Multicolor Tunable Polymeric Nanoparticle from the Tetraphenylethylene Cage for Temperature Sensing in Living Cells

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Developing fluorescent probes for intracellular temperature sensing is challenging due to requirements for biocompatibility, signal clarity, and precision.
• Existing methods may lack the necessary resolution or exhibit poor compatibility with living systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize novel temperature-sensitive polymers capable of forming nanoparticles for precise, real-time temperature monitoring in living cells.
• To achieve tunable, full-color emission for enhanced visualization and temperature resolution.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of star-like, cage-based organic temperature-sensitive polymers.
• Assembly of polymers into nanoparticles in aqueous solutions.
• Encapsulation of guest dyes (DMBC and Nile Red) to create cascade Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET).
• Characterization of nanoparticle optical properties and temperature response.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized emissive star-like polymers that self-assemble into nanoparticles.
• Achieved tunable full-color and white light emission by controlling guest dye concentrations.
• Demonstrated a temperature resolution of at least 0.5 °C via cascade FRET.
• Confirmed reversible temperature response and suitability for live-cell imaging with good cytocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• Developed versatile polymeric nanoparticles for highly sensitive and biocompatible intracellular temperature sensing.
• The tunable emission and high resolution offer a promising tool for biological and medical research.
• The system provides a novel approach for visualizing dynamic temperature changes within living cells.