AIE-active fluorescent polymeric nanoparticles about dextran derivative: preparation and bioimaging application

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) is a fluorescence phenomenon overcoming quenching in concentrated conditions.
• AIE-active polymer nanoparticles are increasingly used in biomedical research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare novel AIE-active fluorescent polymer nanoparticles (Dex-OH-CHO).
• To characterize their structure, optical properties, and potential for biological imaging.

Main Methods:

• Facile esterification of a hydrophobic AIE-active 1, 8-naphthalimide derivative with hydrophilic dextran.
• Characterization using FTIR, 1H NMR, XPS, TEM, and fluorescence spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• Dex-OH-CHO nanoparticles exhibit light-blue fluorescence in aqueous solution.
• High fluorescent quantum yield (24.43%), low critical micelle concentration (5 μg/mL), good photostability, water solubility, and dispersivity.
• Demonstrated good biocompatibility and ideal cell uptake.

Conclusions:

• Dex-OH-CHO nanoparticles are successfully synthesized and possess excellent photophysical and physicochemical properties.
• These AIE nanoparticles show significant potential for applications in biological imaging.