No abstract

We developed a novel surface plasmon resonance (SPR) method, based on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, as a label-free technique for studying dynamic processes occurring within living cells in real time. With this method, the long (micrometer) infrared wavelength produced by the FTIR generates an evanescent wave that penetrates deep into the sample. In this way, it enables increased depth of sensing changes, covering significant portions of the cell-height volumes. HeLa cells cultivated on a gold-coated prism were subjected to acute cholesterol enrichment or depletion using cyclodextrins. Cholesterol insertion into the cell plasma membrane resulted in an exponential shift of the SPR signal toward longer wavelengths over time, whereas cholesterol depletion caused a shift in the opposite direction. Upon application of the inactive analog alpha-cyclodextrin (alpha-CD), the effects were minimal. A similar trend in the SPR signal shifts was observed on a model membrane system. Our data suggest that FTIR-SPR can be implemented as a sensitive technique for monitoring in real time dynamic changes taking place in living cells.

We report stable ordered arrays of millimeter-size magnetic particles floating on a liquid surface. Self-assembly into a regular two-dimensional lattice results from lateral magnetic interactions between the particles. The lattice constant may be easily tuned by the application of external magnetic field. The array symmetry is designed by using different particle shapes, magnets, and magnet position inside the particle, so that complex symmetries may be achieved. Three-dimensional ordered arrays are obtained in a stack of troughs containing floating magnets. Computer simulations of electromagnetic wave propagation in such three-dimensional structures suggest an opening of a tunable photonic band gap in the microwave range.

Neutron and x-ray reflectivity studies of modulated heterostructures consisting of alternate layers of conjugated and nonconjugated polymers is described. Such heterostructures are currently being used to fabricate polymer-based light emitting diodes. The heterostructures were prepared by the layer-by-layer self-assembly technique using the precursor of the conjugated polymer, deuterated poly(phenylenevinylene) (D-PPV), and other polyelectrolyte spacers. Heat treatment after the layer assembly converted the pre-D-PPV to a conjugated semiconducting polymer. For the first time in such heterostructures, we were able to observe quasi-Bragg reflections (up to the third order) due to the formation of ordered modulated structures. Both the neutron and the x-ray data were analyzed using the same layer-by-layer model and the same fitting procedure with consistent results. Most importantly, the model and the fitting procedure yield the buried interlayer roughness at the D-PPV/spacer interface. This roughness parameter, of the order of 12±3 Å, was found to be smaller than the thickness of the D-PPV and the spacer layers, suggesting that the length over which interdigitation between neighboring polymer layers occurs is significantly smaller than the spacer layer. We demonstrate that the conversion to conjugated polymer by the heat treatment leads to ∼7% reduction of the repeat unit and the film thickness without significant changes of other structural properties; in fact, the interfacial roughness was somewhat improved. The fabrication of high quality modulated structures with controlled layer thickness and relatively small interfacial roughness may be a first step towards polymer-based multiquantum wells analogous to such devices in inorganic heterostructures.