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Tunable Fluorescence from a Responsive Hyperbranched Polymer with Spatially Arranged Fluorophore Arrays
Xiaosong Cao1, Weiping Gan1, Yi Shi1
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556-5670 (USA).
Chemistry, an Asian Journal
|September 15, 2018
Summary
This study developed a smart polymer sensor using Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). The polymer changes fluorescence with solvent and light, enabling sensitive cyanide anion detection.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is crucial for understanding energy transfer in molecular systems.
- Developing smart materials with tunable optical properties is essential for advanced sensing applications.
- Hyperbranched polymers offer unique architectures for incorporating multiple functional units.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct a water-soluble hyperbranched polymer with a FRET array for sensing applications.
- To investigate the influence of solvent polarity and light stimuli on the polymer's fluorescence.
- To demonstrate the polymer's capability for detecting cyanide anions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized chain-growth copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition polymerization (CuAACP) for controlled polymer synthesis.
- Incorporated three fluorophores: coumarin (Cou), nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD), and photoswitchable spiropyran (SP).
- Analyzed energy transfer pathways and fluorescence changes in response to environmental stimuli.
Main Results:
- Achieved precise control over fluorophore ratio and distance within the FRET array.
- Demonstrated enhanced energy flow from Cou to merocyanine (MC) via the NBD relay.
- Observed increased FRET efficiency and distinct fluorescence changes with solvent polarity shifts (THF to water).
- Successfully applied the polymer as a sensor for cyanide anions.
Conclusions:
- The synthesized hyperbranched polymer functions as a responsive FRET-based sensor.
- Solvent polarity significantly impacts FRET efficiency and optical output.
- The polymer platform shows promise for selective and sensitive detection of cyanide ions.
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