Aggregation of molecules is controlled in microdroplets

Chem Commun (Camb). 2022 Nov 15;58(91):12657-12660. doi: 10.1039/d2cc04587g.

Abstract

Molecular de-aggregation was observed at the air/water interface of aqueous microdroplets. We probed this phenomenon using dyes such as Rhodamine 6G (R6G), Rhodamine B, acridine orange, and fluorescein, which show aggregation-induced shift in fluorescence. The fluorescence micrographs of microdroplets derived from the aqueous solutions of these dyes show that they are monomeric at the air/water interface, but highly aggregated at the core. We propose that rapid evaporation of the solvent influences the de-aggregation of molecules at the air-water interface of the microdroplets.

MeSH terms

  • Acridine Orange*
  • Coloring Agents
  • Fluorescein
  • Rhodamines
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence
  • Water*

Substances

  • Rhodamines
  • Fluorescein
  • Acridine Orange
  • Water
  • Coloring Agents