Knut Rurack

Bio: Knut Rurack is an academic researcher from Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung. The author has contributed to research in topics: Fluorescence & BODIPY. The author has an hindex of 49, co-authored 187 publications receiving 9992 citations. Previous affiliations of Knut Rurack include Nanjing University & Sigma-Aldrich.

Fluorescence Quantum Yields of a Series of Red and Near-Infrared Dyes Emitting at 600−1000 nm

Abstract: The determination of the fluorescence quantum yields (QY, Φ(f)) of a series of fluorescent dyes that span the absorption/excitation and emission ranges of 520-900 and 600-1000 nm is reported. The dyes encompass commercially available rhodamine 101 (Rh-101, Φ(f) = 0.913), cresyl violet (0.578), oxazine 170 (0.579), oxazine 1 (0.141), cryptocyanine (0.012), HITCI (0.283), IR-125 (0.132), IR-140 (0.167), and four noncommercial cyanine dyes with specific spectroscopic features, all of them in dilute ethanol solution. The QYs have been measured relative to the National Institute of Standards and Technology's standard reference material (SRM) 936a (quinine sulfate, QS) on a traceably characterized fluorometer, employing a chain of transfer standard dyes that include coumarin 102 (Φ(f) = 0.764), coumarin 153 (0.544), and DCM (0.435) as links between QS and Rh-101. The QY of Rh-101 has also been verified in direct measurements against QS using two approaches that rely only on instrument correction. In addition, the effects of temperature and the presence of oxygen on the fluorescence quantum yield of Rh-101 have been assessed.

The supramolecular chemistry of organic-inorganic hybrid materials.

Abstract: The combination of nanomaterials as solid supports and supramolecular concepts has led to the development of hybrid materials with improved functionalities. These "hetero-supramolecular" ideas provide a means of bridging the gap between molecular chemistry, materials sciences, and nanotechnology. In recent years, relevant examples have been reported on functional aspects, such as enhanced recognition and sensing by using molecules on preorganized surfaces, the reversible building of nanometer-sized networks and 3D architectures, as well as biomimetic and gated chemistry in hybrid nanomaterials for the development of advanced functional protocols in three-dimensional frameworks. This approach allows the fine-tuning of the properties of nanomaterials and offers new perspectives for the application of supramolecular concepts.

On the development of sensor molecules that display Fe(III)-amplified fluorescence.

Abstract: Incorporation of a tailor-made size-restricted dithia-aza-oxa macrocycle, 1-oxa-4,10-dithia-7-aza-cyclododecane, via a phenyl linker into two fluorescent sensor molecules with electronically decoupled, rigidly fixed, and sterically preoriented architectures, a 1,3,5-triaryl-Delta2-pyrazoline and a meso-substituted boron-dipyrromethene (BDP), yields amplified fluorescence in the red-visible spectral range upon binding of Fe(III) ions. The response to Fe(III) and potentially interfering metal ions is studied in highly polar aprotic and protic solvents for both probes as well as in neat and buffered aqueous solution for one of the sensor molecules, the BDP derivative. In organic solvents, the fluorescence of both indicators is quenched by an intramolecular charge or electron transfer in the excited state and coordination of Fe(III) leads to a revival of their fluorescence without pronounced spectral shifts. Most remarkably, the unbound BDP derivative shows dual emission in water and can be employed for the selective ratiometric signaling of Fe(III) in buffered aqueous solutions.

Quantum dots versus organic dyes as fluorescent labels

Abstract: Suitable labels are at the core of Luminescence and fluorescence imaging and sensing. One of the most exciting, yet also controversial, advances in label technology is the emerging development of quantum dots (QDs)--inorganic nanocrystals with unique optical and chemical properties but complicated surface chemistry--as in vitro and in vivo fluorophores. Here we compare and evaluate the differences in physicochemical properties of common fluorescent labels, focusing on traditional organic dyes and QDs. Our aim is to provide a better understanding of the advantages and limitations of both classes of chromophores, to facilitate label choice and to address future challenges in the rational design and manipulation of QD labels.

The Chemistry of Fluorescent Bodipy Dyes: Versatility Unsurpassed

Abstract: The world of organic luminophores has been confined for a long time to fairly standard biological labeling applications and to certain analytical tests. Recently, however, the field has undergone a major change of direction, driven by the dual needs to develop novel organic electronic materials and to fuel the rapidly emerging nanotechnologies. Among the many diverse fluorescent molecules, the Bodipy family, first developed as luminescent tags and laser dyes, has become a cornerstone for these new applications. The near future looks extremely bright for "porphyrin's little sister".