Preparation, characterization, and sensing behavior of polydiacetylene liposomes embedded in alginate fibers

Polydiacetylene (PDA)-doped calcium alginate fibers were created by the solution blending of polymerized 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid liposomes with sodium alginate in water prior to extrusion. The liposomes maintained their blue color during wet spinning and drying of the fibers but changed to red with exposure to specific external stimuli (heat, solvent, and chemical). In the latter case, the color change only occurred when the fibers were sufficiently permeable for the reacting species to reach the interior. A parameter termed the "Raman response" (RR) has been developed to quantify the amount of PDA liposomes in each of two critical conformations within the fibers. The RR attributes a quantitative measure of PDA response to individual stimuli. This method provides advantages over the commonly used "colorimetric response" in systems where sample limitations and chromophore activity make UV-vis spectroscopic measurements difficult or inaccurate. PDA liposomes are shown to effectively add a versatile sensing component to alginate fibers.