Abstract
Labeling and monitoring of biological substances and
activities in live cells are crucial for understanding complex biological systems
and can permit development of biological/biomedical sensors or therapeutic
means for various diseases. Some techniques employ small fluorescent molecules
for labeling and sensing cellular substances.
Unfortunately, since these small molecular weight compounds often enter
the cells through passive diffusion mechanisms, high concentrations are
required, increasing the likeliness of non-specific labeling and cellular
toxicity. Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) can improve the limitation of
concentration of small molecules; however, due to their high molecular weights,
these nanoparticles are inefficient for labeling intracellular molecules and
organelles.Researchers at FIU have been able to combine the
intracellular targeting advantages of both small molecules and nanoparticles by
creating conjugated polymer nanoparticles comprising
poly(p-phenyleneethynylene)s (PPEs) having a flexible linker between a portion
of phenylene units. The flexible linkers can be sites for biodegradability of
the PPEs into relatively small oligomers. The polymers can be tailored to a
specific application through the modulation of their physical, biological and
optical properties by structural modifications of the rigid conjugated backbone
and the pendant sidechains.
Benefit
Offers an efficient one-pot synthesis that saves time, regents and eliminates the need for multiple production stepsProvides a customizable, biocompatible, and biodegradable delivery systemAllows for controlled release of molecules at target site and specific labelling
Market Application
Imaging of live cells including disease cells and tissuesSensing and monitoring of biological events at targeted organellesTargeted in vivo drug/gene delivery
Publications
Chem.
Commun., 2016,52, 4910-4913
Brochure
