A single-molecule probe based on intramolecular electron transfer

Detecting structure, dynamics, and chemical reactions at the single-molecule level represents the ultimate degree of sensitivity for sensing and imaging. There is a tremendous need to develop new molecular systems and methodology for single-molecule-based sensing. This work presents for the first time the single-molecule spectroscopy of a new molecular probe which uses an intramolecular electron transfer mechanism to detect binding, local structure, and interfacial processes. Moreover, we show how information about the interaction of these probes with their environment is obtained from an analysis of the intensity, duration and time-varying behavior of the single-molecule fluorescence. Copyright © 2002 American Chemical Society.