Abstract: Single chain amphiphiles containing Schiff base chromophore can organize into bilayer membrane as vesicles in aqueous solution. The fluorescence excitation and emission intensities of Schiff base group are markdly influenced by the phase states of the bilayer membrane. At T<30 ℃, fluorescence intensities decrease slightly, but dras-tically between 30—40 ℃ and between 45—55 ℃, just corresponding to the phase tran-sition temperatures 37 ℃ and 46 ℃ respectively, given by DSC. So the tight arrange-ment in molecules greatly enhances the lumination efficiency. According to the aggregate states, the fluorescence emission intensity follows the series as: I(gel state)>I(liquid state)>I(molecular dispersion state).

Key words: Fluorescence, Bilayer membrane, Schiff base, Phase transition