Betalains as fluorescence quenchers

• Grant number: 23/11579-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2023
• End date: March 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Organic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Erick Leite Bastos
• Grantee: Lucas Fernandes de Chico
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In this undergraduate research project, we propose to understand how natural and pseudo-natural betalains quench the fluorescence of the probe Hoechst 33342. Steady-state absorption and fluorescence spectra will be collected in the presence of indicaxanthin, betanin and OxiBeet, varying the pH of the medium in the range between 3 and 8. In addition, fluorescence lifetime measurements will be performed. These data will be treated considering static and dynamic suppression models to elucidate the mechanisms of action involved. This study is relevant to the study of betalains in cellular medium.