Otto S. Wolfbeis - Böcker

This text opens up new avenues in the development of highly sensitive and specific fluorometric and sensor methods based on the NIR laser techniques, allowing detection down to the single molecule level. Most important are NIR laser diodes in combination with NIR dyes, which facilitates the automation and miniaturization of reliable UV/vis and fluorescence spectroscopic and immunoassay "in situ" measurements. This permits, for example, analyses of pH values, metal ions, pollutants, membranes, proteins, living cells and the DNA genetic code. Furthermore, the book describes applications of NIR dyes in high technology areas, such as photochemistry, molecular biology, clinical chemistry, tumour therapy, laser physics, nonlinear optics, laser sensitive optical recording techniques, optical discs, compact discs, laser printers, optical cards, photoengraving, transparent bar coding, forgery prevention, photoresists, spectrally-sensitized photographic materials, thermal transfer printing, and heat-shielding materials. The text represents a compilation of challenging information for scientists and engineers interested in high technology developments and applications.

Optical sensor technology has reached a level of technological maturity that makes it a promising candidate for applications to specific sensing challenges including those in environmental monitoring, in process control (particularly in biotechnology), in clinical assays where low-cost one-way sensing elements are needed, and in other areas. Optical sensors can be used as fiber optic microsensors, as planar coatings in bioreactors, in microtiterplate format, in disposable single-shot devices, and as planar membranes that can be imaged using sensitive cameras. The spectral range extends from the UV to the infrared, and from absorption to emission and to surface plasmon resonance. Hence, a variety of schemes are conceivable, and this first volume of the Springer Series on Chemical Sensors and Biosensors gives a state-of-the-art description of this highly sophisticated but very promising technology.

This first volume in the new Springer Series on Fluorescence brings together fundamental and applied research from this highly interdisciplinary field ranging from chemistry and physics to biology and medicine. Special attention is given to supramolecular systems, sensor applications, confocal microscopy and protein-protein interactions. This carefully edited collection of state-of-the-art articles will serve as an invaluable tool for practitioners and novices and provide inspiration for new developments and applications.

Optical sensor technology has reached a level of technological maturity that makes it a promising candidate for applications to specific sensing challenges including those in environmental monitoring, in process control (particularly in biotechnology), in clinical assays where low-cost one-way sensing elements are needed, and in other areas. Optical sensors can be used as fiber optic microsensors, as planar coatings in bioreactors, in microtiterplate format, in disposable single-shot devices, and as planar membranes that can be imaged using sensitive cameras. The spectral range extends from the UV to the infrared, and from absorption to emission and to surface plasmon resonance. Hence, a variety of schemes are conceivable, and this first volume of the Springer Series on Chemical Sensors and Biosensors gives a state-of-the-art description of this highly sophisticated but very promising technology.

"Provides analytical chemists and biomedical scientists with an excellent summary of progress...This is a book that can be recommended to all analytical scientists interested in fluorimetry." (Analytical Chimica Acta) "This is a useful overview and gives the nonspecialist a feeling for the advantages and limitations of the methods. Overall this book is a worthwhile read and a good source of references." (TRAC) The book is divided into chapters on new methods, new appli- cations, fluorescence immunoassays, fluorometric analysis and fluorescence spectroscopy in biomedical sciences. Specific topics are fluorescence spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation, picosecond fluorescence spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence scattering by synthetic polymers, fluorescence immunoassays, fluorescence for environmental monitoring, fluorescence in flow injection analysis, hydro-geological studies, fluorescence of proteins, lipids and membranes, cell fluorescence, calcium transients.