A new class of red fluorescent organic nanoparticles: noncovalent fabrication and cell imaging applications

Cyano-substituted diarylethlene derivatives R-OMe (-H, -CF3) with different peripheral substituted groups were synthesized in high yield. Water-soluble red fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONs) could be facilely prepared from them via hydrophobic interaction with polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene triblock copolymer (Pluronic F127). The optical properties and surface morphology of the synthesized FONs were characterized, and their biocompatibilities as well as their applications in cell imaging were further investigated. We demonstrate that such red FONs exhibit antiaggregation-caused quenching properties, broad excitation wavelengths, excellent water dispersibilities, and biocompatibilities, making them promising for cell imaging.