films sustaining surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) have been creatively hybridized with such PEF platforms to realize a substantial upsurge in the global collection efficiency in a judicious technology termed surface plasmon-coupled emission (SPCE). While the process parameters and conditions to realize optimum coupling efficiency between the radiating dipoles and the plasmon polaritons in SPCE framework have been extensively discussed, the utility of disruptive nano-engineering over the SPCE platform and analogous interfaces such as 'ferroplasmon-on-mirror (FPoM)' as well as an alternative technology termed 'photonic crystal-coupled emission (PCCE)' have been seldom reviewed. In light of these observations, in this focus review, the myriad nano-engineering protocols developed over the SPCE, FPoM and PCCE platform are succinctly captured, presenting an emphasis on the recently developed cryosoret nano-assembly technology for photo-plasmonic hotspot generation (first to fourth). These technologies and associated sensing platforms are expected to ameliorate the current biosensing modalities with better understanding of the biophysicochemical processes and related outcomes at advanced micro-nano-interfaces. This review is hence envisaged to present a broad overview of the latest developments in SPCE substrate design and development for interdisciplinary applications that are of relevance in environmental as well as biological heath monitoring.

Encapsulation of doxorubicin in carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin in aqueous medium mediated by pH-modulated electrostatics interactions

The complexation of doxorubicin with the carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin in aqueous medium at different pH values and temperatures was investigated, emphasizing the influence of electrostatic interactions in this complexation. The stoichiometry, the binding constants and the ΔH0 and ΔS0 thermodynamic parameters upon inclusion were obtained. The results were compared to those obtained for the doxorubicin complexation with the natural βCD. For this purpose, UV–Vis, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopic techniques were employed, as well as Molecular Mechanics and Molecular Dynamics calculations to determine their preferred structures and the interactions taking place, both when the cyclodextrin was charged and when it was not. Among the spectroscopic techniques mentioned, the fluorescence lifetime of Dox was used to quantitatively study the thermodynamic parameters, since the fluorescence intensity, which is usually employed, was rather less sensitive to this complexation.

A strategy to reduce the effect of organic matter on fluorescence intensity for improving the detection accuracy of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil

Fluorescence spectroscopy has been used for rapid detection of PAHs in soil, but soil organic matter (SOM) produces strong interference to the fluorescence intensity of PAHs, which restricts the application of fluorescence spectroscopy for rapid detection of PAHs in soil. A correction method of reducing the interference of SOM on PAHs fluorescence intensity was proposed combining fluorescence and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Six soil samples with different concentrations of humic acid (HA) at a given phenanthrene concentration (5 mg/g) were prepared and scanned for obtaining the fluorescence and NIR diffuse reflectance spectra. The spectral data showed that the fluorescence intensity and NIR diffuse reflectance had an approximate trend with the change of HA concentration. It was found that the NIR diffuse reflection at 4672 cm−1 as a calibration factor could effectively reduce the interference of HA on the fluorescence intensity of phenanthrene. Subsequently, a standard curve for the quantitative analysis of phenanthrene in soil was established based on the fluorescence intensity before and after calibration. For the unknown samples, the predicted average relative errors of the standard curves before and after calibration were 27.46 % and 9.00 %, respectively. The results showed that the proposed correction method could reduce the interference of HA on the quantitative analysis of PAHs, and provide a reference for eliminating the interference constraint of fluorescence spectroscopy technique for rapid real-time detection of PAHs in soil.

Lighting Up the Heritage Sciences: The Past and Future of Laser-Induced Fluorescence Spectroscopy in the Field of Cultural Goods

With the rapid scientific and technological changes that occur every day, a new kind of necessity, real-time, rapid, and accurate detection methods, preferably also non- or minimally invasive and non-destructive, has emerged. One such method is laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (LIF), applied in various fields of activity in recent decades, ranging from industry and biochemistry to medicine and even heritage sciences. Fluorescence-based spectroscopic methods have all of the above-mentioned characteristics, and their functionality has been proven in many studies. Yet, they have not known great success as other molecular techniques. This paper is a short synthesis of the role of the laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy technique in heritage sciences, the main applications in this field, along with its advantages and limitations. The article focuses on the most common types of lasers used, the merging of two or more methods into hybrid techniques, the enhancement of the analytical capabilities of LIF and post-processing methods, and also explores some future development possibilities of LIF.