Diffusion of labeled polyelectrolyte probes in unlabeled polyelectrolyte matrix solutions

The translational diffusion of labeled sodium polystyrenesulfonate (LNaPSS) in aqueous solutions containing a matrix of unlabeled NaPSS was investigated using fluorescence photobleaching recovery (FPR). LNaPSS-6500, LNaPSS-100000, and LNaPSS-680000 served as probes, while unlabeled NaPSS-990000 was the matrix. The behavior of LnaPSS in NaPSS-990000 matrix was affected by sample preparation. The results show a stronger theoretical basis for diffusion in mixed polyelectrolyte solutions is required to guide additional experimental studies spanning a wider range of probe and matrix molecular weights.