Homeopathy 2023; 112(02): 125-134
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1751255
Original Research Article

Immobilization of Solvatochromic Dyes on Transparent Cellulose Films: an Improved Method for the Study of Homeopathic Potencies

1   Cherwell Laboratory for Fundamental Research in Homeopathy, Oxford, United Kingdom
› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Background Highly diluted and succussed solutions (homeopathic potencies) have been shown to interact with a wide range of solvatochromic dyes based on changes in their UV-visible spectra. Studies so far have involved free dyes in solution, but there is a pressing need to find ways to investigate the potency–dye interaction using isolated dye molecules to ask more searching physico-chemical questions regarding the fundamental nature of potencies.

Aims and Methods The aims of the present study have been to look for ways to covalently immobilize solvatochromic dyes onto transparent cellulose films and hence be in a position to investigate dye–potency interactions without the complication of dye–dye interactions, including dye aggregation, which can occur with free dyes in solution.

Results To date, a total of nine different dyes have been immobilized on cellulose films using epoxide activation of hydroxyl groups on the cellulose surface. Using this method, studies have begun looking at the time course of potency action on one of these immobilized dyes, Brooker's merocyanine. Results show that the interaction of Arsenicum 10M with this dye consists of three phases—an initial growth phase, a sustained plateau of interaction, and a final decline phase lasting several days.

Conclusion A method has been developed that successfully immobilizes solvatochromic dyes onto transparent cellulose film. These films can then be used in a spectrophotometer to study at a much more detailed level how potencies interact with dyes compared with using free dyes in solution. Results indicate that the information gained in this way provides new insights regarding the fundamental nature of potencies. Specifically, studies using immobilized Brooker's merocyanine with Arsenicum 10M reveal that the lifetime of the potency is much longer than expected and that its action consists of three distinct phases, suggesting a resonant interaction with the dye. How resonant interaction might help to explain the clinical action of potencies is discussed.



Publication History

Received: 06 April 2022

Accepted: 16 May 2022

Article published online:
29 September 2022

© 2022. Faculty of Homeopathy. This article is published by Thieme.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 
  • References

  • 1 Cartwright SJ. Solvatochromic dyes detect the presence of homeopathic potencies. Homeopathy 2016; 105: 55-65
  • 2 Cartwright SJ. Interaction of homeopathic potencies with the water soluble solvatochromic dye bis-dimethylaminofuchsone. Part 1: pH studies. Homeopathy 2017; 106: 37-46
  • 3 Cartwright SJ. Degree of response to homeopathic potencies correlates with dipole moment size in molecular detectors: implications for understanding the fundamental nature of serially diluted and succussed solutions. Homeopathy 2018; 107: 19-31
  • 4 Cartwright SJ. Using the unique spectroscopic properties of push-pull molecular systems to investigate homeopathic potencies. In: Bonamin LV, Waisse S. eds. Transdisciplinarity and Translationality in High Dilution Research. Signals and Images GIRI Series. Cambridge Scholars Publishing; Cambridge, UK: 2019. . Chapter 7: 104-127
  • 5 Aparicio ACC, Silva JS, Oliveira LHS. et al. Physical-chemical analysis of different homeopathic medicines using solvatochromic dyes as indicators of solvent dipole moment changes. Homeopathy 2020;109:A15 (Abstract 008)
  • 6 Cartwright SJ. Homeopathic potencies may possess an electric field (-like) component: evidence from the use of encapsulated solvatochromic dyes. Homeopathy 2020; 109: 14-22
  • 7 Bonamin LV, Pedro RRP, Mota HMG. et al. Characterization of Antimonium crudum activity using solvatochromic dyes. Homeopathy 2020; 109: 79-86
  • 8 Aparicio ACC, de Oliveira LHS, Silva JS. et al. Interaction between solvatochromic dyes and water sampled from a natural source treated with high dilutions of phosphorus. Homeopathy 2020; 109: 126-132
  • 9 Pinto AAG, Nagai MYO, Coimbra EN. et al. Bioresilience to mercury chloride of the brine shrimp Artemia salina after treatment with homeopathic Mercurius corrosivus . Homeopathy 2021; 110: 244-255
  • 10 Jacques P, Graff B, Diemer V. et al. Negative solvatochromism of a series of pyridinium phenolate betaine dyes with increasing steric hindrance. Chem Phys Lett 2012; 531: 242-246
  • 11 Davenas E, Beauvais F, Amara J. et al. Human basophil degranulation triggered by very dilute antiserum against IgE. Nature 1988; 333: 816-818
  • 12 Hahnemann S. Organon of the Art of Healing. 5th edition.. Translated by C. Wesselhoeft, ed; 1875: §284
  • 13 Hermanson GT. Bioconjugation Techniques; 3rd edition. Academic Press; 2013
  • 14 Elchinger PH, Faugeras PA, Zerrouki C. et al. Tosylcellulose synthesis in aqueous medium. Green Chem 2012; 14: 3126-3131
  • 15 Price N, Dwek RA, Ratcliffe RG, Wormald MR. Principles and Problems in Physical Chemistry for Biochemists. 3rd edition.. Oxford University Press; 2001