Our group uses fluorescence, the light emitted by electronically excited molecules, to study the properties of the molecules. We are particularly interested in supramolecular host-guest inclusion complexes, in which a small fluorescent "guest" molecule becomes trapped inside the cavity of a larger, cage-like "host" molecule. Such systems have numerous applications, including as molecular sensors, and in trace analysis techniques, such as for pesticides in natural waters.
Research Interests:
The use of fluorescence spectroscopy to study the properties and local environment of molecules
Supramolecular host-guest inclusion systems and their applications, including as molecular sensors and in trace analysis techniques (such as for pesticides in natural waters ).
Citations:
UV-A Photochemistry of the Pesticide Azinphos-Methyl: Generation of the Highly Fluorescent Intermediate N-Methylanthanilic Acid. Lovely Yeasmin, Shawn A. MacDougall and Brian D. Wagner. J. Photochem. Photobiol. A:Chem.204, 217(2009).
Investigations of the Host Properties of a Fluorescent Bistren Cage Compound. Patricia G. Boland, Sara J. Accardi, Carrie A. Snow and Brian D Wagner. Can. J. Chem.87, 448(2009).
The Use of Coumarins as Environmentally-Sensitive Fluorescent Probes of Heterogeneous Inclusion Systems. Brian D. Wagner. Molecules 14, 210 (2009).
Ternary Complexes Comprising Cucurbit[10]uril, Porphyrins, and Guests. Simin Liu, Atinddra D. Shukla, Brian D. Wagner. Angel E. Kaifer and Lyle Isaacs. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 47, 2657 (2008).
Exciplex Fluorescence in Coordination Polymers of Zn2+ and 4,4’-Bipyridine containing Intercalated Pyrene and Enclathrated Aromatic Solvent Guests. Gregory J. McManus, John J. Perry IV, Mark Perry, Brian D. Wagner and Michael J. Zaworotko. Journal of the American Chemical Society 129, 9094-9101(2007).
Current Collaborators (non-UPEI):
Dr. Lyle Isaacs, University of Maryland
Dr. Michael Zaworotko, University of South Florida
