Functionalized, Fluorescent, Conjugated Polymer Nanospheres for Protein Targeting via Förster Resonance Energy Transfer

J Nanosci Nanotechnol. 2015 Feb;15(2):1756-9. doi: 10.1166/jnn.2015.9322.

Abstract

We report the preparation of fluorescent nanospheres based on conjugated polymers, which enables a facile fluorescence color tuning. The fluorescent nanospheres have aldehyde groups on the surface that enable the introduction of a protein ligand, biotin. The intrinsic fluorescence of the nanospheres allows detection of a dye-labeled target protein, streptavidin, via Förster resonance energy transfer. The controlled biofunctionalization of conjugated polymer-based fluorescent nanospheres represents a novel approach with high applicability to sensing of biological molecules.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biotin / chemistry*
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer / methods*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemical synthesis*
  • Materials Testing
  • Molecular Probe Techniques*
  • Nanoconjugates / chemistry
  • Nanoconjugates / ultrastructure
  • Nanospheres / chemistry*
  • Nanospheres / ultrastructure
  • Particle Size
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Streptavidin / analysis*
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Nanoconjugates
  • Biotin
  • Streptavidin