Spontaneous formation of fluorescent nanofibers from self-assembly of low-molecular-weight coumarin derivatives in water

Mille, M; Lamère, JF; Rodrigues, F; Fery-Forgues, S

HERO ID

3575790

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2008

Language

English

PMID

18237200

HERO ID 3575790
In Press No
Year 2008
Title Spontaneous formation of fluorescent nanofibers from self-assembly of low-molecular-weight coumarin derivatives in water
Authors Mille, M; Lamère, JF; Rodrigues, F; Fery-Forgues, S
Journal Langmuir
Volume 24
Issue 6
Page Numbers 2671-2679
Abstract A solvent-exchange process was applied to three fluorescent dyes belonging to the 2-benzimidazolyl-7-diethylaminocoumarin series (namely Coumarin 7 (1), Coumarin 30 (2), and one of their derivatives bearing a butyl chain (3)). The three compounds only differ by the substitution of the nitrogen atom of the benzimidazolyl group. They were first dissolved in acetone and then suddenly placed in an aqueous environment where they generated molecular assemblies. The size and shape of the latter were studied by fluorescence microscopy and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. It appeared that 1 gave aggregates and flat microcrystals that evolved toward elongated structures. 2 formed straight nanofibers that are 10-20 microm long and exhibit a crystal structure. 3 gave short fibers (1 micromx25 nm), which finally arrange into entangled solid nanofibers. The formation of fibers arising from low-molecular-weight molecules was particularly interesting. The optical properties of the free-standing particles in suspension were analyzed and compared to those of highly dilute dyes, with the aim to get additional information about the dye arrangement in the nanostructures.
Doi 10.1021/la702197h
Pmid 18237200
Wosid WOS:000253941000059
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English