Nile red synchronous scan fluorescence spectroscopy to follow matrix modification in sol-gel derived media and its effect on the peroxidase activity of cytochrome c.

The highly solvatochromic dye Nile red is used in conjunction with synchronous scan fluorescence spectroscopy to elucidate changes in the internal environment of cytochrome c, upon incorporation into differently modified sol-gel derived media. Nile red was first studied in a variety of solvents in order to quantify changes in polarity. Matrix modifications involved the addition of several silanes, intended to interact with any unreacted hydroxyl entities left from the matrix forming reaction, while polymers were used to help reduce shrinkage and modify the internal pore environment. Slight unfolding of the protein was observed on incorporation into the sol-gel derived media. During the aging process further changes were monitored by using difference synchronous scan fluorescence spectra and complementary measurements of catalytic activity, expressed as the initial velocity. Combining Nile red synchronous scan fluorescence with cytochrome c activity data lead to a method to elucidate effects linked to protein conformation and those related to the sol-gel derived host.