Off-campus UMass Amherst users: To download campus access theses, please use the following link to log into our proxy server with your UMass Amherst user name and password.
Non-UMass Amherst users: Please talk to your librarian about requesting this thesis through interlibrary loan.
Theses that have an embargo placed on them will not be available to anyone until the embargo expires.
Access Type
Campus Access
Document Type
thesis
Degree Program
Chemistry
Degree Type
Master of Science (M.S.)
Year Degree Awarded
2009
Month Degree Awarded
September
Keywords
single molecule spectroscopy
Abstract
My research has demonstrated the feasibility of the experimental methodologies for proton-sensitive molecular probes of proton transport at the single-molecule level where a single molecule fluorescence spectral shift was observed in poly acrylamide gel (PAAG) matrix after the addition of HCl with a grating spectrometer. Proton-sensitive molecular probes are employed for observing variations of photophysical properties as protons from acid sources transport and react with the reporter molecules such as Coumarin 6 where it has two different protonated states and then shows distinguished emission spectrum. As well, in order to understand the fluorescence properties of neutral and protonated Coumarin 6 in each emission spectrum region, dual-channel detection experiment was built where those fluorescence emission spectrum are allowed to be separated into each optical detection channel. The two-color detection will provide us with the understanding of the heterogeneities indicative of the interaction of pH-responsive probe with its environment. Based on those methodologies and results, this research will lead to investigate how proton transfer kinetics and dynamics are influenced by the geometric arrangements such as inter-functional group spacing, alignment, and flexibility in single macromolecular scaffolds which will suggest the development for future fuel cell and better understanding of biological process.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7275/978416
First Advisor
Michael D Barnes