Molecular recognition with colloidosomes enabled by imprinted polymer nanoparticles and fluorogenic boronic acid.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Development of advanced materials with tailored recognition and sensing capabilities is crucial for various applications.
• Colloidosomes offer a versatile platform for integrating multiple functionalities.
• Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) provide high specificity for target molecules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize multifunctional colloidosomes by combining molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (MIP nanoparticles) and fluorogenic boronic acid.
• To evaluate the molecular selectivity and sensing capabilities of the developed colloidosomes.
• To explore potential applications in controlled delivery, chemical sensing, and bioseparation.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of colloidosomes via Cu(i)-catalyzed click reaction between MIP nanoparticles and fluorogenic boronic acid.
• Radioligand binding analysis to assess the molecular specificity of MIP nanoparticles on colloidosomes for propranolol.
• Fluorescence spectroscopy to investigate the dose-dependent response to fructose and binding of isoproterenol.

Main Results:

• The inter-particle click reaction did not compromise the molecular specificity of MIP nanoparticles for propranolol.
• Colloidosomes exhibited a dose-dependent fluorescence response to fructose at physiological pH.
• Immobilized boronic acid effectively bound isoproterenol, and its depletion enhanced propranolol binding to MIP nanoparticles.

Conclusions:

• Multifunctional colloidosomes with pre-designed molecular selectivity and fluorescence response were successfully prepared.
• These colloidosomes demonstrate potential for selective molecular recognition and sensing.
• The findings suggest promising applications in controlled delivery, chemical sensing, and bioseparation technologies.