'Imperfect' conjugated polymer nanoparticles from MEH-PPV for bioimaging and Fe(III) sensing

A simple and effective method was reported for the preparation from MEH-PPV of conjugated polymer nanoparticles (Pdots) that are water-soluble and well dispersed. The as-prepared Pdots show bright orange fluorescence at a quantum yield up to 32.37%. The fluorescence intensity of Pdots can be quenched with good selectively by the successive addition of Fe(3+) . In addition, the as-obtained Pdots were applied to the imaging of HeLa cells, and exhibited low cytotoxicity and excellent biocompatibility.