Abstract
A rapid and one-pot synthesis of poly 3-thiopheneacetic acid (PTAA) functionalized polyurea polymer dots (Pdots) using polyethyleneimine and isophorone diisocyanate is reported. The one-pot mini-emulsion polymerization technique yielded Pdots with an average diameter of ~20 nm. The size, shape, and concentration of the surface functional groups could be controlled by altering the synthesis parameters such as ultrasonication time, concentration of the surfactant, and crosslinking agent, and the types of isocyanates utilized for the synthesis. Colloidal properties of Pdots were characterized using dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements. The spherical geometry of Pdots was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The Pdots were post-functionalized by 1,4,7,10 tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid for chelating gadolinium nanoparticles (Gd3+) that provide magnetic properties to the Pdots. Thus, the synthesized Pdots possess fluorescent and magnetic properties, imparted by PTAA and Gd3+, respectively. Fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy revealed that the synthesized dual-functional Gd3+-Pdots exhibited detectable fluorescent signals even at lower concentrations. Magnetic levitation experiments indicated that the Gd3+-Pdots could be easily manipulated via an external magnetic field. These findings illustrate that the dua- functional Gd3+-Pdots could be potentially utilized as fluorescent reporters that can be magnetically manipulated for bioimaging applications.
Highlights
A wide range of probes for magnetic resonance imaging [1], X-ray computed tomography [2,3,4], positron emission tomography [5,6], and fluorescence imaging [7,8] have been explored to facilitate therapy and diagnosis
This difference plays a key role in the characterization of poly 3-thiopheneacetic acid (PTAA)
Dual-functional Gd3+ -polymer dots (Pdots) reporters were successfully synthesized via a one-pot mini-emulsion technique for bioimaging applications
Summary
A wide range of probes for magnetic resonance imaging [1], X-ray computed tomography [2,3,4], positron emission tomography [5,6], and fluorescence imaging [7,8] have been explored to facilitate therapy and diagnosis. Emphasis has been laid on the development of probes with more than one functionality. A class of fluorescence imaging probes with high fluorescence intensity, photostability, and high biocompatibility are one of the ideal candidates for the development of multifunctional probes [9,10]. Nanomaterials 2022, 12, 642 practice in bioimaging [11,12,13,14,15,16], diagnostics, and therapeutic applications [17,18]. The major advantages of polymer dot nanoprobes are their superior photophysical properties and post-functionalization capabilities. Polymer dots enable imaging of a wide range of samples from single cell to more complex tissues and organs
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