Polypropylene supports were functionalized by plasma-deposition of polymeric allylamine layers. The surface amino groups generated
were wet-chemically reacted with xanthene dyes resulting in fluorescent polymer films. The effect of polymer-attachment of
the dyes on their emission features was studied fluorometrically and different methods were tested to improve the fluorescence
properties of the films. Modification with cucurbit[6]uril (CB6) yields a moderately enhanced fluorescence as well as an improved
photostability. The observed effect is most likely due to CB6-induced rigidization of the linker molecules which seems to
reduce fluorescence quenching dye–dye and fluorophore–surface interactions.
Keywords Fluorescence - Cucurbituril - Surface modification - Plasma functionalization - Polymer surface - Xanthene dyes