Nano-fluorophores prepared by polymerization-induced self-assembly and its application in cell imaging

In this work, we report a nano-fluorophore prepared by polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) method based on reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The macromolecular agent was polyethylene glycol-based trithiocarbonate, and the monomer chalcone derivative terminated with ethylene group. reaction/assembly conducted in dioxane, where nanoparticles extremely uniform size (~200 nm) formed. were transferred into aqueous solution, shrank to ~100 nm excellent dispersion. showed fluorescence emission at around 570 nm, after being intensity significantly enhanced. Being covered hydrophilic glycol, nano-fluorophores possess biocompatibility, successfully applied label HeLa cells for fluorescent imaging. This study presents novel avenue including dyes polymeric narrow size-distribution, tailorable solubility biocompatibility.