Validated workflows for preparing and characterizing core-stained and surface-labeled fluorescent polymer particles...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Fluorescent polymer particle preparation is often time-consuming, labor-intensive, and operator-dependent.
• Applications in assays, bioimaging, and sensing require reliable and reproducible fluorescent reporters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop simple, cost-efficient, and automated workflows for dye loading and surface labeling of polymer particles.
• To reduce operator dependency and improve the reproducibility of fluorescent particle preparation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a commercial self-programmable pipetting robot for automated dye loading and surface labeling.
• Incorporated hydrophobic Nile Red into polystyrene particles (PSP) via a swelling procedure.
• Labeled carboxylated and aminated PSP with pH-sensitive dyes (6-AMF, FITC).
• Validated workflows using gravimetry and spectroscopic measurements with a microtiter plate reader.

Main Results:

• Automated workflows demonstrated reliability and versatility across different particle sizes and dye types.
• The automated approach significantly reduced variability in particle recovery and dye loading efficiency compared to manual methods.
• Optimized workflows ensured reproducible fluorescence features and high particle recovery.

Conclusions:

• Simple, labor- and time-efficient automated workflows offer attractive alternatives to manual particle preparation.
• Commercial automation tools provide a basis for fast parameter screening, parallel processing, and reduced hands-on time.
• The developed methods enhance the accessibility and reproducibility of fluorescent polymer particles for life science applications.