Spectroscopic properties of the potentiometric probe merocyanine-540 in solutions and liposomes

Benjamin Ehrenberg; Eliyahu Pevzner

doi:10.1117/12.44214

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1 June 1991 Spectroscopic properties of the potentiometric probe merocyanine-540 in solutions and liposomes

Benjamin Ehrenberg, Eliyahu Pevzner

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Proceedings Volume 1432, Biomolecular Spectroscopy II; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.44214
Event: Optics, Electro-Optics, and Laser Applications in Science and Engineering, 1991, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

Absorption, fluorescence, and resonance Raman spectra of the membrane stain merocyanine- 540 (MC540) were measured. The aggregation of the dye, its binding to lipid membranes and its response to trans-membrane electric potential differences were studied. The dye was found to aggregate even at micromolar concentrations in water, but not in organic solvents. The binding constant to liposomes was determined by a titration method. Resonance Raman spectra of MC540 were measured for the first time. Distinct changes were observed in the vibrational spectrum upon the generation of a valinomycin-induced K+-diffusion potential on liposomes. The ratio of Raman band intensities which was found to be related to the membrane potential can be used to evaluate the potential's absolute value.

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Benjamin Ehrenberg and Eliyahu Pevzner "Spectroscopic properties of the potentiometric probe merocyanine-540 in solutions and liposomes", Proc. SPIE 1432, Biomolecular Spectroscopy II, (1 June 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.44214

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