Fluorescence modulation of 1,7‐bis(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)‐1,6‐heptadiene‐3,5‐dione by silver nanoparticles and its possible analytical application

The effects of silver nanoparticles on the photophysical properties of 1,7‐bis(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)‐1,6‐heptadiene‐3,5‐dione, popularly known as curcumin, have been investigated using optical absorption and fluorescence techniques. Although absorption spectroscopy suggests a ground‐state complex formation, fluorescence quenching data confirms a simultaneous static and dynamic quenching, inferring ground as well as excited‐state complex formation. The recovery of fluorescence quenching of the curcumin–silver nanoparticle complex in the presence of ascorbic acid or uric acid emphasizes a strong interaction between the silver nanoparticles and ascorbic acid/uric acid, suggesting that fluorescence recovery after the quenching of curcumin–silver nanoparticle complexes has potential for ascorbic acid or uric acid assay development. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.