Near infrared fluorescence spectroscopy

Fluorimetry in the very near infrared region ca. 600-1000nm is a new approach to photochemical analysis. The advantages include greatly reduced background fluorescence signals from important sample matrices (such as blood serum), reduced scattering, and reduced probability of sample decomposition. Also, the availability of low cost, efficient, stable and robust optical components (e.g. laser diodes and light emitting diodes), solid state detectors (e.g. single silicon photodiodes and diode arrays) and fibre optics, allows the construction of an inexpensive fluorimeter. In the near infrared region, there are some very bright fluorophores that can be adapted for use as fluorescent probes, labels for immunoassay, and as ion-pair agents. The advantageous performance of most types of fluorimetric analysis now undertaken In the ultraviolet and visible region of the spectrum may therefore be extended into the longer wavelength region. Excellent limits of detection are attainable, and some near infrared fluorophores show invaluable fluorescence probe properties, such as Nile Red. The most useful of the dye groups investigated were the phenoxazines and thiazines. Reactive derivatives of these dyes show great potential as fluorescent labels for Immunoassay. These dyes have also been used as probes due to their solvatochromism and sensitivity to pH.