Effect of liposomal confinement on photothermal and photo-oximetric fluorescence lifetimes of photosensitizers with varying hydrophilicity.

The time-resolved fluorescence of photosensitizers (PSs) of varying hydrophobicities, di-and tetrasulfonated Al phthalocyanines (Al-2 and Al-4), and Photochlor (HPPH), was investigated in liposomes used as cell-mimetic models. Using frequency-and time-domain apparatus, the fluorescence lifetime, tau(fluo), was compared for PSs free in aqueous solution and in a liposome-associated state at varied temperatures (25 to 78 degrees C) and oxygen concentrations (0-190 microM). The analysis of tau(fluo) revealed different decay behaviors for the free-solution and liposome-confined PSs, most significantly for the lipophilic HPPH.

Nondestructive measurement of fresh tomato lycopene content and other physicochemical characteristics using visible-NIR spectroscopy.

Measurement of fresh tomato fruit overall quality, and particularly lycopene content, is challenging in the context of high-volume production. An experiment was conducted to simultaneously measure various quality parameters of tomato in a nondestructive manner using vis-NIR reflectance spectroscopy and chemometrics. The sampling set included different cultivars that are obtainable from both retailers' shelves and two greenhouse producers.

Multivariate approach to the measurement of tomato maturity and gustatory attributes and their rapid assessment by Vis-NIR spectroscopy.

Standard methods for determining quality and maturity are time- and labor-consuming and generally measure individual criteria at a specific time, without considering relationships among quality parameters. To propose a rapid and nondestructive analysis method describing multidimensional quality variables, an experiment was undertaken with mature green to overripe tomato fruits found on the North American retail markets. Factor analysis was used to analyze results.

Optical characterization of Pseudomonas fluorescens on meat surfaces using time-resolved fluorescence.

A scanning optical system for the detection of bacteria on meat surfaces based on fluorescence lifetime and intensity measurements is described. The system detects autofluorescent light emitted by naturally occurring fluorophores in bacteria. The technique only requires minimal sample preparation and handling, thus the chemical properties of the specimen are preserved.

Simple fiber-optic-based sensors for process monitoring: an application in wine quality control monitoring.

The goal of this research was to develop a simple and economical fiber-optic sensor technology for agrifood process monitoring. Toward this end, two fiber-optic sensors were developed to be used in combination: a single reflection V-bend sensor and a single fiber air-gap probe. The former is designed to be sensitive toward refractive index and the latter towards absorption.