High Fluorescent Hyperbranched Polysiloxane Containing β-Cyclodextrin for Cell Imaging and Drug Delivery

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Hyperbranched polysiloxane (HBPSi) exhibits intrinsic fluorescence and biocompatibility.
• Low fluorescence intensity and quantum yield limit the biological applications of HBPSi.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a novel fluorescent polymer (HBPSi-CD) by incorporating β-cyclodextrin into HBPSi.
• To enhance the fluorescence properties and explore the biological applications of the new polymer.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of HBPSi-CD by introducing rigid β-cyclodextrin to flexible polysiloxane chains.
• Characterization of fluorescence properties, including intensity and quantum yield.
• Theoretical calculations and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for structural analysis.
• Evaluation of biocompatibility, cell imaging, drug loading, and pH-responsive drug release.

Main Results:

• HBPSi-CD demonstrated significantly enhanced fluorescence intensity and quantum yield compared to HBPSi.
• Synergistic effects of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions promoted supramolecular self-assembly and electron delocalization, leading to intense fluorescence.
• HBPSi-CD successfully imaged mouse fibroblast cells and exhibited high ibuprofen loading capacity (160 mg g⁻¹) with superior pH-responsive release.

Conclusions:

• The developed HBPSi-CD is a highly fluorescent and biocompatible material.
• HBPSi-CD shows great potential for biological imaging and advanced drug delivery systems.
• This research advances the development of HBPSi-based materials for diverse biological applications.