Issue 10, 2009

Excited state reactions in fluorescent proteins

Abstract

The green fluorescent protein is a key technology in bioimaging. In this critical review, we consider how its various applications can be tailored from knowledge of the excited state chemistry. The photophysics of the basic chromophore in solution are described in detail, and the dominant radiationless decay mechanism is characterised. The quite different photophysics of wild type GFP are described next. The unique excited state proton transfer reaction observed can be used to model proton transfer processes in proteins. Examples where the proton transfer is blocked, or redirected to occur over a low short barrier H-bond are discussed. Finally the photophysics underlying the new generation of photochemically active fluorescent proteins are discussed (155 references).

Graphical abstract: Excited state reactions in fluorescent proteins

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
23 Jun 2009
First published
25 Aug 2009

Chem. Soc. Rev., 2009,38, 2922-2934

Excited state reactions in fluorescent proteins

S. R. Meech, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2009, 38, 2922 DOI: 10.1039/B820168B

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