title: Characterization of hydrogels using luminescence spectroscopy.
abstract: In this contribution the literature relevant to characterization of polyelectrolytes, polyelectrolyte complexes and hydrogels using luminescence spectroscopy is reviewed. A brief introduction to the fundamentals of luminescence is followed by a description of the various types of spectroscopic studies which may be used to characterize hydrogels. In addition to experiments based upon the addition of a viscosity, temperature- or polarity-sensitive fluorescent probe to characterize the local environment, experiments and techniques based upon luminescence quenching, fluorescence polarization, phosphorescence depolarization and excimer fluorescence are discussed. This review succinctly describes the utility of luminescence spectroscopy in the characterization of hydrogel systems, with a focus on recent developments in the characterization of hydrogels and polyelectrolyte complexes.
authors.affiliation: Michigan State University, Department of Chemical Engineering, East Lansing 48824, USA.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Rangarajan
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Coons
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Scranton
mesh_terms: D003619:Dansyl Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000737:chemistry*; D005454:Fluorescence Polarization; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D005782:Gels / Q000737:chemistry*; D008163:Luminescent Measurements; D008768:Methylmethacrylates / Q000737:chemistry; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry; D011721:Pyrenes / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D003619:Dansyl Compounds; D004573:Electrolytes; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D005782:Gels; D008768:Methylmethacrylates; D011721:Pyrenes; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C029038:dansyl chloride