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Ultraviolet‐Induced Fluorescence of Polydopamine‐Coated Emulsion Droplets
Author(s) -
Quignard Sandrine,
d'Ischia Marco,
Chen Yong,
Fattaccioli Jacques
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
chempluschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.801
H-Index - 61
ISSN - 2192-6506
DOI - 10.1002/cplu.201402157
Subject(s) - fluorescence , photochemistry , quenching (fluorescence) , chemistry , coating , hydrogen peroxide , polymerization , ultraviolet , chemical engineering , materials science , polymer , organic chemistry , optoelectronics , optics , physics , engineering
Polydopamine (PDA), a multifunctional biomaterial with strong adhesion and coating properties, exhibits melanin‐like optoelectronic properties but is virtually devoid of intrinsic fluorescence. Herein we disclose the first PDA‐based system that can develop fluorescence without chemical manipulation. The polymerization of dopamine in the presence of oil microdroplets results in the formation of smooth PDA‐coated core–shell droplets, which develop a bright and persistent fluorescence upon UVA illumination. The fluorescence induction depends on the excitation wavelength, the nature of the oil, and oxidation and buffer conditions, suggesting photo‐oxidation of PDA components within the oil matrix, which shields the developing fluorophores from water quenching. Peroxyl radical scavengers enhance the fluorescence, whereas hydrogen peroxide induces quenching. The new system holds potential interest for imaging and tocopherol sensing applications.