Dynamic hybridization of fluorescence polymers upon complexation of glucan

Abstract

Hybridization of natural/biomacromolecules with synthetic polymers has become a convenient, powerful alternative to the conventional approaches for creating supramolecular hybrid architectures, assemblies, and scaffolds. The hybridization behavior of fluorescence polymers (TPE-PE and Dns-PS) upon the complexation of curdlan (Cur) was fully investigated in an aqueous solution by means of fluorescence, excitation, and circular dichroism spectroscopies and fluorescence lifetime, quantum yield, anisotropy, and zeta potential measurements. Upon mixing with Cur to the aqueous solution containing TPE-PE or Dns-PS, a polyionic hetero-triplex was formed as prepared, the complexation stoichiometry of which was determined through fluorescence/excitation spectral titration experiments (molar ratio plots), which was greatly accelerated by adding a salt and then disassembled to a loose hetero-duplex in a highly basic solution. A validity of the dynamic hybridization mechanism was strongly proved herein, which may further contribute to the rational design of synthetic polymers as well as the strategic choice of natural/biomacromolecules.