The application of fluorescent probes in membrane studies

Fluorescence has been used in biochemical studies for many years but only recently has the information content and the practical applicability of the fluorescence method been fully realized. Following the early studies of Newton (1954) and Weber (11954) and after the initial utilization of fluorescent probes by Chance and coworkers (Azzi et al. 1969) and Tasaki et al. (1968), in the study of membranes, the use of fluorescence to provide structural information at microscopic or molecular levels in biological membranes has become widespread. widespread. The application of the fluorescence technique to biological systems has progressed parallel to the development of a theoretical basis for fluorescence data interpretation and the synthesis of a large number of fluorescent probes, organic molecules having fluorescence characteristics that are dependent on their environment.