Supramolecular chemistry in solution and solid-gas interfaces: synthesis and photophysical properties of monocolor and bicolor fluorescent sensors for barium tagging in neutrinoless double beta decay.

Translation of photophysical properties of fluorescent sensors from solution to solid-gas environments functionalized surfaces constitutes a challenge in chemistry. In this work, we report on the chemical synthesis, barium capture ability and photophysical properties of two families of monocolor and bicolor fluorescent sensors. These sensors were prepared to capture barium cations that can be produced in neutrinoless double beta decay of Xe-136.

Mechanism for Vipp1 spiral formation, ring biogenesis, and membrane repair.

The ESCRT-III-like protein Vipp1 couples filament polymerization with membrane remodeling. It assembles planar sheets as well as 3D rings and helical polymers, all implicated in mitigating plastid-associated membrane stress. The architecture of Vipp1 planar sheets and helical polymers remains unknown, as do the geometric changes required to transition between polymeric forms.

Tutorial: fluorescence lifetime microscopy of membrane mechanosensitive Flipper probes.

Measuring forces within living cells remains a technical challenge. In this Tutorial, we cover the development of hydrophobic mechanosensing fluorescent probes called Flippers, whose fluorescence lifetime depends on lipid packing. Flipper probes can therefore be used as reporters for membrane tension via the measurement of changes in their fluorescence lifetime.