Japanese scientists have developed a novel method to control energy transfer between molecules. The discovery opens up new perspectives in the fields of droplet chemistry and photochemistry.
A research team led by Professor Yasuyuki Tsuboi from the Graduate School of Science at Osaka Metropolitan University carried out an in-depth study on the Förster-type resonance energy transfer (FRET). This phenomenon, observed in photosynthesis and other natural processes, involves the transfer of energy from an excited donor molecule to an acceptor molecule.
Scientists used colorants to label donor and acceptor molecules. Their goal was to determine whether the intensity of an optical force, in this case a laser beam, could influence FRET. The experiment was conducted on an isolated polymer droplet.
The results of the study are particularly encouraging. The team demonstrated that increasing laser intensity accelerated energy transfer. This phenomenon was made visible by the change in color of the polymer, due to the mixing of the dyes.
A remarkable aspect of this technique is the possibility of controlling fluorescence without direct contact with the sample. A simple adjustment of the laser intensity is enough to modulate the energy transfer, thus opening the way to an innovative and non-invasive approach.
Professor Tsuboi commented on the study results: “Although this research is still at a fundamental stage, it may provide new options for various future applications of FRET research.».
He also highlighted the upcoming challenges: “We believe that extending this technique to quantum dots as well as new polymer systems and fluorescent molecules constitutes the next challenge.».
The potential applications of this technique are numerous and varied. In particular, it could be used to improve the efficiency of photovoltaic cellsdevelop new molecular sensorsor even optimize the processes of photocatalyse.
The scientific community is eagerly awaiting further developments in this research, which could well transform our understanding and use of energy transfer phenomena at the molecular level.
Article : « Förster Resonance Energy Transfer Control by Means of an Optical Force » – DOI: 10.1002/adom.202400302
