Enhanced fluorescence of isophorone derivatives in DNA based materials

•Photophysical properties studies of three push–pull isophorone derivatives are reported.•Two matrices were used: DNA–CTMA complex and PMMA and results compared.•Weaker interaction of chromophores with DNA–CTMA is observed.•Fluorescence quantum yield is larger in DNA–CTMA matrix.

Results of a photophysical properties study of three push–pull dipolar isophorone derivatives, differing only in the substitution of the donor part, in solution and in solid state are reported. The measurements were done, for comparative purposes, using biopolymer deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) with cetyltrimethyl ammonium (CTMA) surfactant complex (DNA–CTMA) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) synthetic polymer. They show that the targeted properties, and particularly the photoluminescence spectra, depend strongly not only on the chromophore used, but also on its environment. In general one observes a stronger interaction of chromophores with PMMA matrix than with DNA–CTMA. Although the photoluminescence efficiency decreases with the luminophore concentration for both matrices, it is systematically larger for chromophores embedded in the biopolymer matrix. The protective role of this matrix against non-radiative processes could lead to the quantum yield enhancement, particularly in shortest molecules.