LAURDAN Fluorescence Properties in Membranes: A Journey from the Fluorometer to the Microscope

Abstract

After 32 years since its introduction, the particular fluorescence properties of 6-lauroyl-2-(dimethylamino)-naphtalene (LAURDAN) in model and biological membranes are revisited. This review includes a historical perspective about the design, synthesis and initial description of the probe’s fluorescent properties, a discussion about the proposed mechanism of LAURDAN sensitivity to membrane lateral packing, and a detailed description of the definition of the Generalized Polarization function. This article includes as well examples of the different experimental strategies involving LAURDAN in model and biological membranes, using both bulk fluorescence spectroscopy measurements and spatially resolved information from fluorescence microscopy. The value of this probe in the study of membrane structure and dynamics is reflected in more than 330 papers reported in the existing literature. AB - After 32 years since its introduction, the particular fluorescence properties of 6-lauroyl-2-(dimethylamino)-naphtalene (LAURDAN) in model and biological membranes are revisited. This review includes a historical perspective about the design, synthesis and initial description of the probe’s fluorescent properties, a discussion about the proposed mechanism of LAURDAN sensitivity to membrane lateral packing, and a detailed description of the definition of the Generalized Polarization function. This article includes as well examples of the different experimental strategies involving LAURDAN in model and biological membranes, using both bulk fluorescence spectroscopy measurements and spatially resolved information from fluorescence microscopy. The value of this probe in the study of membrane structure and dynamics is reflected in more than 330 papers reported in the existing literature.