Fluorene benzothiadiazole co-oligomer based aqueous self-assembled nanoparticles

Self-assembled π-conjugated nanoparticles with tunable optical characteristics are appealing for sensing and imaging applications due to their intrinsic fluorescence, supramolecular organization and dynamics. Here we report on the facile synthesis of fluorene benzothiadiazole co-oligomers in which structural backbone alterations induce bathochromically shifted optical characteristics. Moreover, the nature of the oligomer side-chains revealed the role of bulkiness and polarity on the optical and self-assembly behavior. Co-assemblies were prepared that showed energy transfer between the different oligomers which allows for tuning of the emission color. These compounds thus extend the π-conjugated-oligomer toolbox from which nanoparticles can be prepared with tailored physicochemical properties that may result in supramolecular materials for biosensing.