Resonance energy transfer from dibucaine to acriflavine in polystyrene latex dispersions

Resonance energy transfer from dibucaine (DC) to acriflavine (AF) has been investigated both in homogeneous aqueous solutions and in polystyrene latex dispersions. The energy transfer reaction is observed by monitoring fluorescence quenching of DC as well as sensitized emission of AF. It is found that the energy transfer from DC to AF is remarkably enhanced on going from the aqueous homogeneous solution to the latex dispersion. This is mainly attributed to the fact that both the donor and acceptor are effectively adsorbed onto the latex particles, as evidenced by the measurement of adsorption isotherms. From the adsorption experiments, it is also elucidated that electrostatic interaction is significant at low DC concentration, while hydrophobic interaction dominates at the higher concentration especially at higher pH.